Video-Emulators

Stella – Multi-platform Atari 2600 Video Computer System

Stella is a multi-platform Atari 2600 VCS emulator.

Stella allows you to enjoy all of your favorite 2600 games once again by emulating the 2600’s hardware with software.

Stella is written in C++, which allows it to be ported to other operating systems and architectures

Features include:

  • High speed emulation using optimized C++ code.
  • Supports high quality TIA emulation using the cycle-exact TIA core.
  • Supports high quality sound emulation using code derived from Chris Brenner’s Atari 2600 FPGA project, including cycle-exact audio, analog interference from mixing of audio channels, as well as stereo sound support; dynamic sound resampling is also included.
  • Emulates the Atari 2600 Joystick Controllers using your computer’s keyboard, joysticks or mouse.
  • Emulates the Atari 2600 Keyboard Controllers using your computer’s keyboard.
  • Emulates the Atari 2600 Paddle Controllers using your computer’s mouse, keyboard or joysticks.
  • Emulates the Atari 2600 Driving Controllers using your computer’s keyboard, joysticks or mouse.
  • Emulates the CBS BoosterGrip Controller using your computer’s keyboard, joysticks or mouse.
  • Emulates the Sega Genesis Controller using your computer’s keyboard, joysticks or mouse.
  • Emulates CX22/CX80 style trackballs and Amiga/Atari Mouse using your computer’s mouse.
  • Emulates Spectravideo CompuMate system using your computer’s keyboard, including mapping of CompuMate ‘Backspace’, ‘Space’ and ‘Enter’ functionality to to the actual keys on your keyboard.
  • Emulates the Mindlink Controller using your computer’s mouse.
  • Support for real Atari 2600 controllers using the Stelladaptor and 2600-daptor/2600-daptor II
  • Support for the speech portion of a real AtariVox device connected to your PC using a USB adaptor.
  • Supports EEPROM emulation for AtariVox and SaveKey controllers, as well as FLASH support in various cartridge schemes
  • Supports all known bankswitching schemes.
  • Supports DPC+/CDF bankswitching schemes from the Harmony Cart, including partial emulation of the ARM processor.
  • Supports cartridge autodetection for almost all bankswitching schemes
  • Supports using ROM filename extensions to force specific bankswitching schemes.
  • Supports Supercharger single-load and multi-load games.
  • Supports ROMs stored in ZIP and GZIP format, as well as the usual raw A26/BIN/ROM formats.
  • Supports property file for setting the properties associated with games.
  • Supports the NTSC, PAL and SECAM television standards in 50Hz and 60Hz mode.
  • Supports autodetection of display format for 50Hz vs. 60Hz modes.
  • Supports most “undocumented features” of the TIA graphics chip used by some games.
  • TIA emulation supports full collision checking, with ability to disable TIA sprites and collisions for each object separately.
  • Full system state save/load functionality.
  • Automatic save state creation (‘Time Machine’) which allows moving back and forth in the recorded timeline.
  • Cross-platform UI including a built-in ROM launcher frontend.
  • Built-in extensive debugger, including static analysis with the Distella disassembler and dynamic analysis at runtime by tracking code/graphics/data sections, and generation of DASM-compatible disassembly files.
  • Emulation of CRT TV systems using Blargg filtering, including presets for several common TV outputs (composite, S-video, RGB, etc.), and ability to fully customize many attributes (contrast, brightness, saturation, gamma, etc.).
  • Built-in ROM database with information partially compiled by RomHunter.

Website: stella-emu.github.io
Support: User Guide, FAQ
Developer: Stephen Anthony, Christian Speckner, Thomas Jentzsch, Eckhard Stolberg
License: GNU General Public License

Stella

Stella is written in C++ and C. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to Video Console Game Emulators


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments