z26
z26 is a free, open source emulator for Atari 2600 games, released under the GNU General Public License Version 2.
What z26 is
z26 is a free, open source emulator for Atari 2600 games, released under the GNU General Public License Version 2. The project lists version 4.07 as its SDL2 and OpenGL release for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, plus version 1.58 for DOS. Its maker links Windows and Macintosh executables and source code for the SDL2 and OpenGL release. Input options include PC and USB joysticks and gamepads, mouse, and keyboard. A mouse or PC trackball can control trackball and paddle games; mouse input is also described for light-gun games, and keyboard input for driving-controller games. The emulator supports several cartridge bank-switching schemes, including standard 8K and 16K, Atari Super-Chip, CBS Ram Plus, and Pitfall II. Sound processing has low and high settings. Developer tools include trace mode, scanline counting, and controls for disabling individual graphics objects. The included license text says the program is provided without warranty, to the extent permitted by law.
Good
- Free and open source under GPL Version 2
- Supports joystick, gamepad, mouse, and keyboard input
- Handles multiple cartridge bank-switching schemes
- Includes trace and scanline tools
Watch out
- Included license text provides no warranty
- DOS is listed as a separate release
Who it suits
z26 suits people looking for an Atari 2600 emulator on Windows, Linux, or macOS. Its documented controller options and developer features may also be useful to players and game developers.
Verdict
z26 offers Atari 2600 emulation with varied input support and developer tools. The project lists a DOS release separately from its SDL2 and OpenGL version.
Plans and prices
From z26's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| z26 | Free | Open source Atari 2600 emulator · GNU General Public License Version 2 |
The facts
Each one read from z26's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Cartridge formats
- The documentation lists support for multiple bank-switching schemes, including standard 8K and 16K, Atari Super-Chip, CBS Ram Plus, and Pitfall II.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- The documentation describes support for PC and USB joysticks and gamepads, as well as mouse and keyboard input.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The maker’s site lists version 4.07 as the current SDL2 and OpenGL release for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Developer features
- The documentation describes trace mode, scanline counting, and the ability to disable individual graphics objects for game developers.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The maker’s site links Windows and Macintosh executables and source code for the SDL2 and OpenGL release.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The project README says z26 is released under the GNU General Public License Version 2.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- z26 is an open source Atari 2600 emulator.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Sound
- The documentation says z26 supports digital signal processing on sound, with low and high settings.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Special controllers
- The documentation describes mouse support for light-gun games and keyboard support for driving-controller games.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Trackball and paddles
- The documentation says a mouse or PC trackball can control trackball and paddle games.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Warranty
- The included license text states that the program is provided without warranty, to the extent permitted by law.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- DOS release
- The maker’s site lists version 1.58 as the current DOS release.checked 8 Oct 2026
Alternatives to z26
- 1
Virtual Jaguar
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWebAPI7.8Free plan - 2
Avidemux
Free planOpen sourceWebLinuxmacOSWindows7.3Free plan - 3
Javatari
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.0Free plan - 4
Lynx.emu
AndroidiOSLinux6.6$2.99 one-time - 5
Atari800
Free planAndroidLinuxmacOSWindows6.5Free plan - 6
BigPEmu
Free planiOSLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan