z26
What z26 is
z26 is a free, open-source Atari 2600 emulator. The project lists version 4.07 as its SDL2 and OpenGL release for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, and version 1.58 as its DOS release. Windows and Macintosh executables and source code are linked for the SDL2 and OpenGL version. Input options include PC and USB joysticks and gamepads, as well as a mouse and keyboard. A mouse or PC trackball can control trackball and paddle games; the documentation also describes mouse input 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 features include trace mode, scanline counting, and controls to disable individual graphics objects. z26 is released under the GNU General Public License Version 2; its license text states that the program is provided without warranty to the extent permitted by law.
Who it suits
z26 may suit Atari 2600 players looking for an open-source emulator with varied controller input. Its documented developer features may also be useful to game developers.
What it does well
- Free and open source under GNU GPL Version 2
- Supports joystick, gamepad, mouse, and keyboard input
- Mouse or trackball controls trackball and paddle games
- Supports multiple cartridge bank-switching schemes
- Includes trace mode and scanline counting
What to know first
- The listed DOS release is version 1.58
- License text provides no warranty to the extent permitted by law
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| z26 | Open source Atari 2600 emulator · GNU General Public License Version 2 | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the z26 project website.
- Choose the SDL2 and OpenGL release for Windows, Linux or Mac OS X.
- Download a linked executable or the source code.
- Use the DOS release, version 1.58, if you need that listed release.
Verdict
z26 documents support for a range of Atari 2600 inputs and cartridge formats, alongside some developer tools. Check which listed release and platform suit your setup.
Questions
Is z26 free?
Yes. Its plan is listed as free.
Is z26 open source?
Yes. The project README says it is released under the GNU General Public License Version 2.
Which platforms are listed?
The SDL2 and OpenGL release is listed for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. The maker also lists a DOS release, version 1.58.
What input devices can I use?
The documentation describes PC and USB joysticks and gamepads, mouse and keyboard. Mouse or PC trackball input works for trackball and paddle games, and mouse and keyboard are also described for light-gun and driving-controller games respectively.
What Atari system does it emulate?
z26 is an Atari 2600 emulator.
What warranty does it include?
The included license text states the program is provided without warranty, to the extent permitted by law.
Facts from z26's own pages
- 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. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- The documentation describes support for PC and USB joysticks and gamepads, as well as mouse and keyboard input. · github.com, 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. · whimsey.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Developer features
- The documentation describes trace mode, scanline counting, and the ability to disable individual graphics objects for game developers. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
- DOS release
- The maker’s site lists version 1.58 as the current DOS release. · whimsey.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The maker’s site links Windows and Macintosh executables and source code for the SDL2 and OpenGL release. · whimsey.com, 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The project README says z26 is released under the GNU General Public License Version 2. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- z26 is an open source Atari 2600 emulator. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Sound
- The documentation says z26 supports digital signal processing on sound, with low and high settings. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Special controllers
- The documentation describes mouse support for light-gun games and keyboard support for driving-controller games. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Trackball and paddles
- The documentation says a mouse or PC trackball can control trackball and paddle games. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Warranty
- The included license text states that the program is provided without warranty, to the extent permitted by law. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Where z26 stands on Freedom251
- Atari Emulators#15 of 25