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jsc64

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What jsc64 is

jsc64 is a web based Commodore 64 emulator written in JavaScript by Tim de Koning. It recreates the Commodore 64 screen using the HTML5 Canvas element and is described by its maker as a proof of concept. The project began as a port of FC64, an ActionScript emulator created by Darron Schall and Claus Wahlers. It is intended to work in modern versions of Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

Joystick input maps to the keyboard’s numpad, with the space bar serving as the fire button. Developers can embed jsc64 in a page as a jQuery plug-in; it requires jQuery 1.12.4 or later. An emulator instance can load a .prg file with its loadPrg method, subject to the browser’s cross-domain policy. An event listener can route keystrokes to separate emulator instances. The project page links to a demo with six ROMs: GALAGA, GALAGACOLOR, HELLGATE, MATRIX, RALLYSPEEDWAYII, and VOIDRUNNER.

To deploy it, download the package from GitHub and upload it to a folder on a web server, then include jQuery and the project scripts and configure JSC64_BASEPATH. jsc64 is free software released under GNU General Public License version 2. The maker invites users to submit updates, improvements, and bug fixes through GitHub.

Who it suits

jsc64 suits developers who want to embed a Commodore 64 emulator in a web page or load .prg files into an emulator instance. It may also suit readers looking for a free browser based C64 emulator who can use the numpad and space bar controls.

What it does well

  • Free software under GNU General Public License version 2
  • Runs in modern Firefox, Chrome, and Safari
  • Supports loading .prg files through loadPrg
  • Can route keyboard input to separate instances
  • Project demo lists six ROMs

What to know first

  • The maker describes the emulator as a proof of concept
  • Canvas and JavaScript are described as less efficient than Flash Player
  • Loading .prg files is subject to browser cross-domain policy

Limits

The maker describes jsc64 as a proof of concept and says its canvas rendering and JavaScript engine are less efficient than Flash Player. Loading .prg files is subject to browser cross-domain policy.

Getting started

  1. Download the package from the project’s GitHub page
  2. Upload it to a folder on your web server
  3. Include jQuery 1.12.4 or later and the project scripts
  4. Configure JSC64_BASEPATH
  5. Use the jQuery plug-in to instantiate the emulator

Verdict

Choose jsc64 if you want a free Commodore 64 emulator that can be embedded in a web page and controlled with the keyboard. Developers should account for its proof of concept status and the maker’s note that its rendering and JavaScript engine are less efficient than Flash Player.

Questions

Is jsc64 free?

Yes. It is free software released under GNU General Public License version 2.

Which browsers does it support?

The project says it works in modern versions of Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

Can it load .prg files?

An instantiated emulator can load a .prg file through its loadPrg method, subject to browser cross-domain policy.

What does it require for jQuery integration?

It is exposed as a jQuery plug-in and requires jQuery 1.12.4 or later.

Who made jsc64?

The project README names Tim de Koning as its author. It is a port of FC64, originally written in ActionScript by Darron Schall and Claus Wahlers.

Facts from jsc64's own pages

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

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