Atari Jaguar
Atari's last console, sold as the first 64-bit
- 1993Released
- 5thGeneration
- AtariDeveloper
Atari Jaguar Specifications
- Processor
- 'Tom' Chip
- Processor Speed
- 26.59 MHz
- Processor Features
- GPU | Objecting Processing | Blitter | DRAM Controller
- Co-Processor
- 'Jerry' Chip
- Co-Processor Speed
- 26.59 MHz
- Co-Processor Features
- Digital Signal Processor | CD-Quality Sound | Wavetable Synthesis | Clock control block | Joystick Control
- RAM
- 2 MB
Overview
The Atari Jaguar is a console released by Atari in November 1993. It was the last console sold under the Atari brand until the Atari Flashback in 2004.
Although it was marketed as the first 64-bit console, the Jaguar was a commercial failure that pushed Atari out of the console market. It sold only about 250,000 units.
Several problems contributed to its failure, including long delays in software development and the arrival of the Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation in 1995.
A number of accessories added features to the console, including a CD add-on, the Memory Track cartridge and the Team Tap multiplayer adapter.
Only 63 licensed games were released: 50 on cartridge and 13 for the CD add-on. They include Alien vs Predator, Breakout 2000, Missile Command 3D and Total Carnage.
Key Features
64-Bit Marketing
Marketed as the first 64-bit console on the market.
Jerry Sound Chip
A DSP co-processor delivered CD-quality wavetable sound.
CD Add-On
A CD add-on expanded the console, with 13 games released for it.
Team Tap
The Team Tap adapter added extra players for multiplayer games.
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Atari Jaguar Emulators
Which one to pick
Known forThe first Jaguar emulator to run the whole retail library, with Jaguar CD support, save states and overclocking for 60 FPS. Free but closed source.
Known forAn open source Jaguar emulator that runs many games well, though its emulation is not complete.
Known forA multi-system emulator best known for its 3DO compatibility. Its later versions added the Atari Jaguar.
Known forThe first working Jaguar emulator, which ran a large number of commercial games, some with sound.
Known forOne of the first Jaguar emulators. Closed source, and it needs the Jaguar boot ROM to run commercial games.
In short
BigPEmu is the one to pick on Windows or Linux: it runs the entire retail Jaguar library at full speed and supports the Jaguar CD. Virtual Jaguar is the open source alternative for Windows, macOS and Linux, though its emulation is not complete. Phoenix also runs Jaguar games alongside the 3DO. Project Tempest and Jagulator are no longer developed and are kept here as an archive.
