jsc64 vs VirtualC64
jsc64
github.comVirtualC64
dirkwhoffmann.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | jsc64 | VirtualC64 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Commodore 64 Emulators | 6.9 (#22) | 7.9 (#9) |
| License | The project is free software under GNU General Public License version 2. | VirtualC64 is open-source under the GNU General Public License, and its CPU core is under the MIT license. |
| Maker | The project README names Tim de Koning as its author; his GitHub profile lists Kingsquare and the Netherlands. | The site's imprint identifies Prof. Dr. Dirk W. Hoffmann at Hochschule Karlsruhe in Karlsruhe, Germany. |
| Origin | The project is a port of FC64, a Commodore 64 emulator written in ActionScript by Darron Schall and Claus Wahlers. | VirtualC64 began as a virtual CPU environment intended for computer-engineering courses and evolved into a full emulator. |
| Purpose | jsc64 is a Commodore 64 emulator written in JavaScript by Tim de Koning. | VirtualC64 turns an Apple Macintosh into a Commodore 64 emulator. |
| Support | The maker invites users to submit updates, improvements, and bug fixes through GitHub. | The official site links to GitHub Issues and Discussions for the project. |
Plans
In their own words
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.