C64 Forever vs TRX64
C64 Forever
c64forever.comTRX64
github.comSide by side
| Figure | C64 Forever | TRX64 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 2 |
| Spec score · Commodore 64 Emulators | 8.2 (#5) | 8.4 (#2) |
| Integrations | The feature list names clipboard integration, Windows File Explorer and Search integration, and a Now Playing interface that can integrate with social networks such as Discord. | TRX64 is described as the runtime backend for C64RE and the C64U / UE2 Emulator, and it offers a typed UniFFI library with Swift bindings. |
| Purpose | C64 Forever is an official CBM 8-bit preservation, emulation, and support package. | TRX64 is a cycle-accurate Commodore 64, 1541, and 1581 emulation runtime written in Rust. |
| Support | Cloanto says it maintains and supports the product, and directs technical support requests to the product FAQ, troubleshooting, support, and contact sections. | The maker directs users to GitHub issues and says they cannot provide real support. |
Plans
C64 Forever
- Free Express EditionFree
- Downloadable Plus Edition Upgrade$9.95, paid once
- Downloadable Plus Edition$19.95, paid once
- Boxed Plus Edition Upgrade (Includes Download)$24.95, paid once
- Boxed Plus Edition (Includes Download)$39.95, paid once
In their own words
C64 Forever
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.
TRX64
TRX64 is a free, open-source Rust runtime for cycle-accurate emulation of the Commodore 64, 1541, and 1581. Its reverse-engineering tools include rewind, byte-exact reverse stepping, write tracking, observers, traces, marks, and sandboxes. A daemon exposes JSON-RPC 2.0 over WebSocket, with project capabilities available through JSON-RPC methods. Users can work with trx64cli, a terminal cockpit with an optional native emulator window, or C64RE, a browser-based reverse-engineering workbench. The daemon supports c64, u64, and 128 machine selections, with PAL and NTSC C64 models documented. Media and hardware support includes D64/G64 disks in 1541 drives, D81 disks in 1581 drives, cartridge types, REU, GeoRAM, and the Ultimate Command Interface. It also supports machine snapshots, reverse-debug buffers, trace logs, and VICE .vsf snapshot conversion. Releases are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with builds for x86_64 and arm64 where listed. C64 ROMs, including the 1581 DOS ROM, are not included and must be supplied separately.