Scripted Amiga Emulator (SAE) review
Broad Amiga model and media support in a free, open-source browser emulator.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Scripted Amiga Emulator (SAE) is an open-source Amiga Classic emulator that runs in modern HTML5 browsers. It is aimed at users who want browser-based access to software from a wide range of Amiga models, including the A1000, A500, A500+, A600, A1200, A2000, A3000 and A4000/030. The project is available free of charge and supports web and API platforms, with mobile and tablet devices also potentially supported at slower frame rates.
Its main strength is breadth within Amiga emulation. SAE covers OCS, ECS and AGA chipsets, alongside 68000, 68010, 68020 and 68030 CPU emulation. It supports ADF, extended ADF EXT1/EXT2, IMG, DMS, SCP and EXE floppy images, plus HDF and VHD hardfiles. Video can use HTML5 WebGL or Canvas2D rendering, while HTML5 WebAudio provides configurable audio output. Keyboard, mouse, joystick and gamepad input are supported, along with serial and parallel ports. This makes SAE a strong fit for users with varied model, disk-image and input requirements.
The browser approach keeps access straightforward, but performance depends on the host computer, particularly for AGA emulation. The included ROM is an AROS Kickstart replacement; commercial Amiga Kickstart ROMs must be supplied separately. SAE also lacks verified save states, netplay and desktop-native coverage, which limits its fit for users seeking those capabilities. The project documentation lists version 0.9.13 as its latest release from 2021. Choose SAE for broad browser-based Amiga coverage; choose another emulator if native desktop apps, netplay or verified save states are priorities.
Scripted Amiga Emulator (SAE) pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Emulates Amiga models from A1000 through A4000/030
- Supports OCS, ECS, AGA and multiple 68000-series CPUs
- Handles floppy, hardfile, keyboard, mouse, joystick and gamepad input
- Where it doesn't
- Commercial Kickstart ROMs must be supplied separately
- AGA emulation requires a fast computer
- No verified save states, netplay or desktop-native coverage
Scripted Amiga Emulator (SAE) fact sheet, pricing and score →
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