German developer Piciji has released a fresh update to his Denise C64 Emulator, bringing it to version 2.6. The Denise C64 Emulator is already known for its precise, cycle-accurate performance—and this version adds even more features for both Commodore 64 and Amiga fans.

Piciji’s goal with Denise isn’t just to emulate hardware—it’s to understand how it ticks and write clean, readable code along the way. That philosophy results in an emulator that feels more like a digital preservation project than just another retro toy.

Cycle Accuracy Meets Cross-Platform Design

At its core, the Denise C64 Emulator is a cross-platform, cycle-accurate emulator for the C64 and Amiga 500/1000. This update keeps that focus intact while expanding support and refining performance. Denise now supports RetroArch SLANG shaders, adding visual flexibility and style.

On the Amiga side, users can now enjoy features already familiar to C64 users—things like savestates, runAhead input lag reduction, G-Sync/FreeSync support, dynamic rate control, drive sounds, and warp mode. PAL encoding is also implemented, which is excellent news for European users who demand authentic video output.

Feature-Rich and Hardware-Savvy

What makes the Denise C64 Emulator really stand out is its expansive hardware emulation support. It now supports SuperCPU, Final Chesscard, and a host of cartridges like EasyFlash, Gmod2, and Action Replay. That includes exotic peripherals too—light guns, GunStick, paddles, and even both 1351 and Neos mice.

Denise also handles fast loaders like ProfDOS, DolphinDOS, and Turbo Trans with ease. Users can drag and drop files directly or launch them from the command line for a quick and easy workflow.

A Developer Who Gets It

Unlike some emulators that chase buzzwords, Denise is clearly made by someone who loves this stuff. You can feel it in the way the code is structured and in the thoughtful inclusion of lesser-known hardware like the Final Cartridge or PrologicDOS. It’s not about just playing games—it’s about preserving the hardware experience.

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
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