BigPEmu vs z26
BigPEmu
richwhitehouse.comz26
github.comSide by side
| Figure | BigPEmu | z26 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Atari Emulators | 8.0 (#7) | 7.1 (#16) |
| Controllers | It supports analog, driving, and rotary controllers, Team Tap, and other input devices recognized by the host system. | The documentation describes support for PC and USB joysticks and gamepads, as well as mouse and keyboard input. |
| Developer features | Its scripting system supports tasks such as breakpoints and memory access, and developer builds integrate with the Noesis debugger. | The documentation describes trace mode, scanline counting, and the ability to disable individual graphics objects for game developers. |
| Purpose | BigPEmu is an Atari Jaguar emulator that its maker says can run every game in the Jaguar retail library. | z26 is an open source Atari 2600 emulator. |
Plans
In their own words
BigPEmu
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.
z26
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.