HatariB update arrives with new features for Atari ST, STE, TT and Falcon emulation

Running Atari ST games through RetroArch has become easier with the release of hatariB 1.0. Developed by Brad Smith, this new Libretro core takes the established Hatari emulator and adapts it for modern gaming devices, complete with configurable gamepad controls, an on-screen keyboard and improved disk handling. It supports several Atari computers, including the ST, STE, TT and Falcon, giving users access to a broad range of games and applications without relying on a traditional desktop setup. There’s support for handheld devices, too, making Atari ST emulation a more practical option on portable hardware.

Atari ST emulation gets a RetroArch overhaul

hatariB uses Hatari’s existing emulation engine, bringing its Atari computer support into the Libretro framework. This means users can run Atari ST software through RetroArch’s familiar interface, with access to controller settings, video options, save states and other built-in features.

The emulator covers several Atari systems, from the original ST to the more advanced STE, TT and Falcon. Users can adjust processor speed, memory, display settings and hardware configurations to suit different games and applications. There’s an option to speed up floppy disk access and shorten system startup times. Some software relies on the original hardware’s timing, so these settings won’t suit every game.

The new update removes the previous SDL2 dependency in favour of a custom implementation. The release fixes a crash involving the pause screen and addresses a locale-related issue discovered during development.

Gamepad controls make handheld gaming easier

Atari ST games can demand more than a joystick. Plenty use keyboard commands, mouse input or a combination of controls, which can make playing on a handheld device awkward. HatariB tackles this with a configurable input system. Gamepad buttons can trigger keyboard commands, mouse clicks, joystick movements and emulator functions, giving users control over how individual games operate.

By default, the directional pad and left analogue stick control the joystick. The right analogue stick handles mouse movement, with separate buttons assigned to mouse clicks and other functions. An on-screen keyboard covers software requiring typed input. There’s a one-shot keyboard mode, too, which pauses the emulator during key selection before resuming the game. Physical keyboards and mice remain supported, so desktop users can stick with conventional Atari ST controls.

EmuTOS comes included for easier setup

Getting an Atari ST emulator running usually involves supplying a compatible TOS operating system image. hatariB offers another option by including EmuTOS, an open-source replacement capable of running a wide selection of Atari ST software.

The emulator includes a 1024 KB EmuTOS version supporting its emulated machine types, alongside smaller 192 KB configurations for 50 Hz and 60 Hz operation. Original Atari TOS images remain an option for games and applications requiring particular operating system versions.

Compatibility still varies between titles. Some games depend on precise hardware behaviour, disk access methods or operating system functions, so changing the emulated machine or firmware can make a difference.

Floppy disks, hard drives and multi-disk games

Disk management receives plenty of attention in hatariB. The emulator supports ST, MSA, DIM, STX, IPF and CTR floppy disk images. IPF and CTR files require the separate CapsImg library, which must be present for those formats to work.

Compressed ZIP and GZ files are supported, and M3U playlists can group multiple disk images into a single entry. Users can load images into both emulated floppy drives and switch disks through the controller interface.

Hard disk support extends to ACSI, SCSI and IDE images. GemDOS folders provide another option, allowing directories on the host device to operate as emulated Atari hard drives. Hard disks use write protection by default, with a setting available to permit changes.

Save states, MIDI and RetroArch features

hatariB handles modified floppy disks without overwriting their original image files. Changes are stored separately in the save directory and can be loaded when the same disk is used again. Deterministic save states let the emulator restore a recorded machine state. They provide support for RetroArch functions such as run-ahead, which can reduce input latency, and netplay for compatible software.

MIDI support is present for Atari ST applications using external music hardware. The emulator exposes the memory interface required by RetroAchievements, though Atari ST achievement sets aren’t currently available.

Where to get hatariB 1.0

hatariB 1.0 is available through RetroArch’s built-in core downloader, with separate release packages offered for manual installation. Supported platforms include Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS and Raspberry Pi. Builds are available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, Wii and Wii U.

The release brings Atari ST emulation into RetroArch with configurable controls, disk management and support for several Atari computer models. For users running games on handhelds, consoles or desktop systems, hatariB provides another way to access Atari ST software through a single emulator interface.

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