Frodo
7.4#2 in commodore 64 emulatorsFree planFree planAndroidLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
VisitFrodo vs VirtualC64
VirtualC64
6.4#7 in commodore 64 emulatorsFree planFree planWebmacOS
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Frodo | VirtualC64 |
|---|---|---|
| Controllers | Frodo can auto-detect connected game controllers for C64 joystick ports and lets users map additional controller buttons to C64 keys. | Joystick use supports keyboard emulation, external USB joysticks, Sony DualShock 4 controllers, and the RetroFun! USB adapter for original Commodore joysticks. |
| Documentation | The repository includes an HTML manual and a beginner guide covering controllers, display, drives, loading software, keyboard mappings and emulator shortcuts. | The official documentation describes the public API for developers incorporating the emulation core into their own projects. |
| License | The repository lists Frodo under the GPL-2.0 license. | VirtualC64 is open-source under the GNU General Public License, and its CPU core is under the MIT license. |
| Maker | The maker's home page identifies him as Christian Bauer and describes him as a physicist who turned his computer hobby into his career. | The site's imprint identifies Prof. Dr. Dirk W. Hoffmann at Hochschule Karlsruhe in Karlsruhe, Germany. |
| Purpose | Frodo is a portable Commodore 64 emulator focused on reproducing special graphical effects possible on the C64. | VirtualC64 turns an Apple Macintosh into a Commodore 64 emulator. |
Frodo plans
- FrodoFree
VirtualC64 plans
- VirtualC64Free
Pick Frodo if…
Frodo suits people who want to run Commodore 64 software on Linux, macOS, or Windows, including users on slower machines who may prefer Frodo Lite. Its controller mapping and support for disk, tape, and cartridge formats also suit people using varied C64 media.
Pick VirtualC64 if…
VirtualC64 suits Mac users who want to emulate Commodore 64 systems and have suitable ROM images or use the included Mega65 replacements. Developers may also find its documented public API relevant.