Emulators on Amiga

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AmigaOS
Icon AmigaOS.png
Type Operating systems
Latest release 4.1 (PPC)
3.2.2 (m64k)

For software that emulates Amiga and AmigaOS on other hardware, see Amiga line.

AmigaOS, the iconic operating system of the Commodore Amiga, popular home computing in the late 1980s. Its intuitive interface, pre-emptive multitasking, and multimedia capabilities captivated users around the world. But AmigaOS wasn't static; it evolved alongside hardware advancements, resulting in distinct eras under two primary CPU architectures: the m68k and the PowerPC.

The m68k Era - Classic Charm and Efficiency
  • AmigaOS 1.x to 3.x ran on the Motorola 68000 (m68k) CPU, renowned for its efficient instruction set and elegant design.
  • This era witnessed the birth of beloved Amiga features like Workbench, Intuition, and AmigaGuide, fostering a user-friendly environment.
  • The m68k's compact code size contributed to AmigaOS's responsiveness and low memory footprint, even on limited hardware.
  • Games and applications designed for this era often exhibit unique quirks and charm, reflecting the limitations and ingenuity of the time.
The PowerPC (PPC) Era - Unlocking New Potential
  • AmigaOS 4.x and beyond embraced the PowerPC architecture, unleashing a wave of performance and feature enhancements.
  • The PowerPC's raw processing power allowed AmigaOS to tackle demanding tasks like high-definition video editing and complex 3D rendering.
  • Enhanced multitasking capabilities improved overall system responsiveness and allowed users to run more resource-intensive applications concurrently.
  • Compatibility with a broader hardware range, including modern peripherals and storage devices, expanded the possibilities for Amiga enthusiasts.
Before diving in;
  • See each Wiki Category Consoles, Computers and Arcade for individual dedicated system pages to see more detailed comparisons and information about software emulators. Dedicated system pages provide more up-to-date listings and in-depth information on specific aspects like hardware features, peripheral support, and compatibility etc.
  • Some games have Game engine recreations and source ports that run on AmigaOS, which can be the better than emulators for their specific games.
  • For a list of Doom engine source ports see the Doom Wiki's list.

List[edit]

m68k[edit]

Multi-system
CreatiVision
Commodore

PowerPC[edit]

Multi-system
Sinclair ZX81
ZX Spectrum
Commodore
Amiga
Archimedes
Game engine recreations

?[edit]

NES

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 No independent releases. Only released as an integrated part of AmigaOS 4.x .