Emulation in browser

[AAA177]

Are there any links to emulators that play the games in browsers, no need for downloading? I have checked out a few, but they haven't really worked out. I have not seen any for the ones I am in particular looking for: Atari 800, Commodore, really all the older titles. The Internet Archive used to work well for me, and now, for some reason, it just isn't doing it. For example, I used to be able to play all games on the site for Atari 800, but now, controls do not work. Same for the 2600 (although I have the Virtual Atari as my go-to for that, now; works perfectly). And I wish I could figure out the mapping thing for Commodore; I think I have, but it just won't work. Using Chrome by the way, maybe I need another browser, perhaps.

 

I guess I may have to start simply downloading emulators/ROMS, although I try to avoid that if I can (I'm not an expert on getting the software running, i.e. putting this icon in that DOS file/whatever, and I don't want to ruin my computer). Is there a recommendation for an easy emulator for Atari 800 and ST? Sadly, I was using my 800XL a couple weeks ago, and it seems like it is not doing well.

[Keatah]

Running emulators in browsers is a sub-standard experience. IMHO it's a flawed concept that's often done "because it can". Screen formatting, lag, continual (and often needless) changes in browser versions and emulation code, all that, all that gets in the way of a premier experience. So don't waste time farting around with that.

 

Running the best emulators like Altirra might indeed require you to become familiar with file systems and making icons and managing folders. But it's a worthwhile skill that will apply to all emulators you play with in the future.

[youxia]

There was an emu for Atari 800 released recently where you just drag and drop files and it works (but it looked a bit limited). Altirra works fine but the biggest problem is that A8 library requires so many different configs for various games, and it's not written up anywhere.

 

With Atari ST you will need to do a bit of reading, there's no way around it, but it's no rocket science either.

 

You can also look for Gamebase packs, these are mostly preconfigured games which just work in a launcher (plus artwork, manuals and ton of info).

[mr_me]

You won't ruin your computer; just don't download any rom files that execute or installs. Altirra is safe to download and install from the official site. http://www.virtualdub.org/altirra.html . And you can ask atariage for help if needed.

Edited February 14, 2019 by mr_me

[DirtyHairy]

Running emulators in browsers is a sub-standard experience. IMHO it's a flawed concept that's often done "because it can". Screen formatting, lag, continual (and often needless) changes in browser versions and emulation code, all that, all that gets in the way of a premier experience. So don't waste time farting around with that.

 

 

As the author of 6502.ts (a VCS emulator that runs in the browser), I naturally beg to differ Emulators in the browser don't have to be laggy, they change just as often or seldom as other software, and I certainly don't develop mine just as a toy (nor do I think other authors of such emulators do). Just try the emulators you are interested in (both browser and native) and choose whichever you like.

 

For the VCS, there are two "native" Javascript-based emulators that run in the browser: 6502.ts (see my signature) and Javatari. 6502.ts is more accurate and includes cycle-exact audio emulation, while Javatari requires less resources and offers save states and net play. Both work fine. There are others, but those are native emulators that have been compiled to Javascript, and they are more likely to have issues (imho).

Edited February 14, 2019 by DirtyHairy