The release of VirtualC64 5.1 brings exciting enhancements to the already robust Commodore 64 emulator for macOS. This latest update significantly improves REU (RAM Expansion Unit) support while addressing several minor bugs, ensuring a smoother and more accurate emulation experience.
VirtualC64 transforms your Mac into a functional Commodore 64, faithfully replicating both PAL and NTSC systems. With cycle-accurate emulation, it captures the nuances of the original hardware—a feature highly valued by retro computing enthusiasts. For PAL systems, in particular, the emulator delivers remarkable precision, making it ideal for running demos, games, and software that demand exact timing.
One of the standout features of VirtualC64 is its compatibility with WebAssembly. This allows the core emulator to run directly in a web browser, eliminating the need for installation. Simply launch it online and start exploring your favorite Commodore 64 titles with just a few clicks. This innovation makes the emulator more accessible than ever, whether you’re revisiting classics or sharing retro experiences with new users.
A Brief History
VirtualC64’s journey began as a teaching tool for computer engineering courses, providing a virtual CPU environment for students to learn assembly programming and hardware fundamentals. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged emulator with an unwavering focus on accuracy. Today, it serves as a versatile platform for retro computing enthusiasts and educators alike.
Getting Started
When you launch VirtualC64 for the first time, you’ll be prompted to load four essential ROM images via drag-and-drop. These ROMs—the Kernal, Basic, Character, and C1541 images—are not included due to their uncertain copyright status. However, if you’ve used other emulators like VICE, you can reuse their ROM images.
Alternatively, VirtualC64 supports free ROM replacements from the Mega65 project. These replacements are bundled with the emulator and can be installed with a single click in the ROM configuration panel, providing a straightforward solution for users without access to the original Commodore ROMs.
Joystick and Controller Support
VirtualC64 offers flexible joystick emulation. You can either map the joystick to your keyboard or connect a USB joystick for a more authentic experience. While the Speedlink Competition Pro USB joystick is the recommended choice, the emulator also supports modern controllers like the Sony DualShock 4. Additionally, the RetroFun! USB adapter enables users to connect original Commodore joysticks, bridging the gap between vintage hardware and modern technology.
Comprehensive Media Format Support
VirtualC64 supports a wide array of media formats, making it compatible with virtually all Commodore 64 software. Disks can be loaded as D64, T64, PRG, P00, or G64 files. Tape-based software in TAP format and cartridge-based software in CRT format are also fully supported. Whether you’re booting up a classic game or exploring old programming projects, VirtualC64 ensures seamless compatibility.
Open-Source Flexibility
VirtualC64 is open-source software, distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). Recently, the emulator’s CPU core—known as the Peddle project—was re-licensed under the more permissive MIT license. This change encourages broader adoption and integration into other projects while fostering a collaborative development environment.
