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SPECIFICTION
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A7800

github.com

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Spec score 7.5 #11 of 25 in Atari Emulators

What it is

A7800 is a free, open-source Atari 7800 emulator and a fork of the MAME Atari 7800 driver. It runs on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows; version 5.2 lists 64-bit x64 builds for Linux, macOS, and Windows. The emulator supports Proline and VCS joysticks, lightguns, paddles, driving controllers, keypads, Trak-Balls, Amiga mice, and ST mice. Its listed technical work includes improved MARIA DMA timing with accurate DMA-hole penalties, a RIOT emulation fix, POKEY sound changes, and SALLY and MARIA performance adjustments. Users can choose palettes and enhanced screen options. BIOS files are optional and not required. A7800 keeps MAME compatibility and syntax, allowing reuse of MAME configuration files and front ends. Developer targets can display DMA usage per scanline. The repository is offered under GNU GPL version 2 or later, and the license provides no warranty. The project labels v5.2 as its latest release, including corrections to the POKEY poly9 sequence and initial state.

Spec sheet

What it does
A7800 is an Atari 7800 emulator and a fork of the MAME Atari 7800 driver.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Purpose
A7800 is an Atari 7800 emulator and a fork of the MAME Atari 7800 driver.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project source is offered under GNU GPL version 2 or later, with source files potentially having licenses specified in their headers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
BIOS
BIOS files are optional and no longer required.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Controller support
It supports emulation of Proline and VCS joysticks, lightguns, paddles, driving controllers, keypads, Trak-Balls, Amiga mice, and ST mice.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Developer tools
The a7800dev and a7800pdev machine targets display DMA usage per scanline.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Display options
It includes selectable palettes and enhanced screen options.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Emulation updates
The project says it fixed a bug in RIOT emulation and improved POKEY sound emulation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Graphics and performance
It includes SALLY CPU and MARIA graphics chip performance adjustments, selectable palettes, and enhanced screen options.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended audience
The maker describes its GitHub organization as a collection of development tools for the Atari 7800 console.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Latest release
The page labels v5.2 as the latest release and lists corrections to the POKEY poly9 sequence and initial state.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License and pricing
The repository is public and describes A7800 as an emulator; its pages opened here list no purchase price or subscription plans.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
MAME compatibility
It maintains MAME compatibility and syntax for reuse of MAME configuration files and front-ends.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Release platforms
The v5.2 release states that 64-bit x64 builds are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Timing
Maria DMA timing has been improved with accurate DMA hole penalties.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Timing and hardware
The project lists improved MARIA DMA timing, a RIOT emulation fix, POKEY sound improvements, and SALLY and MARIA performance adjustments.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Warranty
The license states that the program is provided without warranty, to the extent permitted by applicable law.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source
  • Runs on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Supports many Atari controller types
  • BIOS files are optional
  • Maintains MAME configuration compatibility

Limits

  • 64-bit x64 builds listed only for three platforms
  • License provides no warranty

Who it suits

A7800 suits Atari 7800 players, developers, and emulator users needing support across desktop and mobile platforms. Its broad controller emulation and MAME-compatible configuration are useful for varied setups.

Verdict

A7800 combines Atari 7800 emulation with broad controller support, display choices, and MAME-compatible syntax. Its free license and optional BIOS lower setup requirements, while the listed platform builds and warranty disclaimer remain important considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

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