simple-emu-c64

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What simple-emu-c64 is

simple-emu-c64 is a text-console emulator for Commodore computers and MOS6502/6510 processors. It runs text-based Commodore BASIC, 6502 assembly, and machine-code programs on the Commodore 64, 128, PET 2001, VIC-20, Commodore 16, and Plus/4. Memory features account for the different banking and configuration needs of these systems, including C128 MMU banking and configurable VIC-20 memory. Input and output are through a keyboard and console; the emulator does not provide graphics, sound, or sprites. D64 disk images are supported for reading, but PET file loading and saving are not implemented. The project is free and runs in a Windows console or in Mac and Linux terminals. A Windows console binary is listed, while building from source requires .NET 7.0 and machine-specific ROMs. The source is under a revised MIT license. The maker describes the emulator as lightly tested and invites useful pull requests or forks.

Who it suits

It suits people interested in 6502 processors and BASIC who prefer a console or terminal. It may also suit users exploring text-based programs for the listed Commodore systems.

What it does well

Supports six Commodore systems.
Runs BASIC, assembly, and machine-code programs.
Includes system-specific memory banking features.
Reads D64 disk images.
Free, with source under a revised MIT license.

What to know first

No graphics, sound, or sprites.
No joystick, cassette, or serial support.
D64 support is read-only.
PET file loading and saving are not implemented.

Limits

D64 disk images are read-only, and PET file loading and saving are not implemented. The emulator provides keyboard and console I/O only, without graphics, sound, sprites or peripheral emulation.

Getting started

Download the Windows console release, or obtain the source from the project website.
For a source build, install .NET 7.0.
Copy Commodore ROMs into the system-specific subdirectories, using a source such as VICE or a distribution.
Build and run it as a Windows console program or in a Mac or Linux terminal.

Verdict

simple-emu-c64 focuses on console-based Commodore and 6502 programs across several systems. Its text-only I/O and missing peripheral support make it a narrow fit for users who need more than keyboard and console interaction.

Questions

Does simple-emu-c64 cost anything?

It is free, and the source is provided under a revised MIT license subject to its conditions.

Which systems does it emulate?

It supports the Commodore 64, 128, PET 2001, VIC-20, Commodore 16 and Plus/4.

Which platforms can run it?

It runs as a Windows console program or in Mac and Linux terminals. A Windows console release is available.

What do I need to build it?

Building from source requires .NET 7.0 and Commodore ROMs in machine-specific subdirectories.

Can it read or save disk files?

D64 disk images are supported for reading only. PET file loading and saving are not implemented.

Who makes it, and can people contribute?

The project is hosted on GitHub by davervw. The maker invites pull requests for generally useful changes or forks.

Facts from simple-emu-c64's own pages

Download: The latest listed release is a Windows console binary and says ROMs are included in its folder structure. · 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
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
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
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
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
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
Limitations: It provides keyboard and console I/O only, with no graphics, sound, sprites, cartridges, or joystick support. · 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
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
Processor emulation: It emulates MOS6502/6510 series processors as appropriate. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Processor support: 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
Purpose: It is a text console emulator for Commodore computers and 6502 processors. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Requirements: Building requires .NET 7.0 and Commodore ROMs placed in machine-specific subdirectories. · 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
Supported systems: It supports Commodore 64, 128, PET 2001, VIC-20, Commodore 16, and Plus/4 systems. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Testing: The README describes the emulator as lightly tested and says bugs may remain. · 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

Where simple-emu-c64 stands on Freedom251

Commodore 64 Emulators#15 of 31