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jsc64

jsc64 is a free JavaScript emulator for the Commodore 64 that runs in a web browser.

Place
#19 of 31
Score
5.6
jsc64's website

What jsc64 is

jsc64 is a free JavaScript emulator for the Commodore 64 that runs in a web browser. It renders the computer’s screen with HTML5 Canvas and is described by its maker as a proof of concept. The project ports FC64, an earlier C64 emulator written in ActionScript by Darron Schall and Claus Wahlers. It is intended for modern Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. Joystick input uses the keyboard numpad, with the space bar as the fire button. Developers can embed the emulator as a jQuery plug-in, which requires jQuery 1.12.4 or later. An emulator instance can load a .prg file using its loadPrg method, subject to browser cross-domain policy, and an event listener can route keyboard input to separate instances. Setup involves downloading the package from GitHub, uploading it to a web server, including jQuery and project scripts, and configuring JSC64_BASEPATH. The project links to a demo with six listed ROMs. jsc64 is free software under GNU General Public License version 2; its maker invites updates, improvements, and bug fixes through GitHub.

Good

  • Renders the C64 screen with HTML5 Canvas.
  • Can load .prg files through its loadPrg method.
  • Keyboard events can be routed to separate instances.
  • Released under GNU General Public License version 2.

Watch out

  • Described by its maker as a proof of concept.
  • Requires jQuery 1.12.4 or later for plug-in use.
  • Canvas and JavaScript are less efficient than Flash Player.

Who it suits

jsc64 may suit developers exploring a browser-based C64 emulator or embedding one in a jQuery project. It is presented as a proof of concept rather than a finished product.

Verdict

jsc64 is aimed at developers who can handle its web-server setup and jQuery integration. Its proof-of-concept status and stated performance limitation are important considerations.

The facts

Each one read from jsc64's own pages, with the date it was checked.

Where it runs

Browser support
The README says it works in current Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari browsers.checked 7 Oct 2026

What it does

Controls
Joystick controls map to the keyboard numpad, and the space bar acts as the fire button.checked 7 Oct 2026
Demo
The project page links to a demo with six listed ROMs: GALAGA, GALAGACOLOR, HELLGATE, MATRIX, RALLYSPEEDWAYII, and VOIDRUNNER.checked 7 Oct 2026
Deployment
The maker instructs users to download the package from GitHub and upload it to a folder on their web server.checked 5 Oct 2026
Integration
jsc64 can be embedded as a jQuery plug-in and requires jQuery 1.12.4 or later.checked 5 Oct 2026
jQuery integration
The emulator is exposed as a jQuery plug-in and can accept an event listener for keyboard input.checked 7 Oct 2026
License
The project is free software under GNU General Public License version 2.checked 7 Oct 2026
Multiple instances
The plug-in accepts an event listener that can route keystrokes to separate emulator instances.checked 5 Oct 2026
Origin
The project is a port of FC64, a Commodore 64 emulator written in ActionScript by Darron Schall and Claus Wahlers.checked 7 Oct 2026
Performance
The README cautions that Canvas rendering and the JavaScript engine are less efficient than Flash Player.checked 7 Oct 2026
PRG files
The loadPrg method loads a .prg file into an instantiated emulator, subject to browser cross-domain policy.checked 7 Oct 2026
Programs
An instantiated emulator can load a .prg file through its loadPrg method.checked 5 Oct 2026
Project status
The maker describes the emulator as a proof of concept.checked 5 Oct 2026
Purpose
jsc64 is a Commodore 64 emulator written in JavaScript by Tim de Koning.checked 7 Oct 2026
Rendering
It uses the HTML5 Canvas element to render the Commodore 64 screen.checked 7 Oct 2026
Setup
To use it, download the package from GitHub, upload it to a web server, include jQuery 1.12.4 or later and the project scripts, and configure JSC64_BASEPATH.checked 7 Oct 2026
Status
The README describes the emulator as a proof of concept.checked 7 Oct 2026
Support
The maker invites users to submit updates, improvements, and bug fixes through GitHub.checked 5 Oct 2026

The company

Maker
The project README names Tim de Koning as its author; his GitHub profile lists Kingsquare and the Netherlands.checked 5 Oct 2026

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