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Holani

Free#12 of 25 in Atari Emulators

Holani: A focused, open-source Lynx emulator with flexible frontend options. Ranked #12 of 25 in Atari Emulators by our editors (8.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for lynx users who want RetroArch integration.

8.0/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
8.0 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Lynx users who want RetroArch integration
Paid from
Free
Atari systems
Atari Lynx
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Open-source Atari Lynx emulation with cycle-stepped execution
- GTK4, command-line, and Libretro frontend options
- Save states, cheats, remapping, and ComLynx support
Where it doesn't
- User-facing frontends are maintained in separate repositories
- Verified platform coverage centers on Linux and Windows
- Some RetroArch use cases may require original firmware

Our verdict on Holani

Holani is an open-source Atari Lynx emulator implemented in Rust, aimed at users who want a focused Lynx solution with several ways to run it. Its core supports Atari Lynx cartridge files in .o and .lnx formats, while separate GTK4, command-line, and Libretro frontends cover graphical, terminal-based, and RetroArch-oriented workflows. The embedded Free Lynx Boot ROM also means the emulator can start without requiring a BIOS. Linux and Windows are the listed platforms.

The main strength is frontend and ecosystem flexibility. Holani can run through its GTK4 graphical frontend, command-line frontend, or Libretro core for RetroArch and other Libretro frontends. The Libretro implementation supports saving and loading states and RetroArch cheat support, while the command-line frontend provides configurable controller-button mappings. This division gives different types of Lynx users a suitable entry point, although the project is primarily a library and its user-facing frontends are separate repositories. Choose Holani if RetroArch compatibility, open-source code, or command-line access matters more than a single consolidated application.

Feature depth is concentrated on Lynx emulation rather than broad Atari coverage. Holani includes cycle-stepped emulation, ComLynx connections between multiple instances, controller remapping, save states, cheat support through RetroArch, and support for both cartridge formats. Its published category specifications also include netplay and confirm that a BIOS is not required. RetroArch can use original firmware when needed, alongside the embedded free boot ROM. Holani is a good fit for Atari Lynx users on Linux or Windows who value Libretro integration and focused system support; users seeking a broader multi-system emulator should choose an alternative with wider platform coverage.

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Holani pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

Holani fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Atari systems	Atari Lynx
Supported platforms	Linux, Windows
Save states	Yes
Netplay	Yes
Controller remapping	Yes
BIOS required	No
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Linux, Windows
Support	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations	2 integrations: Libretro, RetroArch
Pricing	Open source
Website	github.com
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

Holani integrations

Holani lists 2 integrations on its own site.

Libretro
RetroArch

Alternatives to Holani

See all Holani alternatives →

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Holani for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Holani is listed in our Atari Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update