POKE64 vs VirtualC64
POKE64
alexain.github.ioVirtualC64
dirkwhoffmann.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | POKE64 | VirtualC64 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Commodore 64 Emulators | 7.1 (#19) | 7.9 (#9) |
| Emulation | POKE64 uses the VICE x64sc family as its C64 emulation foundation. | It emulates both PAL and NTSC, with emphasis on PAL accuracy and cycle-accurate emulation. |
| Media formats | The app supports D64, D71, D81, and G64 media, including extended-track and raw-GCR recognition. | Supported formats include D64, T64, PRG, P00, G64, TAP, and CRT. |
| Privacy | Imported files are stored in app-local storage or locations selected through Apple system interfaces, and the app does not need to upload them to a developer-operated server for emulation. | The maker's privacy notice says the website can be visited without registration and that personal data is collected voluntarily where possible. |
| Purpose | POKE64 is a native Commodore 64 emulator for iPad built on the VICE x64sc core. | VirtualC64 turns an Apple Macintosh into a Commodore 64 emulator. |
| Support | During beta, GitHub Issues is the preferred channel for technical reports and reproducible bug reports. | 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.