Lynx.emu vs Virtual Jaguar
Lynx.emu
explusalpha.comVirtual Jaguar
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Lynx.emu | Virtual Jaguar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Spec score · Atari Emulators | 7.6 (#10) | 8.2 (#3) |
| Controllers | Bluetooth and USB gamepads and keyboards work with HID devices recognized by the operating system, including Xbox and PS4 controllers. | 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 EmuEX project is released under the GPLv3 license. | The project is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3.0. |
| Purpose | Lynx.emu is an advanced open-source Atari Lynx emulator based on Mednafen/Handy. | Virtual Jaguar libretro is an open-source emulator core for Atari Jaguar cartridges and Jaguar CD, designed to run with RetroArch. |
| Support | Users can report crashes or device-specific problems by email or GitHub, including the device name and OS version. | 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
Lynx.emu
Lynx.emu is an open-source Atari Lynx emulator based on Mednafen/Handy, with a minimalist interface aimed at low audio and video latency. It supports.lnx files, optionally compressed in ZIP, RAR, or 7Z archives, and offers configurable on-screen controls. Bluetooth and USB gamepads and keyboards are supported when the operating system recognizes them as HID devices; Xbox and PS4 controllers are listed examples. On Android, it can open files from internal storage, SD cards, and USB drives. The app does not include ROMs, so users supply their own. The EmuEX project targets Android, iOS, and Linux, though the listed Lynx.emu platforms are Android and Linux. Android versions require Android OS 2.3 or later; Linux builds require OpenGL 3.3 support on a desktop or a Pandora handheld. The Android app costs $2.99, paid once. The project is GPLv3 licensed, and the Google Play listing reports no data collected or shared with third parties.
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.