BigPEmu vs Stella

BigPEmu is an Atari Jaguar emulator for Windows, Linux, iOS and macOS. Its maker says it can run every game in the Jaguar retail library, and that default settings run the library at full speed on almost any x64-capable processor. Jaguar CD support covers the retail disc library, Memory Track and VLM, with a virtual disc system and audio loopback option. Players can save states and record deterministic movies from controller inputs. Visual options include customizable postprocessing shaders, native HDR and per-game profiles, alongside fast-forward and rewind. Input support covers analog, driving and rotary controllers, Team Tap and other devices recognized by the host system. Network features support JagLink games and synchronized states for two to eight players. Scripting includes tasks such as breakpoints and memory access. The desktop download is a zip archive that runs without installation and has an in-app update option. The maker notes that imperfect timing can make some software run too fast at default settings.

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.