simple-emu-c64
- Android app
- Not listed
- Free plan
- No
- Runs on
- Linux, Mac, Web, Windows
Summary
simple-emu-c64 is a free text-console emulator for Commodore computers and MOS6502/6510-series processors. It supports the Commodore 64, 128, PET 2001, VIC-20, Commodore 16, and Plus/4, and runs text-based Commodore BASIC, 6502 assembly, and machine-code programs. Memory handling includes C64 RAM, ROM, I/O, and character-set banking, with system-specific banking or configuration for the Plus/4, C128, and VIC-20. The program uses keyboard and console input and output only; it has no graphics, sound, sprites, or peripheral emulation such as joystick, cassette, and serial support. D64 disk images are supported read-only, and PET file loading and saving are not implemented. The C# source runs as a Windows console program or in Mac and Linux terminals, and a Windows console binary is listed. Building from source requires .NET 7.0 and machine-specific Commodore ROM files. The maker describes the emulator as lightly tested, so bugs may remain. Its revised MIT license permits use, modification, distribution, and sale subject to the stated conditions.
Who it is for
This emulator suits people interested in 6502 and BASIC who prefer a console window or terminal. It is a poor fit for users seeking graphics, sound, or peripheral emulation.
What is good
- Supports six Commodore computer families.
- Runs BASIC, assembly, and machine-code programs.
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- D64 disk images are supported read-only.
What to know first
- No graphics, sound, or sprites.
- No joystick, cassette, or serial emulation.
- PET file loading and saving are not implemented.
- The project is described as lightly tested.
Verdict
simple-emu-c64 focuses on text-based Commodore software in a console rather than recreating the full range of hardware output. Check its I/O and file-handling limits before choosing it for a particular system or program.
Compared on Commodore 64 emulators
- Free plan
- Yesgithub.com
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linuxgithub.com
- Disk and tape formats
- D64, read-onlygithub.com
- Emulated C64 variants
- Commodore 64, Commodore 128, PET 2001, VIC-20, Commodore 16, Plus/4github.com
Facts
- Purpose
- It is a text console emulator for Commodore computers and 6502 processors.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- It supports Commodore 64, 128, PET 2001, VIC-20, Commodore 16, and Plus/4 systems.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Processor emulation
- It emulates MOS6502/6510 series processors as appropriate.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Programs
- It supports text based Commodore BASIC and 6502 assembly or machine code programs.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Memory features
- The README describes C64 RAM/ROM/IO/charset banking, Plus/4 banking, C128 MMU banking, and configurable VIC-20 memory.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The source is C# and runs as a Windows console program or in Mac and Linux terminals.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Install requirements
- Building requires .NET 7.0 and ROMs in system-specific subdirectories; the README gives Visual Studio and command-line build instructions.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- ROM source
- The README instructs users to copy ROMs from VICE, a distribution, or a similar source.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Download
- The latest listed release is a Windows console binary and says ROMs are included in its folder structure.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- I/O limitations
- It provides keyboard and console I/O only and has no graphics, sound, sprites, or peripheral emulation such as joystick, cassette, and serial port support.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- File limitations
- Loading and saving files are not implemented for PET, and the README lists no undocumented opcodes or Z80 support.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Testing
- The README describes the emulator as lightly tested and says bugs may remain.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- License
- The source code is provided under a revised MIT license that grants permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell copies, subject to its stated conditions.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Intended audience
- The maker describes it as an option for people who like console windows or command lines and are interested in 6502 and BASIC.techwithdave.davevw.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Processor support
- It emulates MOS6502/6510 series processors as appropriate.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Usage
- The project runs in a Windows console program or a Mac/Linux terminal, and the source is C#.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- Building requires .NET 7.0 and Commodore ROMs placed in machine-specific subdirectories.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Limitations
- It provides keyboard and console I/O only, with no graphics, sound, sprites, cartridges, or joystick support.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- File handling
- Loading and saving files are not implemented for PET; the README also lists no other media or peripheral support such as cassette, IEC, or serial port.github.com · 7 Oct 2026
- Maker support
- The maker invites users to submit pull requests for generally useful changes or fork their own version.techwithdave.davevw.com · 7 Oct 2026
Best simple-emu-c64 alternatives
See all 20Where it ranks on Everything Xiaomi
Is simple-emu-c64 yours?
Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.
Sources
- github.com/davervw/simple-emu-c64· checked 7 Oct 2026
- github.com/davervw/simple-emu-c64/blob/master/READ· checked 7 Oct 2026
- github.com/davervw/simple-emu-c64/releases· checked 7 Oct 2026
- github.com/davervw/simple-emu-c64/blob/master/LICE· checked 7 Oct 2026
- techwithdave.davevw.com/2020/03/simple-emu-c64.html· checked 7 Oct 2026