# Best Game Gear emulator: Mesen, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/gamegear/ · Reference: WEM-GAMEGEAR-YTTK

The Ask API at `GET https://whichemulator.wtf/ask` answers questions from the same data as this page, and it is the only place the setup steps are published. It takes `q` (the question, 3 to 500 characters) and an optional `page` (a local path such as `/gamegear/`). It returns JSON `{answer, consoles, sources, follow_ups}`, or Markdown when the request sends `Accept: text/markdown`. No key; 30 requests a minute per IP. Guide: https://whichemulator.wtf/skill.md

Sega Game Gear, Sega, 1990.

## Recommended: Mesen

whichemulator.wtf calls its recommendation for each system the Gold Cartridge pick. For the Game Gear, the Gold Cartridge pick is Mesen.

The Game Gear is essentially a portable Master System, and Mesen 2 covers both well, with a tidy interface and good accuracy. One open-source app that also handles your Nintendo handhelds is hard to argue with.

Runs on Windows · Mac · Linux. Open source. Download: https://www.mesen.ca

## Alternatives

- [Emulicious](https://emulicious.net/) (Windows · Mac · Linux, closed source): Free but closed-source, highly accurate, with superb debugging tools. The pick for homebrew developers.
- [ares](https://ares-emu.net/) (Windows · Mac · Linux, open source): Accuracy-focused and covers Sega's whole 8- and 16-bit range in one place.

## RetroArch cores

- Genesis Plus GX: Accurate and the usual choice.
- Mesen: Same code as the standalone app.

## Hardware

- CPU: Zilog Z80, 3.58 MHz
- Colours: 32 on screen from 4,096
- Screen: 160×144, backlit colour LCD
- Sound: SN76489 PSG, stereo
- Library: ~350 games

## Notes

### A Master System in your pocket

Inside, the Game Gear is a Master System with a bigger colour palette and a smaller screen. Anything that emulates one does the other, which is why the advice here matches the Master System page.

Some Game Gear games are actually Master System games running in a compatibility mode; good emulators handle that switch for you.

### Making it look right

The original screen was small and blurry, and a lot of games were drawn with that in mind. Try an LCD-style shader or a bit of ghosting if pixel-sharp output looks too harsh.

## Support the developers

- [Star on GitHub](https://github.com/nesdev-org/MesenCE)

## Questions the Ask API answers

- [Which Game Gear emulator should I use on Android?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+Game+Gear+emulator+should+I+use+on+Android%3F&page=%2Fgamegear%2F&via=page)
- [Which RetroArch core should I use for the Game Gear?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+RetroArch+core+should+I+use+for+the+Game+Gear%3F&page=%2Fgamegear%2F&via=page)