German developer Piciji has released version 2.6 of the Denise C64 Emulator, and it’s packed with new features. This powerful update improves both Commodore 64 and Amiga 500/1000 emulation, making Denise more versatile than ever.
Piciji’s goal goes beyond basic emulation. He wants to fully understand how these systems work and write clear, readable code while doing it. The result is an emulator that’s not only accurate but also a joy to explore and use.
Cycle Accuracy and Cross-Platform Support
The Denise C64 Emulator offers cycle-accurate emulation for both the C64 and early Amiga systems. It runs on multiple platforms, giving users broad compatibility. New in this version is support for RetroArch SLANG shaders, offering sharper visuals and custom looks.
Denise now includes familiar C64 features on the Amiga side too. This includes save states, runAhead, dynamic rate control, G-Sync and FreeSync support. PAL encoding is also available, which helps reproduce video output correctly for European displays.
Wider Hardware Emulation Support
The emulator handles an impressive range of hardware. It supports SuperCPU, Final Chesscard, REU, GeoRam, and EasyFlash devices. It also includes support for Action Replay, Final Cartridge, and Gmod2.
Peripheral support is just as strong. Users can connect light guns, paddles, GunStick, and Commodore mice like the 1351 and Neos. Denise also works with fast loaders such as DolphinDOS, PrologicDOS, ProfDOS, and Turbo Trans. You can launch files via drag-and-drop or the command line for convenience.
Built with Purpose
This update proves Denise is more than just a hobby project. Every feature feels intentional and thoughtfully implemented. Piciji’s focus on clean code and deep hardware understanding shines through in the emulator’s performance.
With support for rare cartridges and clever tools like save states and shaders, Denise continues to grow into one of the most complete emulators available.
2.6 Changelog
- Amiga: added harddisk emulation
- built-In HD Controller
- M-Tec AT 500
- VHD support for dynamic HDFs
- Amiga: added ECS Denise emulation (A500+/A600)
- Amiga: added option to overclock CPU
- Amiga: support for floppy disks in SCP format
- Amiga: added CD32 gamepad support
- Amiga: added option to show Caps Lock LED in status bar
- C64: added file dialog option to prevent speeder for next load
- the speeder + firmware does not have to be switched time-consumingly for certain programs
- C64: added file dialog preview for cartridges
- C64: improved PRG injection (rebuild linked list)
- Note: a PRG can also be loaded as a D64
- Windows 10/11: added dark UI mode
- added LHA support
- added option to convert LHA archives to Amiga native filesystem (ADF, HD-ADF or HDF)
- APP can be used fully or partially portable
- added file history to make it easier to re-insert files
- improved Shader management
- fixed an error when parsing shaders (Bezel: koko-aio works again)
- added option to automatically download and unpack shaders
