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BMC64

BMC64 is a free bare-metal Commodore 64 emulator for Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero 2W, Pi 2, and Pi 3.

Place
#12 of 31
Score
5.7
BMC64's website

What BMC64 is

BMC64 is a free bare-metal Commodore 64 emulator for Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero 2W, Pi 2, and Pi 3. Its bundled release also supports C128, VIC-20, Plus/4, and PET emulation, with C64 PAL and NTSC variants. BMC64 uses VICE, while Raspberry Pi 3 users can choose Plus4Emu for more accurate Plus/4 emulation. Frames are timed to 50/60 Hz for smooth scrolling, and the project advertises low input-to-audio/video latency. It reports a 4.1-second C64 boot over composite and says a shutdown sequence is not required. Wi-Fi and Ethernet support uses such as BBS access and C64 OS networking. Installation involves writing a release ZIP or image to a FAT32 SD card. Required ROM files must be supplied from a legal source, and the emulator cannot start without the minimum C64 ROM set. An optional local-network web interface displays C64 and C128 status and manages SD-card files; it can be PIN-protected and is off by default.

Good

  • Supports C64, C128, VIC-20, Plus/4, and PET emulation.
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet support networking uses.
  • Optional local-network interface manages SD-card files.
  • Supports USB plug-and-play and 8BitDo Retro Keyboards.

Watch out

  • Raspberry Pi 4 and later are unsupported.
  • Required ROM files must be supplied separately.
  • USB Bluetooth gamepads are not directly supported.
  • Not all gamepads work.

Who it suits

BMC64 suits Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero 2W, Pi 2, or Pi 3 owners who want to emulate classic Commodore machines. It is also aimed at users comfortable supplying ROM files and installing an image to an SD card.

Verdict

BMC64 covers several Commodore machines on a limited set of Raspberry Pi boards. Confirm that your board is supported and that you can provide the required ROM files before installing it.

Plans and prices

From BMC64's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
BMC64FreeRaspberry Pi Zero, Zero 2W, Pi 2 and Pi 3; ROM files must be supplied separately

The facts

Each one read from BMC64's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Boot
The project reports a 4.1-second C64 boot over composite and says no shutdown sequence is required.checked 8 Oct 2026
Connectivity
It supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet for uses such as BBS access and C64 OS networking.checked 8 Oct 2026
Display and latency
It times frames to vsync for 50/60 Hz smooth scrolling and advertises low input-to-audio/video latency.checked 8 Oct 2026
Emulation engines
It uses VICE, with Plus4Emu offered for more accurate Plus/4 emulation on Raspberry Pi 3.checked 8 Oct 2026
Gamepad limit
USB Bluetooth gamepads are not supported directly, and the project says not all gamepads work.checked 8 Oct 2026
Installation
Installation uses a release ZIP or image written to a FAT32 SD card for a supported Raspberry Pi.checked 8 Oct 2026
Limits
It supports Pi Zero, Zero 2W, Pi 2 and Pi 3 devices; Raspberry Pi 4 and later are unsupported.checked 8 Oct 2026
Purpose
BMC64 is a bare-metal Commodore 64 emulator for Raspberry Pi.checked 8 Oct 2026
ROM requirement
Users must supply required ROM files from a legal source, and BMC64 cannot start without the minimum C64 ROM set.checked 8 Oct 2026
Security setting
The web server is off by default, and the documentation recommends disabling it when it is not in use.checked 8 Oct 2026
Support
The project points users to its official Discord community for support and discussion.checked 8 Oct 2026
Web interface
An optional local-network web UI for C64 and C128 shows status and manages SD-card files, and can be protected with a PIN.checked 8 Oct 2026

Where it runs

Input devices
It supports USB plug-and-play and 8BitDo Retro Keyboards over USB or a 2.4 GHz receiver.checked 8 Oct 2026
Other machines
The bundled release also supports C128, VIC-20, Plus/4 and PET emulation.checked 8 Oct 2026

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