Side by side
Gearlynx vs Test7800
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 AndroidAPIExtension+6
Gearlynx combines Atari Lynx emulation with extensive debugging tools, including an MCP server for AI-assisted workflows. A BIOS is required, and simultaneous HTTP clients can interfere because they control the same emulator instance.
Visit Gearlynx Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Choose Test7800 if you want a free Atari 7800 emulator with support for several ROM and cartridge types, flexible controls, and four-player QuadTari mode. Look elsewhere if you need complete hardware coverage or a feature-rich debugger for ROM development.
Visit Test7800The facts
| Gearlynx | Test7800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On atari emulators | #12 of 25 | #16 of 25 |
Gearlynx: what it does well
- Emulates Lynx I and Lynx II.
- Save states, rewind and run-ahead are included.
- ComLynx supports up to eight instances on one computer.
- Debugger includes memory tools and hardware viewers.
- Free and open source under GNU GPL 3.0.
What to know first
- A BIOS is required.
- Concurrent HTTP clients share one emulator instance.
- Netplay is not supported.
Test7800: what it does well
- Runs .a78 and several bankswitching SuperGame ROMs.
- Emulates ELF cartridges with an embedded ARM chip.
- Accepts keyboard, gamepad, and mouse input.
- QuadTari mode supports up to four joystick players.
- Available on Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web.
What to know first
- The project is incomplete and lacks important features.
- Some conglomerate cartridge hardware configurations are unsupported.
- The basic command-line debugger lacks many features.
- Performance was not a design focus.
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