blueMSX

The people behind blueMSX

What blueMSX supports

• MSX
• MSX2
• MSX2+
• MSX TurboR
• SpectraVideo SVI-318/328
• ColecoVision (via TMS9918A VDP emulation in blueMSX core environment when provided the appropriate resources and BIOS files where required by the system emulation model used by blueMSX core.) (See setup notes.)

Download and availability

blueMSX setup guide

1. 1) Obtain the core: Preferred: Open RetroArch, go to Online Updater → Core Updater → find and download 'blueMSX'. Alternative: download prebuilt cores from official libretro build servers or clone the libretro/bluemsx-libretro GitHub repository and build the core following its build instructions.
2. 2) Get the standalone blueMSX resource folders: Download the full standalone blueMSX package (the official blueMSX distribution) and extract the Databases and Machines folders. The libretro core documentation and user reports indicate the core looks for these folders (or their contents) at runtime to provide machine definitions, mappers and databases. Without them, many machine configurations and some non‑MSX systems will not be available.
3. 3) Place resource folders in RetroArch system path: Copy the Databases and Machines folders into RetroArch’s system directory (RetroArch → Settings → Directories → System/PCB path) or into the path required by your platform’s libretro packaging (for many systems this is the 'system' folder). Exact path names vary by platform; match the paths shown in the core documentation.
4. 4) Provide required BIOS/ROM files (if applicable): blueMSX and its libretro core do not include copyrighted BIOS/firmware. For certain machine definitions (especially some real MSX models, SVI, ColecoVision or SG-1000 variants) you may need original BIOS/firmware files. Consult the libretro core BIOS section and the standalone blueMSX Machines/Shared Roms documentation for exact filenames and placement. If unsure, start with 'generic' or C-BIOS options if available and documented by the core or standalone project.
5. 5) Load content in RetroArch: In RetroArch: Load Content → select the ROM, disk image (.dsk/.dim/.trd/etc.), cassette image (.cas/.wav), or Coleco/SG-1000 ROM as appropriate. Then choose 'Load Core' and select blueMSX. If load order issues appear, try first loading the core, then the content, or use 'Load Content (Fast)' depending on your frontend.
6. 6) Configure core options and machine selection: Open Quick Menu → Options (or Core Options) to select machine presets, mapper behaviour, VDP settings and peripherals. Many systems require selecting the correct machine profile (e.g., MSX1 vs MSX2 vs TurboR, or ColecoVision). If machine choices are missing, confirm the Databases/Machines folders were placed correctly and re-scan core assets.
7. 7) Input and peripherals: MSX emulation frequently expects a keyboard or specific joystick mappings. Use RetroArch Input settings to map a controller to keyboard or joystick events. For advanced input (serial devices, disk control), consult the core’s documentation and the standalone blueMSX manual for expected mappings.
8. 8) Troubleshooting common issues: If the core fails to find machines or shows limited system options: verify Databases and Machines folder placement, check that filenames and case match the platform, and review the core’s README or GitHub issues for platform-specific quirks. If a particular Coleco or SG-1000 game won’t start, ensure any required BIOS or mapper settings are present and correct.

Sources and further reading

• Libretro Docs — blueMSX core page
• Libretro core list / download guide
• libretro/bluemsx-libretro GitHub repository
• blueMSX standalone manual / official site (machines, databases, settings)
• MSX Wiki — blueMSX summary
• Featured-image source and credit