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VirtualC64 v6.0b1, a Commodore 64 emulator for Mac OS X by Dirk W. Hoffmann, introduces significant updates after initially planning gradual version releases. This version features “workspaces,” bundles containing ROMs, media files, and configuration scripts that automatically load, enhancing usability. Settings have been unified for easier management, and RetroShell has been upgraded for improved command parsing. The adaptive sample rate reduces audio delay, while GamePad database integration enhances controller compatibility. Redesigned toolbars improve macOS Tahoe compatibility, although Tahoe remains unsupported. Snapshots are still available, but workspaces offer better stability across updates.
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VirtualC64 v6.0b1 has been released. VirtualC64 is a C64 emulator designed for Mac OS X by Dirk W. Hoffmann. This application emulates a Commodore 64 personal computer on your Macintosh.
VirtualC64 Changelog:
Initially, I intended to release VirtualC64 versions 5.4, 5.5, and so forth, slowly incorporating the latest code updates from vAmiga bit by bit. However, I have revised my approach and recently transitioned nearly all of vAmiga’s new features in one go. Given the extent of these updates, I chose to increase the version number to 6.0, particularly because this release introduces workspaces as the new document format for the emulator. Main Improvements:
Workspaces
A workspace is a package that contains ROMs, media files, and configuration scripts. When a workspace is loaded, the ROMs are automatically set up, disks and cartridges are mounted, and the configuration script runs before the emulator restarts. Essentially, it represents a fully functional environment that restores itself automatically.
Since the configuration script syntax is relatively stable, workspaces mitigate the compatibility challenges of snapshots, whose formats frequently change between versions, rendering older snapshots unusable after updates. Nevertheless, snapshots are still available and can be saved and loaded from the File menu.
Unified Settings
Previously, settings were divided into Preferences (shared among emulator instances) and Virtual Machine Configurations (unique to each instance). In version 6.0, all settings have been consolidated into a single settings dialog, simplifying configuration management.
Enhanced RetroShell
The RetroShell parser has been upgraded to the latest version from vAmiga, providing more adaptable command parsing and supporting more complex syntax variations. Please note that some command syntaxes have changed, so older configuration scripts might not be fully compatible.
Adaptive Sample Rate (ASR)
VirtualC64 6.0 features enhanced sample rate adjustment, significantly decreasing buffer underflows and overflows. This adjustment resulted in a smaller audio buffer, which in turn reduces the delay between video and audio output.
GamePad Database
Version 6.0 now utilizes the SDL GamePad database for recognizing connected controllers. This feature, adapted from vAmiga, enhances overall gamepad compatibility and support.
Redesigned Toolbars
All window toolbars are now manually created to enhance compatibility with macOS Tahoe. However, Tahoe is not officially supported, as I prefer not to dedicate time to resolving issues on what I still regard as one of Apple’s major miscalculations.
