Side by side
Atari 5200DS vs z26
Both stand on atari emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan
Atari 5200DS offers Atari 5200 emulation with favorites, score saving, and support for a range of cartridge types. ROM format, BIOS compatibility, and the known Quest for Quinta Roo issue are worth noting.
Visit Atari 5200DS Free plan LinuxMacWindows
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.
Visit z26The facts
| Atari 5200DS | z26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Not published | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On atari emulators | #11 of 25 | #15 of 25 |
Atari 5200DS: what it does well
- Supports original commercial games and homebrew titles
- Handles bankswitching cartridges up to 512K
- Saves up to 10 high scores per game
- Free to use
What to know first
- Requires NTSC ROMs in a52/bin format
- Full compatibility recommends the original BIOS
- Some complex conversions may lag on older systems
- Quest for Quinta Roo will not start
z26: 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
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