A7800 vs z26

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.

z26 is a free, open-source Atari 2600 emulator for Linux, macOS, and Windows. The maker lists version 4.07 as the current SDL2 and OpenGL release for those systems, with Windows and Macintosh executables plus source code. A separate DOS release is listed as version 1.58. Input support covers PC and USB joysticks, gamepads, mouse, and keyboard. A mouse or PC trackball can operate trackball and paddle games; mouse input is also documented for light-gun games, while keyboard input supports driving-controller games. z26 handles several cartridge bank-switching schemes, including standard 8K and 16K, Atari Super-Chip, CBS Ram Plus, and Pitfall II. Digital sound processing has low and high settings. Developer tools include trace mode, scanline counting, and controls for disabling individual graphics objects. The project is licensed under GNU General Public License Version 2. Its listed plan costs nothing, and the license states the program comes without warranty to the extent permitted by law.