Emu64
Emu64 is a free, open-source emulator for the Commodore 64, available for Windows and Linux.
What Emu64 is
Emu64 is a free, open-source emulator for the Commodore 64, available for Windows and Linux. The project has existed since 1998 and became open source in 2018 under the GNU General Public License v2. It supports D64, G64, CRT, TAP, T64, and PRG formats, and includes a built-in debugger for its stated retro gaming and software development uses. Its audio and video output are based on SDL2, and it supports different ROMs and file formats. Version 5.2.0 adds selectable GeoRAM and REU sizes, plus a choice between the Emu64 SID engine and reSID. It also adds TAP autostart and lets users pick a file to launch from a T64 containing multiple files. The maker lists Windows 32-bit and 64-bit downloads and a Linux x86_64 AppImage. Linux builds require Qt5 or Qt6, SDL2, SDL2_image, PNG, QuaZip, and FFmpeg libraries. The maker links to GitHub Issues for support.
Good
- Free and open source under GPLv2.
- Supports six disk and tape formats.
- Includes a built-in debugger.
- Windows and Linux downloads are listed.
Watch out
- Supports Windows and Linux only.
- Linux builds require several libraries.
Who it suits
Emu64 suits Windows or Linux users interested in Commodore 64 retro gaming or software development. Its built-in debugger may also suit users who want a debugging feature in their C64 emulator.
Verdict
Emu64 combines Commodore 64 emulation with six listed formats and a built-in debugger. Check the Linux build requirements if compiling, or choose the listed Windows or Linux download that matches your platform.
The facts
Each one read from Emu64's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio and video
- The project README describes SDL2-based audio and video output and support for different ROMs and file formats.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Build dependencies
- The Linux build instructions list Qt, SDL2, SDL2 Image, PNG, QuaZip, and FFmpeg libraries as dependencies.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Build requirements
- The Linux build instructions list Qt5 or Qt6, SDL2, SDL2_image, PNG, QuaZip, and FFmpeg libraries as requirements.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The version page links Windows 32-bit and 64-bit downloads and a Linux x86_64 AppImage.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Emulation features
- Version 5.2.0 adds configurable GeoRAM and REU sizes and a choice between the built-in SID engine and reSID.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Features
- The repository lists SDL2-based audio and video output, support for different ROMs and file formats, and a Qt5 or Qt6 GUI.checked 9 Oct 2026
- File support
- Version 5.2.0 adds TAP files to autostart and allows users to choose which file to launch from a T64 containing multiple files.checked 9 Oct 2026
- History
- The maker says Emu64 has existed since 1998 and became open source in 2018.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended audience
- The maker describes Emu64 as a personal C64 emulator project, while the README identifies retro gaming and software development as use cases.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The repository describes Emu64 as offering features for retro gaming and software development.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Latest version
- The maker lists version 5.2.0, released June 4, 2026.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is licensed under GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2).checked 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- Emu64 is an emulator for the Commodore 64.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Recent features
- Version 5.2.0 adds selectable GeoRAM and REU sizes and lets users choose between the Emu64 SID engine and reSID.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security
- The 5.2.0 release notes say strcpy was replaced with snprintf to address potential buffer overflows.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security-related changes
- The 5.2.0 release notes say memory leaks were fixed and strcpy was replaced with snprintf to address potential buffer overflows.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker's site links to the project's GitHub Issues page.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1998checked 28 Sep 2026
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