# c64-kitty

**Repository Path**: mirrors_antirez/c64-kitty

## Basic Information

- **Project Name**: c64-kitty
- **Description**: c64-kitty
- **Primary Language**: Unknown
- **License**: BSD-2-Clause
- **Default Branch**: main
- **Homepage**: None
- **GVP Project**: No

## Statistics

- **Stars**: 0
- **Forks**: 0
- **Created**: 2025-04-30
- **Last Updated**: 2026-02-28

## Categories & Tags

**Categories**: Uncategorized

**Tags**: None

## README

This is a port of the C64 emulator by Andre Weissflog [here](https://github.com/floooh/chips) that runs directly inside the terminal, using the Kitty termial graphics protocol, supported by the [Ghostty](https://ghostty.org/) and the [Kitty](https://sw.kovidgoyal.net/kitty/) terminals (but, due to incompatibilities between the two, make sure to read more here and use the right switch).

The code is licensed under the BSD license.

![](blink.gif)

**This is just an example** with many limitations:

* The keys mapping is totally not implemented. Key strokes are sent to the emualtor like they are received, without the required translations. Use uppercase letters to write to teh BASIC interpreter.
* No sound.

## Building

If you want to compile without audio support, use:

    make

If you are in MacOS, use the following to use the low level C Audio API provided by the operating system. No additional libraries needed.

    make macos

On Linux and other systems with ALSA audio, use:

    make  linux-alsa

On Linux, to use `pulseaudio`, via the `pulseaudio-dev` library, use:

    make linux-pulseaudio

pulseaudio interface is very common on Linux and also work for newer distributions with PipeWire.

## Ghostty vs Kitty mode

Ghostty and Kitty support different parts of the protocol, and the support is not compatible in all the cases, especially since we need to refresh the same frame again and again. Long story short: I tried to talk with both the authors but right now the differences are hard to reconcile: Ghostty allows to update the screen in a very simple/brutal way that I like, it's a bit simpler than Kitty. Kitty supports the full animation protocol, that can be used to reach the same effect. In the future, Ghostty will likely support the animation protocol and I can drop double support, but, for now, use one of the following depending on your terminal:

    ./c64-kitty --ghostty (the default)
    ./c64-kitty --kitty

## Loading PRG / BIN files

You can load PRG programs passing them as first argument. They will be loaded in RAM after 4 seconds, then you should issue `RUN` or the `SYS` call with the right address (displayed by the emulator upon loading) in order to run the program.

For instance, try this:

    ./c64-kitty a_mind_is_born.prng

The *unbelievable* [demo by Linus Åkesson](https://linusakesson.net/scene/a-mind-is-born/), released under the license Creative Commons BY-NC-SA, so I hope it is fine to include it here since this is open source code (Otherwise, please, Linus, tell me!).

It is highly recommended to run the demo with audio on (on Mac and Linux).
Unfortunately another incredible demo by Linus, Nine, is still not compatible with this emulator.

## Other useful options

**--zoom**

Changes the number of characters used to render the C64 screen.
For example, to double the x/y size (four times the surface) use:

        --zoom 2

You can use any number from 0.25 to 10.

## Credits

* C64 chips implementations by Andre Weissflog.
* Emulation glue code, emulator modifications, Kitty support, MacOS audio, all the stuff that are specific of this emulator: Salvatore Sanfilippo
* Linux ALSA audio support by Pasquale 'sid' Fiorillo.
* Linux Pulse audio support by Luca Di Maio.