emudore
github.com
What it is
emudore is a Commodore 64 emulator for Linux, Windows, macOS, and browsers. Written in C++11 with SDL2, it can load PRG files and enter BASIC listings; its BASIC ROM runs, and most simple programs work without issues. Browser demos include one that starts in CBM BASIC and another that loads a Monopole PRG. Its VIC-II graphics support covers four of the five official modes, plus smooth scrolling, sprites, raster interrupts, and badlines. Screen refresh synchronizes to approximately 50 Hz for PAL. Debug builds on Linux and macOS can use radare2 to read and modify emulator memory. The project is free and open source under Apache 2.0. Some compatibility limits are explicit: special keys are unavailable for BASIC listings, undocumented MOS 6510 opcodes are unsupported, and incomplete hardware emulation and non-pixel-exact visuals can affect advanced games and demos. SID sound and VIC-1541 floppy drive support are among the maker’s stated future aims.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- emudore is a Commodore 64 emulator written from scratch using C++11 and SDL2.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The project is licensed under Apache 2.0.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Basic programs
- The BASIC ROM runs and most simple programs run without issues.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Browser builds
- The project links to browser demos that boot into CBM BASIC or load a Monopole PRG, including WebAssembly builds.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Debug integration
- Linux and macOS debug builds support radare2, which can read and modify emulator memory.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Debugger integration
- Debug builds on Linux and OSX support radare2 for reading and modifying memory.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Emulation limitations
- Undocumented MOS 6510 opcodes are not supported, and some advanced games may not work because hardware features are unimplemented.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Graphics
- Four of the five official VIC-II graphics modes are supported, along with smooth scrolling, sprites, raster interrupts, and badline emulation.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Intended audience
- The maker says the project was written to learn about computer architecture, graphics, and C++ while having fun.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Known limitations
- The README says illegal opcodes are unsupported and advanced games or demos may fail because hardware features are incomplete and emulation is not pixel-exact.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Planned capabilities
- The README lists SID sound and VIC-1541 floppy drive support as features the author would like to work on.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Platform support
- The project says it builds and runs on Linux, Windows, OSX, and in a browser; it may also work on SDL2-supported platforms with a C++11 compiler.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- PRG and BASIC files
- emudore can load PRG files and type BASIC listings, though special keys are not supported for BASIC listings.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Program loading
- It can load PRG files and type BASIC listings, though special keys are not supported yet.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Sound and disk support
- The maker lists SID sound and VIC-1541 floppy drive support as features they would like to work on later.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Supported systems
- The README says it builds and runs on Linux, Windows with Visual Studio, macOS, and in a browser.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Timing
- The emulator synchronizes its screen refresh to approximately 50 Hz (PAL) using vertical refresh synchronization.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Video features
- The VIC-II implementation supports four of five official graphics modes, plus smooth scrolling, sprites, raster interrupts, and badlines.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Visual accuracy
- The README cautions that emulation is not pixel-exact and some graphics effects, especially in demos, may be emulated poorly.Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, and in browsers
- Loads PRG files and BASIC listings
- Supports four VIC-II graphics modes
- Free and open source under Apache 2.0
Limits
- Special keys are unsupported for BASIC listings
- Undocumented MOS 6510 opcodes are unsupported
- Some advanced games and demos may fail
- Emulation is not pixel-exact
Who it suits
It suits people exploring C64 software, especially simple BASIC programs and PRG files, across desktop systems or a browser. Its stated learning aim also makes it relevant to people interested in computer architecture, graphics, and C++.
Verdict
emudore covers basic C64 program use and several core graphics features across desktop and browser platforms. Its stated opcode, hardware, and visual limitations are important for anyone expecting advanced games or demos to work.
Where Specifiction places it
- Commodore 64 Emulators#14 of 317.4