VirtualC64 is a Commodore 64 emulator for Apple Macintosh computers, with a browser-capable core designed for WebAssembly. It emulates PAL and NTSC systems, including PAL and NTSC C64 and C64 II variants, and emphasizes PAL accuracy and cycle-accurate operation. A built-in debugger and support for D64, T64, PRG, P00, G64, TAP, and CRT media formats are included. Joystick input can use keyboard emulation, USB joysticks, Sony DualShock 4 controllers, or the RetroFun! USB adapter for original Commodore joysticks. The software is free and open source under the GNU General Public License; its CPU core uses the MIT license. On first launch, users are prompted to add four ROM images, which are not pre-installed because their copyright status is unclear. Recent versions include free Mega65 project ROM replacements that can be installed through the ROM configuration panel. Documentation also describes a public API for developers incorporating the emulation core into other projects.
Who it is for
VirtualC64 suits people who want to run Commodore 64 software on a Mac or in a browser. Its documented API may also suit developers incorporating the emulation core into their own projects.
What is good
- Free and open source under the GNU General Public License
- Emulates PAL and NTSC C64 variants
- Includes a built-in debugger
- Supports seven disk and tape formats
- Offers keyboard and USB joystick input
What to know first
- Four ROM images require setup on first launch
- Listed supported platform is macOS
Verdict
VirtualC64 combines multiple C64 variants, media formats, and input options in a free emulator. New users should account for the initial ROM setup; free Mega65 replacements are included with recent versions.
VirtualC64 plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Commodore 64 emulators
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- macOS
- Disk and tape formats
- D64, T64, PRG, P00, G64, TAP, CRT
- Built-in debugger
- Yes
- Emulated C64 variants
- PAL C64, NTSC C64, C64 II PAL, C64 II NTSC