Z64K
z64k.com
What it is
Z64K emulates the Commodore 128, Commodore 64, Spectrum 48/128K, VIC 20, and Atari 2600, with pixel-exact emulation described by its maker. It runs through Java on Windows, macOS, and Linux and requires JRE 8 or later. Downloads include the main JAR, command-line files, a changelog, and a quick guide. Controls include fullscreen, clipboard text copy and paste, reset, mouse capture, and warp mode. C128 controls include switching display modes and toggling the second display; extended keys and function-key mappings are also described. The built-in debugger and SID Analyzer provide additional tools, with the analyzer offering waveform, envelope, oscillator, and combined display modes. Supported disk and tape formats include D64, D71, G64, G71, IMD, and CRT. The Virtual FS device is experimental, and its scratch command simulates deletion without removing files from the host system. Linux users might need to adjust the JAR's permissions to allow execution. Z64K is free.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Z64K describes itself as providing pixel exact emulation of the Commodore 128, Commodore 64, Spectrum 48/128K, VIC 20, and Atari 2600.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Support
- The homepage invites users to contact the maker with feedback or questions via its contact page.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- C128 controls
- The emulator supports C128-specific keyboard shortcuts, including toggling its second display and switching 40/80 display mode.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- C128 display controls
- For C128, ALT+O toggles VICIIe/VDC output to the main screen and ALT+2 toggles the second display.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- C128 keyboard
- The page describes extended C128 keys, including function key mappings and an option to enable or disable extra keys.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Disk image support
- The changelog documents support for loading and saving G71 images, including saving MFM tracks, and support for loading IMD images.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Download
- The homepage lists Z64K.jar and companion command-line, changelog, and quick-guide files for download.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Emulated systems
- Z64K describes pixel exact emulation of the Commodore 128, Commodore 64, Spectrum 48/128K, VIC 20, and Atari 2600.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Experimental feature
- The changelog describes the Virtual FS device as experimental and still a work in progress.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Keyboard controls
- Listed shortcuts include fullscreen, clipboard text copy and paste, reset, mouse capture, and warp mode.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Linux setup
- Linux users might need to change the Z64K.jar file permissions to allow execution.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Platform compatibility
- The maker says Z64K should run on any platform with an updated Java runtime environment installed.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Recent changelog entry
- The homepage changelog lists a C128 VICIIe IRQ flag fix dated 14 April 2025.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Runtime
- The site says Z64K should run on any platform with an updated Java runtime environment and requires JRE 8 or better.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- SID Analyzer
- The changelog says version 2 added a SID Analyzer with waveform, envelope, oscillator, and combined display modes.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Site updates
- The maker says the changelog includes changes not shown on the homepage.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
- Virtual filesystem limit
- The changelog says the Virtual FS scratch command simulates deletion but does not currently delete files from the host file system.Read 3 Oct 2026 · z64k.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Emulates five listed computer and console systems.
- Includes a built-in debugger and SID Analyzer.
- Supports D64, D71, G64, G71, IMD, and CRT formats.
- Free to use.
Limits
- Requires JRE 8 or better.
- Virtual FS is experimental and still in progress.
- Linux users might need to change JAR permissions.
Who it suits
Z64K suits users seeking to emulate its listed Commodore, Spectrum, VIC 20, and Atari systems on a computer with Java. C128 users can use its dedicated display controls and extended keyboard mappings.
Verdict
Z64K combines broad listed system coverage with debugger, analyzer, and disk-format support. Its Java requirement and experimental Virtual FS behavior are worth noting before use.
Where Specifiction places it
- Commodore 64 Emulators#26 of 316.6