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Stella
What it is
Stella is free, open-source software for emulating the Atari 2600 VCS on a computer. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and is released under the GNU General Public License. It supports A26, BIN, and ROM images, including files in ZIP archives, as well as Supercharger games. Users can emulate Atari and other controllers with a keyboard, joystick, or mouse, or connect real Atari controllers through Stelladaptor and 2600-daptor devices. Save features include system states, automatic timeline recording, and high-score saving. Stella provides cycle-exact TIA video and sound emulation, stereo sound, and dynamic sound resampling. Display support covers NTSC, PAL, and SECAM, with customizable CRT-style filters and bezels. A debugger offers static analysis with the Distella disassembler and runtime analysis of code, graphics, and data. The project names Atari 2600 homebrew developers among its intended users. General requirements include SDL 2.0.14 or later and 256 MB of RAM for emulation.
For and against
For
- Supports A26, BIN, and ROM images, including ZIP files.
- Save states, timeline recording, and high-score saving are included.
- Supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM display standards.
- The debugger provides static and runtime analysis.
Against
- Emulation requires SDL 2.0.14 or later.
- The listed general RAM requirement is 256 MB.
- Real Atari controllers require Stelladaptor or 2600-daptor devices.
The verdict
Stella covers Atari 2600 play, save features, display options, and debugging in free software for three desktop platforms. Its stated SDL and memory requirements are worth checking before installing.
Who it suits
Stella suits people who want to play Atari 2600 games on a computer, as well as homebrew developers who need its debugger. It is available across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Plans and prices
Stella
Atari 2600 VCS emulation · donations are voluntary
Read 3 Oct 2026 · stella-emu.github.io
On the record
- Controllers
- Stella emulates Atari and other controllers using a computer keyboard, joystick, or mouse, and supports real Atari controllers through Stelladaptor and 2600-daptor devices.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Debugger
- Stella includes a debugger with static analysis using the Distella disassembler and runtime analysis of code, graphics, and data sections.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Display
- Stella supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM television standards, plus customizable CRT-style filtering and bezels.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Donations
- Donations are voluntary; the project says monetary contributions go toward purchasing hardware and cartridges for testing.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Download platforms
- The listed stable downloads include Windows binaries, a macOS disk image, an Ubuntu 22.04 DEB package, and source code for all systems.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Emulation
- Features include cycle-exact TIA video and sound emulation, stereo sound support, and dynamic sound resampling.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Game formats
- Stella supports A26, BIN, and ROM images, including images stored in ZIP files, and supports Supercharger games.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project says one of its main goals is to help Atari 2600 homebrew developers, and describes playing a game as plug and play.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- License
- Stella is released under the GNU General Public License and is described as open-source and free software.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Maintenance
- Stephen Anthony is the current maintainer, and the listed team also includes Christian Speckner and Thomas Jentzsch.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Stella is software that emulates the Atari 2600 VCS so users can play its games on a computer.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The guide lists SDL 2.0.14 or later and 256 MB of RAM for emulation among its general requirements.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
- Save features
- Stella supports saving and loading system states, automatic timeline recording, and high-score saving.stella-emu.github.io · read 3 Oct 2026
