C64 Forever vs Power64

C64 Forever is a Windows package for preserving and emulating Commodore 8-bit software. It emulates C64 hardware and systems including PET, VIC-20, C16, Plus/4 and C128, with legal CBM system ROMs. A built-in catalog holds configuration data for more than 5,000 titles and receives online updates through the RetroPlatform Library. The package includes more than 200 games and demoscene productions with permission from their creators. RP9 combines a title into a single file for one-click playback, and the title editor can create or modify self-contained RP9 packages. Input options include USB and Xbox controllers, X-Arcade, I-PAC, customizable keyboard layouts, touchscreen gestures and an onscreen keyboard. The feature list also names clipboard, Windows File Explorer and Search integration. The free Express Edition is feature-limited. The downloadable Plus Edition costs 19.95 USD once and adds features including saved states, simultaneous playback windows and image building. Listed requirements include Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 or Vista, or equivalent Windows Server editions, on x86 or x64 systems.

Power64 emulates the Commodore 64 for running C64 software on an Apple Macintosh. It models the MOS 6510 processor, including illegal opcodes, and provides cycle-precise VIC video features and SID sound with a reSID interface. Drive emulation covers 1541, 1571, and 1581 systems, alongside disk and tape images including D64, X64, G41, D71, D81, T64, TAP, and Lynx. Macintosh access supports C64 and P00 files. Input options include USB or mapped keyboard joysticks, mouse, paddles, and lightpen. Users can mount disks by drag and drop, copy files among disks, tapes, and the Mac hard disk, use the built-in monitor/debugger, and run multiple C64 instances. Version 4.9.5 targets PowerPC and runs on Intel Macs only through Rosetta; it does not work on OS X 10.7. The unregistered version allows ten-minute sessions. Registration costs $32, paid once.