EMU7800 vs Virtual Jaguar
EMU7800
emu7800.github.ioVirtual Jaguar
github.comSide by side
| Figure | EMU7800 | Virtual Jaguar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Atari Emulators | 8.3 (#2) | 8.2 (#3) |
| Controllers | The homepage says the emulator supports Stelladaptor, 2600-daptor, 2600-daptor II, and Xbox 360 controllers for Windows. | Supported inputs include standard pads, Pro Controller, Team Tap, ST and Amiga mice, Tempest rotary, analog and driving controllers, 6D stick and light gun. |
| License | The GitHub repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0. | The project is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3.0. |
| Purpose | EMU7800 emulates the Atari 7800 ProSystem and the backward-compatible Atari 2600 Video Computer System. | Virtual Jaguar libretro is an open-source emulator core for Atari Jaguar cartridges and Jaguar CD, designed to run with RetroArch. |
| Support | The maker invites users to email feedback at [email protected]. | Project support is handled through GitHub Discussions for questions and Issues for confirmed bugs and compatibility reports. |
Plans
Virtual Jaguar
- FreeFree
- Virtual Jaguar Android appFree
- Virtual Jaguar libretro coreFree
In their own words
EMU7800
EMU7800 is a free emulator for the Atari 7800 ProSystem and the backward-compatible Atari 2600 Video Computer System. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS and supports saved game states. The maker says it runs on Windows 11, and its Windows installer does not need administrator permission. Windows users can connect Stelladaptor, 2600-daptor, 2600-daptor II, and Xbox 360 controllers. Saved game state is kept in the user profile at %USERPROFILE%\.emu7800savedgames. The project lists Linux ARM and ARM64 targets using SDL3; Linux systems may need SDL3, SDL3 image, and SDL3 TTF installed. Its macOS x64 and ARM64 targets are described as experimental and untested. Building from source requires the .NET 10.0 SDK and Git. The project was originally completed in 2003 as a .NET programming exercise, is licensed under GPL-2.0, and is maintained as a non-commercial endeavor. The current release listed is v5.7.0.0, released December 31, 2025.
Virtual Jaguar
Virtual Jaguar libretro is a free, open-source emulator core for Atari Jaguar cartridges and Jaguar CD media. It is designed to run through a libretro frontend such as RetroArch, not as a standalone emulator. The core emulates the Jaguar’s 68000, GPU, DSP, Object Processor, and Jaguar CD hardware. It accepts cartridge formats including .j64, .jag, .rom, .abs, .cof, .bin, and .prg, plus Jaguar CD CUE, CDI, and CHD images. Console and Jaguar CD BIOS images are embedded, so external BIOS files are not required. Through its frontend, the core supports save states, cheats, rewind, run-ahead, netplay, shaders, controller remapping, and fast-forward. Optional settings include true-color rendering, 2× internal resolution, overclock controls, and adjustable CD read speed. Link-cable emulation supports TCP transport and a multi-peer hub. The project notes that the blitter is not fully cycle-accurate, GPU/DSP pipeline hazards are not modeled, and some titles can run too fast. Listed platforms include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows.