IEEE Spectrum has shared an engaging project guide on the Commodore 64 cartridge build, blending retro charm with modern DIY tools. The project supports the traveling “Chips That Shook the World” exhibit, which celebrates microchips that changed technology. One featured chip is the 8-bit 6502 processor, famous for powering the Commodore 64. Naturally, a live C64 demo became part of the exhibit.
The Commodore 64 cartridge build needed to run a full program inside just 16 KB of memory. The demo, written in 6502 assembly, directly controls the C64’s video hardware. Even with tight limits, the developer created nine screens of text, animated graphics, and sprites. To add flair, a compact fractal generator by programmer Marcello M. produced a colorful Mandelbrot pattern using only 3.3 KB of code.
Today’s tools made this project far simpler than it would have been decades ago. Using Kick Assembler and the Vice emulator, the code was easy to test and debug. Hardware construction was equally smooth, thanks to low-cost printed circuit boards and inexpensive programmable ROM chips. A 3D-printed cartridge shell completed the build, giving it a clean, modern finish.
After a quick fix to some memory code, the Commodore 64 cartridge build ran flawlessly. It now powers part of IEEE’s “Chip Hall of Fame” traveling exhibit. Visitors can watch the C64 launch instantly when switched on—no manual loading required. This compact creation shows that creative programming on vintage systems still inspires hands-on curiosity today.
For hobbyists and tinkerers, IEEE Spectrum’s article provides everything needed to start building a cartridge. With so many tools now available, coding for 8-bit hardware has never been more accessible—or more fun.
