Can I run Amiga software on a modern computer?

Yes. Amiga emulators recreate the hardware in software, accurately enough to run nearly all games, demos and applications. You will need an emulator, a Kickstart ROM (or the free AROS replacement) and the software you want to run, usually as ADF or WHDLoad files.

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Which emulator should I use?

WinUAE (Windows) is the most accurate and complete Amiga emulator and the reference that others are measured against. FS-UAE runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Amiberry is designed for Linux devices such as the Raspberry Pi. vAmiga is a macOS emulator focused on accuracy for the A500, A1000 and A2000. Copperline is a newer, free and open-source emulator for Windows, macOS and Linux that aims for cycle-accurate emulation of OCS, ECS and AGA machines.

Amiga emulation is also available inside RetroArch through a libretro core.

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Where do I get a Kickstart ROM for an emulator?

The simplest licensed route is Amiga Forever from Cloanto, which includes Kickstart ROMs and Workbench for the main Amiga models and is set up for use with emulators.

Owning a real Amiga does not, by itself, give you the right to copy its ROM for use in an emulator. Cloanto explains the licensing in its article on the distribution of Amiga ROM and OS files.

AROS offers a free replacement ROM, which works well for many programs but is less compatible with games than the original.

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What is the A500 Mini?

The A500 Mini is a small plug-and-play replica of the Amiga 500 released in 2022 by Retro Games Ltd. It connects by HDMI, comes with a mouse and gamepad and a selection of built-in games, and can load additional games from a USB stick. It runs on emulation rather than original Amiga hardware.

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Can an emulator help me with a real Amiga?

Yes. Many owners use an emulator such as WinUAE to set up and install software onto a CompactFlash or SD card, then move the card into their real Amiga. Emulators are also handy for testing a game or setup before committing to it on original hardware.

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