TotalSMS

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.6 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Self-hosted users wanting lightweight web emulation
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Supported platforms
  Web (Emscripten); Nintendo 3DS; PSP; PS Vita
• Facts checked
  21 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Supports Sega Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 emulation
  • Loads ROMs from ZIP files and supports save and load states
  • Offers web, Nintendo 3DS, PSP, and PS Vita build presets

• Where it doesn't

  • The project is described as a work in progress
  • Build configuration is centered on CMake and frontend targets
  • Its scope is limited to Sega Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000

Our verdict on TotalSMS

TotalSMS is an open-source emulator for Sega Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 software. It is aimed at users who want a free emulator that can run through a hosted web build or be compiled for self-hosted use. The project includes ROM loading from ZIP files, save states, load states, and an SDL frontend. Its source is distributed under the MIT License, making it suitable for users who value inspectable code and flexible build options.

The build system is a central part of TotalSMS. Its CMake configuration includes an Emscripten web build preset, alongside presets for Nintendo 3DS, PSP, and PS Vita. A Libretro core build option is also available, extending the ways the emulator can fit into supported frontend or platform workflows. These targets give the project broader platform coverage than a single desktop-oriented build, while the hosted web build provides a direct browser-based route.

TotalSMS is a focused choice for Sega Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 emulation rather than a broad multi-system emulator. The published project description labels it a work in progress, so users seeking a mature, wide-ranging emulator may prefer an alternative. Choose TotalSMS if its supported systems, ZIP loading, state controls, web build, or self-hosted approach match your needs; look elsewhere if you require systems beyond its stated scope or want a project that is not described as work in progress.

Your product? Our editors can test TotalSMS in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

TotalSMS pricing

TotalSMS fact sheet

Alternatives to TotalSMS

• GGearsystemA free, broad-platform emulator with debugging, cheats, rewind and no BIOS requirement.9.4
• MasterGearA mature Sega emulator with NetPlay, debugging, cheats, and broad 8-bit console support.9.0
• EmuliciousA free, developer-focused emulator for Master System work and multi-system testing.8.8

See all TotalSMS alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

TotalSMS is listed in our Sega Master System Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update