POKE64
POKE64: A feature-rich iPad emulator for broad C64 media libraries and virtual peripherals. Ranked #20 of 31 in Commodore 64 Emulators by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Open source; best for iPad users with broad media libraries.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best foriPad users with broad media libraries
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsiPadOS
- Founded2026
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports D64, D71, D81, G64, PRG, CRT, TAP and T64 files
- Includes multiple IEC drives, REU memory up to 16 MB and virtual peripherals
- Offers touch controls, controller support and configurable Metal CRT rendering
Where it doesn't
- Coverage is limited to iPadOS
- Does not include netplay
- Does not bundle a game or software library
Our verdict on POKE64
POKE64 is an open-source Commodore 64 emulator for iPad, built around the VICE x64sc core and libretro. It supports C64 and C64C systems in both PAL and NTSC variants, making it suited to iPad users who already maintain a broad collection of disk, tape, cartridge and program images. Its media library handles D64, D71, D81, G64, PRG, CRT, TAP and T64 files, while touch controls provide an entry point for users without original peripherals.
Its strongest area is emulation depth. POKE64 supports Fast Virtual and True Drive disk emulation, multiple IEC drives from 8 through 11, and REU memory expansion up to 16 MB. The peripheral set includes a touch keyboard, virtual joystick, physical controllers and Commodore 1351 mouse support, along with virtual printer and Hayes modem emulation. Metal CRT rendering adds configurable visual settings for users who want a display closer to the original computer experience. These features give the emulator broader system and media coverage than a minimal file launcher, although netplay is not included.
POKE64 uses an open-source distribution model, with public source code and unsigned sideloading builds. An App Store release is coming soon. The product is focused on iPadOS rather than a wider multi-platform setup, and it does not bundle a software library, so users need to bring their own compatible files. Choose POKE64 if iPad is your target platform and you value detailed drive, memory, peripheral and display emulation. Choose an alternative if you need netplay, a bundled library or coverage beyond iPadOS.
Your product? Our editors can test POKE64 in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
POKE64 pricing
POKE64 fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | iPadOS |
| Disk and tape formats | D64, D71, D81, G64, PRG, CRT, TAP, T64 |
| Built-in debugger | Not verified |
| Netplay support | No |
| Emulated C64 variants | C64 and C64C, PAL and NTSC |
| Bundled software library | No |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | alexain.github.io |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to POKE64
- VICEFree, open-source C64 emulation with cycle accuracy, debugging, media support and network play.9.4
- Breadbin466A 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
Used POKE64? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used POKE64 for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
POKE64 is listed in our Commodore 64 Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/poke64/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/poke64.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update