stella ☆

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Description:
Atari 2600 VCS emulator

Type: Formula | Latest Version: 7.0c@1 | Tracked Since: Oct 15, 2025

Links: Homepage | @stella_emu | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Multimedia

Tags: emulator retro-gaming atari gaming console

Install: brew install stella

About:
Stella is a multi-platform open-source Atari 2600 VCS emulator. It faithfully replicates the hardware of the classic 1977 console, allowing users to play original game cartridges (ROMs) on modern systems. The emulator provides high-accuracy emulation, advanced video filtering, and controller support for a nostalgic gaming experience.

Key Features:

High-accuracy emulation of the Atari 2600 hardware
Support for original cartridge ROM files
Advanced video filters (NTSC/PAL simulation, scanlines)
Support for modern input devices (gamepads, keyboards)

Use Cases:

Playing classic Atari 2600 games on macOS or Linux
Game development and homebrew testing for the Atari 2600
Digital preservation of retro gaming history

Alternatives:

MAME – MAME is a larger arcade machine emulator that includes Atari 2600 support, whereas Stella is dedicated specifically to the 2600 with more focused features.
z26 – z26 is another popular Atari 2600 emulator, primarily for Windows, while Stella offers broader cross-platform support.

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Jun 1, 2026 8:46pm	7.0c	1	REVISION_ONLY	3101e135
Oct 15, 2025 5:03pm	7.0c	0	VERSION_BUMP	9798ae88
Sep 13, 2024 2:18am		0	VERSION_BUMP	af4ed556
Sep 27, 2023 12:52am		0	VERSION_BUMP	26247ff2