TRX64 vs VirtualC64
TRX64
github.comVirtualC64
dirkwhoffmann.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | TRX64 | VirtualC64 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Commodore 64 Emulators | 8.4 (#2) | 7.9 (#9) |
| Documentation | The repository includes a README, a 228-line monitor reference and a separate CLI README. | The official documentation describes the public API for developers incorporating the emulation core into their own projects. |
| License | The project is licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later. | VirtualC64 is open-source under the GNU General Public License, and its CPU core is under the MIT license. |
| Purpose | TRX64 is a cycle-accurate Commodore 64, 1541, and 1581 emulation runtime written in Rust. | VirtualC64 turns an Apple Macintosh into a Commodore 64 emulator. |
| ROM requirement | C64 ROMs are not included and must be supplied in ~/.trx64/roms or selected with --rom-dir; the 1581 DOS ROM is also not included. | On first launch, users are prompted to add four ROM images because they are not pre-installed due to unclear copyright status. |
| Support | The maker directs users to GitHub issues and says they cannot provide real support. | The official site links to GitHub Issues and Discussions for the project. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
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.