Hobbyists Release C65 Compatible FPGA Design and Emulation Software

Under the name Mega65, a number of hobbyists have released an fpga design and associated software that can be used to build a working Commodore 65-compatible computer. The design includes an ethernet implementation, an sd card reader and hd output.

Commodore worked in the early 1990s on the successor to the extremely successful Commodore 64 home computer. The Commodore 65 had to get a considerably faster processor – a 3.54MHz CSG 65CE02 – as well as a doubling of the working memory to 128KB, while remaining backwards compatible with the Commodore 64. The model ultimately did not come on the market in time and went bankrupt. of Commodore International in 1994 a number of prototypes were sold.

On the basis of the Commodore 65, hobbyists have developed a hardware design with which a Commodore 65 can be rebuilt. The implementation, called Mega65, can be programmed on an fpga. According to the developers, it is a fully functioning 8-bit computer that is up to 50 times faster than the original Commodore 64. The model is said to be compatible with the home computer.

The software of the Mega65 offers support for Ethernet, HD output and SD cards can be read. The working memory can also be expanded. The software and hardware design encourage other hobbyists to build their own Mega65 systems.