# Best Master System emulator: Mesen, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/mastersystem/ · Reference: WEM-MASTERSYSTEM-1S56

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 `/mastersystem/`). 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 Master System, Sega, 1985. Sega Mark III in Japan.

## Recommended: Mesen

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

Mesen 2 handles the Master System and Game Gear alongside Nintendo and NEC machines, with a clean interface, good accuracy and excellent debugging tools. If you already use it for the NES or SNES, there's nothing new to learn.

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

## Alternatives

- [Emulicious](https://emulicious.net/) (Windows · Mac · Linux, closed source): Closed-source but free, very accurate, and the best Master System debugger going. Pick it if you're into homebrew or ROM hacking.
- [ares](https://ares-emu.net/) (Windows · Mac · Linux, open source): Accuracy-first multi-system emulator. Worth it if you also want Mega Drive, Mega CD and 32X in the same app.

## RetroArch cores

- Genesis Plus GX: Very accurate, the usual RetroArch choice.
- Mesen: Same code as the standalone app.

## Hardware

- CPU: Zilog Z80, 3.58 MHz
- Colours: 32 on screen from 64
- Resolution: 256×192
- Sound: SN76489 PSG (+ YM2413 FM in Japan)
- Library: ~300 games

## Notes

### Easy hardware, plenty of good options

The Master System is a simple Z80 machine and every serious emulator gets it right. The choice is mostly about what else you want the app to do.

Japanese FM sound and the 3D glasses are handled by most of the options here, so you're not missing out by picking the friendliest one.

### About Mesen 2

The original Mesen 2 repository is archived; development continues as MesenCE, a community fork, and the official site's downloads point there. It's the same emulator under a new home.

## Support the developers

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

## Questions the Ask API answers

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