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simple-emu-c64

simple-emu-c64 is a free text-console emulator for Commodore computers and MOS6502/6510-series processors.

Place
#11 of 31
Score
5.9
simple-emu-c64's website

What simple-emu-c64 is

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.

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.

Watch out

  • 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.

Who it suits

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.

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.

The facts

Each one read from simple-emu-c64's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Download
The latest listed release is a Windows console binary and says ROMs are included in its folder structure.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
File limitations
Loading and saving files are not implemented for PET, and the README lists no undocumented opcodes or Z80 support.checked 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.checked 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.checked 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.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
Limitations
It provides keyboard and console I/O only, with no graphics, sound, sprites, cartridges, or joystick support.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
Operating systems
The source is C# and runs as a Windows console program or in Mac and Linux terminals.checked 7 Oct 2026
Processor emulation
It emulates MOS6502/6510 series processors as appropriate.checked 7 Oct 2026
Processor support
It emulates MOS6502/6510 series processors as appropriate.checked 7 Oct 2026
Programs
It supports text based Commodore BASIC and 6502 assembly or machine code programs.checked 7 Oct 2026
Purpose
It is a text console emulator for Commodore computers and 6502 processors.checked 7 Oct 2026
Requirements
Building requires .NET 7.0 and Commodore ROMs placed in machine-specific subdirectories.checked 7 Oct 2026
ROM source
The README instructs users to copy ROMs from VICE, a distribution, or a similar source.checked 7 Oct 2026
Supported systems
It supports Commodore 64, 128, PET 2001, VIC-20, Commodore 16, and Plus/4 systems.checked 7 Oct 2026
Testing
The README describes the emulator as lightly tested and says bugs may remain.checked 7 Oct 2026
Usage
The project runs in a Windows console program or a Mac/Linux terminal, and the source is C#.checked 7 Oct 2026

The company

Maker support
The maker invites users to submit pull requests for generally useful changes or fork their own version.checked 7 Oct 2026

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