Jammy

Jammy is a free, open-source Amiga emulator for Windows and Linux that combines broad machine coverage with unusually substantial debugging and scripting tools. It suits developers, reverse engineers, and enthusiasts exploring Amiga software; players who need one particular title to run reliably should choose a more mature emulator.

Overview

Jammy targets Workbench, games, and demos across the A1000, A500, A500+, A600, A1200, A2000, A3000, A4000, and CD32. That range makes it useful for comparing software across Amiga generations, but compatibility varies by program and configuration. The project reports DMA timing problems, incomplete cycle accuracy, weak emulation of CPUs running above 7 MHz, and many programs that do not yet work.

The project began in December 2020 and is released under the MIT License. Windows Alpha and Linux Alpha builds are listed at version 0.0.30, so Jammy is better viewed as an evolving technical project than a finished replacement for established gaming-focused emulators.

Key features

Hardware and storage

Emulation covers 68000 and other 680x0 processors, OCS, ECS and AGA chipsets, Copper, Blitter, CIA, sprites, playfields, audio, and sprite or playfield collision and priority. RAM expansions, a battery-backed clock, and a VT100 serial terminal extend the scope beyond basic game playback. Jammy reads ADF, zipped ADF, ADZ, DMS, and RP9 floppy images, while ATA hard disks support both reading and writing. An AVX2-capable processor can significantly improve the experience, making newer desktop hardware preferable.

CD32 support is incomplete: CD-ROM and NVRAM do not work, and the IPF floppy reader is broken. Those restrictions matter if your library depends on CD32 software or protected disk images.

Developer tools and automation

A built-in debugger and disassembler give programmers a way to inspect execution rather than merely start an application. Automated code analysis is intended to improve disassemblies, and results can be stored in SQLite. JavaScript and Lua APIs can run code at breakpoints, while a web API supports custom user interfaces. These capabilities make Jammy a strong laboratory for studying 680x0 software and building tooling around it.

Linux users get less of that advantage. Debugging UIs are missing, and the JavaScript, Lua, web API, and database features still need more work on Linux. Windows is therefore the more complete host for users choosing Jammy specifically for its development environment. There is no ARM build.

Pricing

There is one plan, with no trial or paid tier to compare. It is appropriate for anyone who wants to evaluate the emulator, inspect its code, or contribute without a purchase. Contributions, pull requests, and comments are welcomed. The trade-off is that you accept alpha-stage compatibility and unfinished platform features rather than receiving a supported commercial service.

Platforms

Jammy runs on Windows and Linux. The current release listings identify Alpha 0.0.30 builds for both systems. Windows is the better fit for debugger-oriented work because Linux lacks debugging UIs and has less-complete scripting, web, and database support. ARM hardware is not supported by a build.

Who it's for

Choose Jammy if you want to investigate Amiga internals, analyze code, automate breakpoint workflows, or experiment with software spanning OCS, ECS, and AGA machines. It also suits contributors comfortable with an unfinished project. Look elsewhere if your priority is dependable execution of a specific game, accurate timing for demanding software, CD32 CD-ROM use, or a polished Linux debugging interface.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Broad coverage from A1000 through A4000 and CD32; OCS, ECS, and AGA hardware plus core peripherals; reads five listed floppy-image formats and writes ATA hard disks; debugger, disassembler, automated analysis, SQLite storage, breakpoint scripting, and a web API; free under the MIT License.
• Cons: DMA timing and cycle-accuracy issues can break timing-sensitive software; many programs still fail; CPUs above 7 MHz are poorly emulated; CD32 CD-ROM and NVRAM do not work; IPF reading is broken; Linux tooling is incomplete; no ARM build.

Alternatives

Amiga Emulators is the broader directory for comparing other options. Choose Damisoft Amiga Emulator if browser access matters and you can provide a Kickstart ROM and disk. Amiberry is a free, GPLv3 option spanning Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Meta Amiga Emulator is another free open-source project, but it is pre-alpha with no emulator to run yet. E-UAE and FS-UAE are free open-source alternatives for Linux, macOS, and Windows; FS-UAE also accepts donations. UAE4ALL2 Mod targets Android and iOS. Amigo — Amiga Emulator is free on Apple's platforms without ads or accounts, but requires your own Kickstart ROM and disks. Buddi is budgeting software rather than an Amiga emulator.

Verdict

Jammy is a compelling free choice for technically minded Amiga users who value a debugger, disassembler, automation APIs, and wide model coverage more than guaranteed compatibility. Choose it for experimentation and development; choose another emulator when accurate timing, complete CD32 support, or reliable execution of a specific program is the deciding requirement.