Vectrex emulators for Windows

ParaJVE Vectrex emulator

Vectrex ParaJVE emulatorAlthough you can't really emulate a Vectrex machine, since it works with a vector display instead of a raster display (with pixels), there is software available that "emulates" the Vectrex. One of the best emulators we've found for the Vectrex is ParaJVE. It's ancient (development stopped in 2010), but it works flawless on Windows 11 or Windows 10. Installers are also available for MacOSX and Linux. Awesome!

  • Latest version 0.7.0 (29 December 2010)
  • Works on Windows 11, Windows 10 (32/64 bits), MacOSX, Linux
  • Emulates Vectrex
  • Supports BIN files
  • Comments: ParaJVE is a great emulator. The install package contains all regular games that are released for the Vectrex, along with some homebrew games. ParaJVE requires Java.
  • Project website http://www.vectrex.fr/ParaJVE/

Play Vectrex games on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Since the ParaJVE includes all regular games ever released for the Vectrex, it's even easier to play such a game with ParaJVE. Follow these steps and you're set to go:

  • Check if Java is installed: press Windows key + Q and type "Java". If you don't see an app or "About java", install Java:
    • Go to https://www.java.com/download/
    • Click on the red Free Java download button
    • Click again on the red button to accept the user license
    • Save the download on your computer
    • Double click the downloaded file (JavaSetupXuXXX.exe) to start the installation and follow all steps
  • Download ParaJVE (download links are on the right side of the screen)
  • Open the downloaded ZIP file by double clicking it
  • Copy the contents of the ZIP file (the ParaJVE folder) to a folder of choice, for example d:\games. You'll end up with d:\games\ParaJVE\.
  • To start the emulator, double click the ParaJVE.exe file in the d:\games\ParaJVE folder
  • When started for the first time, a configuration file will be created and you need to restart the emulator
  • Read the information and take note of the keys that are used to control the emulated Vectrex:
    • Player 1
      • Left, right, up, down: arrow keys
      • Button 1, 2, 3 and 4: Q, W, E, R
    • Player 2
      • Left, right, up, down: Numpad 1, 3, 5, 2
      • Button 1, 2, 3 and 4: 7, 8, 9, 0
  • Press the button at the bottom to start the emulator
  • Choose a game and press the Run Game button!
  • Can't find a game? Perhaps it's one of those games having emulation issues. Those are at the bottom of the list.
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