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SPECIFICTION
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Stella

stella-emu.github.io

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Visit stella-emu.github.io
Spec score 7.3 #14 of 25 in Atari Emulators

What it is

Stella is free, open-source software for playing Atari 2600 VCS games on a computer. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux under the GNU General Public License. It supports A26, BIN, and ROM images, including files in ZIP archives, as well as Supercharger games. Atari and other controllers can be emulated with a keyboard, joystick, or mouse; real Atari controllers can be used through Stelladaptor and 2600-daptor devices. Emulation features include cycle-exact TIA video and sound, stereo support, and dynamic sound resampling. Stella provides save and load for system states, automatic timeline recording, and high-score saving. Display support covers NTSC, PAL, and SECAM, with customizable CRT-style filters and bezels. A debugger offers static analysis using the Distella disassembler and runtime analysis of code, graphics, and data. The project names homebrew developers among its intended users. General requirements include SDL 2.0.14 or later and 256 MB of RAM for emulation; stable downloads include Windows binaries, a macOS disk image, an Ubuntu 22.04 DEB package, and source code for all systems.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Stella is software that emulates the Atari 2600 VCS so users can play its games on a computer.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Intended users
The project says one of its main goals is to help Atari 2600 homebrew developers, and describes playing a game as plug and play.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
License
Stella is released under the GNU General Public License and is described as open-source and free software.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Controllers
Stella emulates Atari and other controllers using a computer keyboard, joystick, or mouse, and supports real Atari controllers through Stelladaptor and 2600-daptor devices.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Debugger
Stella includes a debugger with static analysis using the Distella disassembler and runtime analysis of code, graphics, and data sections.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Display
Stella supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM television standards, plus customizable CRT-style filtering and bezels.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Donations
Donations are voluntary; the project says monetary contributions go toward purchasing hardware and cartridges for testing.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Download platforms
The listed stable downloads include Windows binaries, a macOS disk image, an Ubuntu 22.04 DEB package, and source code for all systems.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Emulation
Features include cycle-exact TIA video and sound emulation, stereo sound support, and dynamic sound resampling.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Game formats
Stella supports A26, BIN, and ROM images, including images stored in ZIP files, and supports Supercharger games.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Maintenance
Stephen Anthony is the current maintainer, and the listed team also includes Christian Speckner and Thomas Jentzsch.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Requirements
The guide lists SDL 2.0.14 or later and 256 MB of RAM for emulation among its general requirements.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
Save features
Stella supports saving and loading system states, automatic timeline recording, and high-score saving.Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io

Plans and prices

Stella Free Atari 2600 VCS emulation · donations are voluntary Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io

Every Stella plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports A26, BIN, ROM, ZIP, and Supercharger games.
  • Offers system-state saving and automatic timeline recording.
  • Emulates cycle-exact TIA video and sound.
  • Includes static and runtime debugging analysis.
  • Free software under the GNU General Public License.

Limits

  • The guide requires SDL 2.0.14 or later.
  • Emulation requirements include 256 MB of RAM.

Who it suits

Stella suits people who want to play Atari 2600 games on a computer, as well as homebrew developers who can use its debugger and analysis features. It supports keyboard, joystick, mouse, and specified real-controller adapters.

Verdict

Stella combines Atari 2600 game playback with controller, save, display, and debugging options. Its listed requirements and available downloads help clarify the setup needed for each system.

Where Specifiction places it

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