BMC64

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.6 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Raspberry Pi retro-computing setups
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Supported platforms
  Raspberry Pi Zero, Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, Raspberry Pi 2, Raspberry Pi 3
• Facts checked
  21 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Smooth 50/60 Hz timing with low-latency input and synchronized audio/video
  • GPIO, USB, SD-card and USB-drive support suit physical retro setups
  • Also supports VIC-20, C128, Plus/4 and PET machine configurations

• Where it doesn't

  • Support is limited to Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero 2W, Pi 2 and Pi 3
  • Required ROM files must be supplied separately
  • Hardware-specific design is less suited to conventional desktop use

Our verdict on BMC64

BMC64 is an open-source, bare-metal Commodore 64 emulator for Raspberry Pi hardware. It runs directly without a Linux distribution and is aimed at retro-computing setups that use physical controls, original-style displays or compact dedicated systems. Alongside C64 PAL and NTSC configurations, it provides additional VIC-20, Commodore 128, Plus/4 and PET machine configurations. Its supported Raspberry Pi models are Zero, Zero 2W, Pi 2 and Pi 3, making hardware selection an important part of the buying decision.

The strongest case for BMC64 is its focus on timing and physical interaction. The published feature set includes 50/60 Hz video timing, smooth scrolling, low-latency input, and audio/video synchronization. USB plug-and-play devices can be used alongside GPIO-connected real keyboards, joysticks and controls. Storage support covers SD cards and USB drives for disks, tapes and cartridges, with listed formats including .D1M, .D2M, .D4M, .DHD, .D64 and .PRG. Optional CRT shaders and integer scaling support a more period-oriented display setup, while Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking add connectivity.

BMC64 also includes a web UI for configuration, which gives the hardware-focused project a more accessible control layer. Its open-source model and free plan suit builders who want a dedicated Raspberry Pi appliance rather than a general-purpose desktop application. However, the platform choice is narrow: users need one of the supported Raspberry Pi models, and required ROM files must be supplied separately. Choose BMC64 for a Raspberry Pi-based C64 installation with GPIO, storage and display-control options. Choose another emulator when broad desktop platform support is the priority.

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BMC64 pricing

BMC64 fact sheet

Alternatives to BMC64

• VICEFree, open-source C64 emulation with cycle accuracy, debugging, media support and network play.9.4
• BBreadbin466A free, open-source C64 emulator built for accurate hardware behavior and debugging.9.0
• C64 ForeverA Windows-focused C64 package with bundled titles, broad emulation, and preservation tools.8.8

See all BMC64 alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

BMC64 is listed in our Commodore 64 Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update