Commander X16

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Commander X16
Commander X16 in official case with keyboard, mouse and SNES controller
TypePersonal computer
Operating systemCustom version of KERNAL
CPUWDC 65C02
Memory512 KB or 2 MB banked RAM
512 KB ROM
(Up to 3.5 MB of RAM/ROM)
DisplayUp to 640×480 resolution; 256 colors from 4096-color palette; 128 sprites VGA, NTSC and RGB output
GraphicsVERA video controller
SoundYamaha YM2151/YM2164: 8 channels FM synthesis

VERA PSG: 16 channels, 4 waveforms

VERA PCM: 48 kHz, 16-bit stereo
Websitecommanderx16.com

The Commander X16 is an 8-bit home computer introduced in 2022. Initially conceptualized by David Murray as his "dream computer", the project was developed by a small team aiming to deliver a modern yet retro computer kit using off-the-shelf parts and familiar 8-bit architecture.[1] The project gained traction through Murray’s YouTube channel, attracting retrocomputing enthusiasts and developers.[2][3]

History

In 2018, David Murray published a blog post outlining specifications for his ideal 8-bit computer. The proposed system would use a 6502-compatible CPU, static RAM, VGA or HDMI video, and intentionally avoid FPGAs or microcontrollers.[4]

The Commander X16 project formally began with a series of YouTube videos detailing its development.[5] Community engagement influenced its hardware and software design, with notable contributors such as Christian Simpson (Retro Recipes) and Kevin Williams (TexElec) joining the project.[1][6]

Design

Developer Edition board with VERA module

The system is based around the WDC 65C02 running at 8 MHz. Most components are off-the-shelf, including 512 KB RAM chips and an SD card slot for storage. The team designed an FPGA-based daughterboard called the VERA (Versatile Embedded Retro Adapter), which handles both graphics and sound.[7] Sound support is further enhanced by a YM2151 FM chip (or YM2164 in some units, due to part availability).[8][9]

To support the C64-compatible experience, the OS is based on Commodore BASIC and KERNAL. Initially, permission to use Commodore's ROMs from Cloanto was uncertain, but a licensing agreement was reached.[10] Alternatively, users can load an open-source KERNAL from the Mega65 project.

Debut and Release

Commander X16 Gen 1 debuted on October 12, 2022, with the first 100 boards shipped to developers.[11] A pre-order campaign began on October 1, 2023, pricing units at $349.99.[12] David Murray has stated the goal of reducing future generation pricing to under $100.[13]

Hardware

CPU and Memory

The system uses a WDC 65C02 CPU (optionally upgradeable to a 65C816) and includes 512 KB of RAM, expandable to 2 MB. ROM storage is 512 KB. A real-time clock is provided by the MCP7940N chip.[14]

Graphics

The VERA controller provides resolutions up to 640×480 with 256 colors, 128 sprites, two tilemaps, and smooth scrolling.[15] A demo resembling the Second Reality demo showcased the VERA’s 3D capabilities.[16]

Sound

Sound output is provided by the YM2151 or YM2164 chip (8 FM channels) and the VERA’s own PSG and PCM playback engine (16 channels and stereo output).[17]

Software

Operating System

Commander X16 runs a custom OS based on Commodore BASIC and KERNAL. An open-source KERNAL can also be substituted.[18] Emulators for Windows, macOS, Linux, and the browser are available.[19]

BASIC and KERNAL

The built-in BASIC is similar to that of the C64/VIC-20, with expanded commands for graphics and I/O. New keywords follow an extended token system to preserve compatibility.[20]

The KERNAL API preserves C64 and partial C128 compatibility while supporting modern features like timekeeping and expanded graphics.[21]

Binary Compatibility and Assembly

Binary programs typically require recompilation due to different addressing and hardware architecture.[22] A machine language monitor based on the Final Cartridge III is included in ROM.[23]

Community Software

The Commander X16 community has produced both original software and demakes of classic titles. Notable examples include Planet X16 (a remake of Planet X3), Attack of the PETSCII Robots, and Xixit. There are also remakes of Super Mario, Arkanoid, Space Invaders, and Mega Man, as well as new applications like the Chinese word processor Living Type.[24][25][26]

See also

Mega65

Arduboy

Telmac 1800

Homebrew Computer Club

Fantasy console

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Commander X16 Community FAQ, accessed May 4, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Commander X16: A Dreamy 8-Bit Computer Comes Closer to Reality". Hackaday. August 19, 2021.
  3. ↑ The Commander X16 Is a Brand-New Computer Built From 1980s Technology. April 9, 2024 – via IGN.
  4. ↑ Guy, The 8-Bit (April 12, 2018). "What is my dream computer?".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ↑ Building My Dream Computer - Part 1. February 19, 2019.
  6. ↑ "FAQ – Perifractic".
  7. ↑ "Commodore 64 Upgrade In Modern Package". May 23, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Yamaha YM2164 OPP".
  9. ↑ "Jaroslav Sýkora Builds a Modern Equivalent to Yamaha's Classic YM2151".
  10. ↑ "x16-rom LICENSE – GitHub".
  11. ↑ The Commander X16 Has Finally Arrived!. October 11, 2022.
  12. ↑ Williams, Kevin (October 1, 2023). "Pre-Order the Commander X16 Developer Edition Now!".
  13. ↑ Commander X16 2023 Update.
  14. ↑ "X16 Reference – 65C02 Processor".
  15. ↑ "VERA Programmer's Reference".
  16. ↑ Second Reality Demo for Commander X16.
  17. ↑ "X16 Community FAQ – GitHub".
  18. ↑ https://github.com/X16Community/x16-rom/blob/master/LICENSE.md. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  19. ↑ "X16 Emulator Repository – GitHub".
  20. ↑ "X16 BASIC Reference".
  21. ↑ https://github.com/X16Community/x16-docs/blob/master/X16%20Reference%20-%2005%20-%20KERNAL.md. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  22. ↑ https://github.com/X16Community/x16-docs/blob/master/X16%20Reference%20-%2001%20-%20Overview.md. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  23. ↑ https://github.com/commanderx16/x16-docs/blob/master/Commander%20X16%20Programmer's%20Reference%20Guide.md#machine-language-monitor. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  24. ↑ "Downloads – Commander X16".
  25. ↑ "Planet X16 Is Here!".
  26. ↑ "Xixit – Commander X16".

External links

Commander X16 Forum

X16 Documentation – GitHub

TexElec product page

Commander X16 YouTube Playlist

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