POKE64

POKE64 is a native Commodore 64 emulator for iPad, built on the VICE x64sc family. It provides a workspace for disks, tapes, cartridges, programs, drives, expansions, and peripherals. Its media library organizes items with artwork and per-title profiles, and supports media inspection. Supported formats include D64, D71, D81, G64, PRG, CRT, TAP, and T64. Disk access can use fast Virtual Device Traps or full True Drive emulation, with multiple IEC drive units, including units 8 through 11 in the current development line. It emulates C64 and C64C systems in PAL and NTSC modes, supports REU configurations up to 16 MB, and offers several audio engine choices where available in the bundled core. Input options include an on-screen keyboard, controllers, virtual Paddles, KoalaPad, Apple Pencil, and Commodore 1351 mouse support. POKE64 is free and open source, and is identified as a TestFlight beta, with App Store availability coming soon. It does not bundle Commodore ROMs, proprietary peripheral firmware, or commercial software images.

POKE64 brings emulated media, drives, expansions, and varied input options together in an iPad C64 workspace. Its beta status and requirement to supply software images are important considerations.

POKE64 is designed for people who want a touch-oriented iPad workspace for C64 emulation, media, drives, and hardware expansions. Users must supply ROMs and software images themselves where legally permitted.

POKE64 is a native Commodore 64 emulator for iPad, built around the VICE x64sc family. It suits people who want an iPad workspace for disks, drives, expansions, and peripherals—not just a way to launch games. Its breadth is appealing, but it remains a TestFlight beta and expects users to supply their own software images and ROMs.

Overview

POKE64 aims to bring the C64’s surrounding hardware into the emulation experience. It supports C64 and C64C configurations in PAL and NTSC, with a media library for disks, tapes, cartridges, and programs. Artwork, per-title profiles, and media inspection make that library more useful for organizing a collection than a bare file picker would be.

This breadth also raises the bar for setup. POKE64 does not bundle Commodore ROMs, proprietary peripheral firmware, or commercial software images, so users must obtain what they need where legally permitted. There is no bundled software library and no netplay support.

Key features

Disk handling is a central strength. Users can choose fast Virtual Device Traps for quicker access or True Drive emulation when drive behavior matters more. Multiple IEC drive units, including 8 through 11 in the current development line, and support for D64, D71, D81, and G64 images—including extended-track and raw-GCR recognition—make the app a strong fit for users with varied disk collections. It also supports PRG, CRT, TAP, and T64 files.

Expansion support extends to REU configurations up to 16 MB. Audio engine choices include ReSID, ReSID-FP, and FastSID where available in the bundled core. Those options give users more room to match a setup to particular software, though the available choices depend on the core included with the app.

Input options include an on-screen keyboard, joystick and keyboard input, modern controllers, virtual Paddles, KoalaPad, Apple Pencil, and the Commodore 1351 mouse. An IEC printer and virtual modem add peripheral workflows beyond gaming. The modem can send data to a remote destination chosen by the user, so network activity depends on that destination and may be subject to its privacy practices.

Imported files stay in app-local storage or in locations selected through Apple system interfaces; emulation does not require uploading them to a developer-operated server. Apple handles payment details for in-app purchases, while POKE64 receives purchase information needed to determine entitlement status.

Pricing

POKE64 is free and open source. There are no paid plans or published plan limits to weigh, but users still need to supply compatible ROMs, firmware, and software images themselves. During beta, GitHub Issues is the preferred channel for technical and reproducible bug reports.

Platforms

POKE64 is designed for iPadOS. It is currently offered as a TestFlight beta, with App Store availability described as coming soon. Public source code, release notes, and unsigned sideloading builds are available in the project repository; the public source snapshot may trail the private beta.

Who it's for

Choose POKE64 if you want a touch-oriented iPad environment for managing C64 media and configuring drives, memory expansions, and input devices. It is less suitable if you want an emulator that includes a ready-to-play software library, a stable App Store release today, or online multiplayer.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Broad media and drive support: Multiple IEC units, four disk-image formats, and both fast and True Drive modes suit collections that need more than basic disk loading.
• More than a game launcher: REU configurations, audio engine choices, printer and modem workflows, and varied control devices make it relevant to users recreating a fuller C64 setup.
• Local file handling: Emulation does not depend on uploading imported files to a developer-operated server.

Cons

• Beta availability: TestFlight status may put off users who want an App Store release, and the public source snapshot may not match the private beta.
• Bring your own software: ROMs, proprietary firmware, and commercial images are not bundled, so setup depends on sourcing those files legally.
• No netplay: Users looking for online multiplayer should choose another option.

Alternatives

Browse Commodore 64 Emulators for more options. VICE is a free choice for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows users who do not need an iPad-focused app. C64.emu is an Android alternative priced at $3.99, paid once; it is open source and based on VICE 3.1.

Atari 5200DS is another free emulator option. C64 Forever offers a free Windows edition. VirtualC64 is a free, open-source option for macOS and the web. BMC64 is a free self-hosted choice for supported Raspberry Pi models, with ROM files supplied separately. Breadbin466 is a free MIT-licensed emulator for Linux, macOS, and Windows; its license does not cover Commodore ROM images. Buddi is budgeting software, not a C64 emulator.

Verdict

POKE64 is best for C64 enthusiasts who want to manage media and configure drives, expansions, and peripherals on an iPad. Its combination of emulation and hardware options is the main reason to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need a finished App Store release, bundled software, or netplay; the beta and bring-your-own-files requirements are meaningful tradeoffs.