C64 Forever vs VICE
C64 Forever
c64forever.comVICE
vice-emu.sourceforge.ioSide by side
| Figure | C64 Forever | VICE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · Commodore 64 Emulators | 8.2 (#5) | 8.2 (#6) |
| Emulated systems | It emulates C64 hardware and additional CBM 8-bit systems including PET, VIC 20, C16, Plus/4, and C128, with legal CBM system ROMs. | The package emulates the C64, C64DTV, C128, VIC20, PET, PLUS4, SCPU64, and CBM-II. |
| 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. | The stable binary monitor interface is used by third-party tools including C64 Studio and debugger projects. |
| Purpose | C64 Forever is an official CBM 8-bit preservation, emulation, and support package. | VICE runs programs intended for classic 8-bit Commodore computers. |
| Support | Cloanto says it maintains and supports the product, and directs technical support requests to the product FAQ, troubleshooting, support, and contact sections. | The project directs bug reports, suggestions, and support requests to its SourceForge trackers or team mailing list, and notes development is done in spare time. |
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.
VICE
VICE runs programs made for classic Commodore 8-bit computers by emulating eight systems: C64, C64DTV, C128, VIC20, PET, PLUS4, SCPU64 and CBM-II. It aims for cycle-accurate operation, with 6502/6510 emulation covering documented and undocumented opcodes and precise timing. For C64 software, its emulators reproduce VIC-II video and SID sound, including synchronization, ring modulation and filters. Disk support covers up to four external drives, using disk images, filesystem directories or compatible real devices; joystick input can come from a keyboard or a host-connected joystick. VICE is available on Android, Linux, macOS and Windows, and is free software under GNU GPL version 2 or later. The download page lists Windows builds and macOS builds for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs; the latter require macOS 12.0 or later. Android binaries are listed separately. The manual warns that six systems—the C64DTV, C128, PET, PLUS4, SCPU64 and CBM-II—remain under construction and may be less capable than the C64 or VIC20 emulators.