ESPectrum ZX Spectrum Emulator on VGA32
A cycle-accurate ZX Spectrum 48K/128K emulator for ESP32 boards with VGA output, featuring full sound emulation, PS/2 keyboard and joystick support, and SD card file management.
Overview
ESPectrum is a highly accurate Sinclair ZX Spectrum emulator for ESP32-based VGA boards, with the LILYGO FabGL VGA32 being one of the recommended starting platforms for its excellent cost-to-features ratio. It emulates the ZX Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2A, Pentagon 128K, and Brazilian Microdigital TK90X/TK95 models with 100% cycle accuracy — no PSRAM required.
Accuracy and Features
The emulation includes contended memory and I/O timing, floating bus effects (used by games like Arkanoid), snow effect, border effects, and multicolor attribute tricks (Bifrost, Nirvana engines). Sound is fully emulated including AY-3-8912, beeper, and mic. A 6 bpp VGA output supports standard 60/70 Hz modes as well as CRT 15 kHz output at real vertical frequencies for authentic retro display experience.
Controls and Storage
Connect a VGA monitor, PS/2 keyboard (dual PS/2 supported), and power via USB. Load .SNA, .Z80, .SP, .TAP, .TRD, and .SCL files from a FAT32 SD card through the built-in file browser with search, folder support, and file management. Snapshots can be saved and auto-numbered. An online web flasher at zxespectrum.speccy.org makes initial installation easy.
