| EMULATOR | PLATFORM | DIFFICULTY | ACCURACY | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WinUAE | Windows only | EXPERT | EXCELLENT | Power users, maximum config control |
| FS-UAE | Windows / macOS / Linux | MODERATE | EXCELLENT | Cross-platform, community configs |
| vAmiga | macOS native | EASY | VERY GOOD | Mac users, clean UI, fast setup |
| AmiBerry | Raspberry Pi / ARM | EASY | VERY GOOD | Dedicated Pi Amiga box |
| Amiga Forever | Windows (commercial) | EASIEST | GOOD | Beginners — legal ROMs included |
| AROS | x86 / ARM / others | MODERATE | COMPATIBLE | Open-source AmigaOS-like OS |
| RetroArch | Any platform | EASY | BASIC | Casual gaming, controller input |
The most accurate and fully-featured Amiga emulator in existence. WinUAE emulates every Amiga model from A1000 to A4000, all chip sets (OCS/ECS/AGA/AAA), all CPU variants, and an enormous range of expansion hardware.
The learning curve is steep — the configuration dialog has hundreds of options — but no other emulator matches its depth or accuracy.
Built on the WinUAE/UAE core but wrapped in a modern, cross-platform launcher. FS-UAE Launcher includes a built-in game database, community configuration sharing, and a cleaner setup experience than raw WinUAE.
The best choice for most users who aren't on Windows-only workflows.
A ground-up native macOS Amiga emulator — not a port. Clean SwiftUI interface, built-in debugger, cycle-accurate emulation. Focuses on A500 and A500+ accuracy. Excellent for Mac users who want a first-class native experience.
Optimised UAE derivative for Raspberry Pi and ARM boards. Runs full-speed on Pi 4 and Pi 5 with HDMI output. The fastest path to a dedicated standalone Amiga box using commodity hardware. Pre-built RetroPie images include AmiBerry.
Best Pi models: Pi 4 (4GB) or Pi 5 for best performance.
| VERSION | YEAR | CHIPSET | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kickstart 1.2 | 1986 | OCS | A1000/A500 original. Some early software requires this. |
| Kickstart 1.3 | 1987 | OCS | Most common OCS ROM. Best compatibility for OCS/ECS games. |
| Kickstart 2.04 | 1991 | ECS | A500+/A600. Introduced the new look Workbench. |
| Kickstart 3.0 | 1992 | AGA | A1200/A4000 launch ROM. AGA chipset support. |
| Kickstart 3.1 | 1993 | AGA | Most common AGA ROM. Stable, widely compatible. |
| Kickstart 3.2 | 2021 | AGA | Hyperion's modern release. Significant bug fixes, 64-bit FAT, USB support. |
| Kickstart 3.2.2 | 2022 | AGA | Latest classic ROM. Recommended for all modern setups. |
WHDLoad installs floppy-based Amiga games and demos to hard disk or SD card, eliminating the need to swap floppies and often fixing compatibility issues with accelerated machines. Over 3,000 titles are supported. An essential companion to any serious Amiga emulation setup.
Each game gets a "slave" install file. Point WHDLoad at the slave, press play.