The GUI64 interface update has reached version 1.9, continuing the growth of a project that brings a graphical desktop experience directly to the Commodore 64. Created by WebFritzi, GUI64 first appeared in November 2024 with version 1.0. While it might look like a standalone operating system, it is actually a graphical layer that runs on top of the Kernal—the ROM-based operating system built into every C64.
By using movable windows to represent files and directories, GUI64 transforms the way users interact with their data. Instead of typing commands into BASIC or relying on cryptic disk utilities, users can visually browse disks and SD2IEC directories in a window-based environment. The result is a more intuitive, organized way to manage files while keeping the C64’s core system intact.
Features of GUI64 v1.9
The current release, GUI64 v1.9, continues to refine the experience of using the C64 with a modern desktop-style interface. Its feature set includes:
- Movable windows: Browse files and directories in a flexible, graphical workspace.
- Support for real and virtual media: Works with both floppy disks and disk images stored on SD2IEC devices.
- Simple interaction: File management becomes easier through menus and window controls, rather than raw BASIC commands.
By blending the visual clarity of a graphical interface with the power of the underlying Kernal, GUI64 makes managing software libraries more practical on real Commodore hardware.
What’s Coming in Version 2.0
Development is ongoing, and version 2.0 promises significant improvements. Currently listed as a work in progress, the next release will feature:
- Full file viewer: A “View” option in the File menu will allow inspection of files in both text and hex mode.
- File copying support: Users will be able to copy files between SD2IEC directories, with possible support for copying between disks in the same drive using disk swap.
These features push GUI64 closer to being a true graphical workbench for Commodore 64 users.
Looking Beyond 2.0
The future plans for GUI64 extend beyond simple browsing and copying. Several enhancements are under consideration:
- Real-time clock support: Integration with Ultimate 64 and SD2IEC devices equipped with clocks, allowing time stamps to sync with real-world data.
- Application programming interface (API): Developers will be able to create their own applications to run under GUI64, transforming it from a utility into a customizable platform.
These developments show that GUI64 is not only about streamlining file management but also about creating an extensible environment for the C64 community.
Why GUI64 Matters
The Commodore 64 is known for its text-based environment, with users traditionally relying on BASIC commands or fast loaders to navigate files. The GUI64 interface update changes this by offering a layer of visual interaction.
For newcomers, it reduces the friction of handling disks and directories. For veterans, it provides a cleaner way to manage large collections of software, especially on SD2IEC devices where thousands of files might be stored.
Instead of typing LOAD”$”,8 and scrolling through directory listings, users can now open a window, click through folders, and directly manage files. This makes everyday tasks faster without abandoning the authenticity of the original Kernal.
GUI64’s Role in the Retro Scene
GUI64 fits into a growing movement of projects that expand what the C64 can do while respecting its original hardware. Unlike emulators or entirely new operating systems, GUI64 preserves compatibility while adding convenience. It demonstrates how the C64 can still benefit from modern design ideas, even forty years after its release.
The GUI64 interface update shows that the system can be both practical and forward-looking, giving hobbyists new tools for handling programs, demos, and personal projects.
Looking Ahead
As version 2.0 approaches and future plans unfold, GUI64 is carving out a place as a serious utility for Commodore 64 enthusiasts. Its window-based design, real-time clock support, and API potential suggest that this project could grow into a versatile environment where the C64 remains both functional and enjoyable to use in everyday retro computing.
For those managing software libraries or experimenting with modern peripherals like SD2IEC and Ultimate 64, GUI64 v1.9 is already a strong step forward. With its planned improvements, the project is shaping up to be a key part of the C64 toolkit.
