C64 by ChronoCoders vs VirtualC64
C64 by ChronoCoders
github.comVirtualC64
dirkwhoffmann.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | C64 by ChronoCoders | VirtualC64 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Commodore 64 Emulators | 7.6 (#10) | 7.9 (#9) |
| License | The repository source code is available under the MIT License, which grants use without charge and disclaims warranties. | VirtualC64 is open-source under the GNU General Public License, and its CPU core is under the MIT license. |
| Maker | The maker profile identifies Altug Tatlisu and lists New York, US as the location. | The site's imprint identifies Prof. Dr. Dirk W. Hoffmann at Hochschule Karlsruhe in Karlsruhe, Germany. |
| Purpose | C64 is a cycle-accurate Commodore 64 and 1541 disk-drive emulator written from scratch in C11. | VirtualC64 turns an Apple Macintosh into a Commodore 64 emulator. |
| ROM requirement | Copyrighted C64 and 1541 ROM images are not included, so users must supply their own legally obtained copies. | On first launch, users are prompted to add four ROM images because they are not pre-installed due to unclear copyright status. |
Plans
In their own words
C64 by ChronoCoders
C64 by ChronoCoders has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
VirtualC64
VirtualC64 turns an Apple Macintosh into a Commodore 64 emulator, supporting PAL and NTSC systems with emphasis on PAL accuracy and cycle-accurate emulation. It includes a built-in debugger and supports the PAL C64, NTSC C64, C64 II PAL, and C64 II NTSC variants. Media formats include D64, T64, PRG, P00, G64, TAP, and CRT. Joystick input can come from the keyboard or an external USB device; named options include Sony DualShock 4 controllers and the RetroFun! USB adapter for original Commodore joysticks. VirtualC64 is free and open source under the GNU General Public License, while its CPU core uses the MIT license. The core is designed for WebAssembly and can run in a browser, although macOS is the listed supported platform. On first launch, users are prompted to add four ROM images, which are not pre-installed because their copyright status is unclear. Recent versions include free ROM replacements from the Mega65 project, installable through the ROM configuration panel.