Commander X16
 | |
 Commander X16 in official case with keyboard, mouse and SNES controller | |
| Developer | David Murray (The 8-Bit Guy) and team |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | TexElec (Gen 1) |
| Type | Home computer |
| Operating system | Custom OS based on Commodore KERNAL and BASIC |
| CPU | WDC 65C02, 8 MHz |
| Memory | 512 KB or 2 MB banked RAM 512 KB ROM (up to 3.5 MB RAM/ROM combined) |
| Storage | SD card |
| Display | Up to 640×480; 256 colors from 4096; 128 sprites; VGA/NTSC/RGB |
| Graphics | VERA video controller |
| Sound | Yamaha YM2151 / YM2164: 8 channels, FM synthesis VERA PSG: 16 channels, 4 waveforms VERA PCM: 48 kHz, 16-bit stereo |
| Backward compatibility | Partial compatibility with Commodore BASIC |
| Website | commanderx16.com |
The Commander X16 is a modern 8-bit home computer designed by David Murray, also known as The 8-Bit Guy, in collaboration with a small team of hardware and software developers. It was conceived as a "dream computer" that could replicate the experience of 1980s home computers while using mostly commercial off-the-shelf components.
The Commander X16 gained popularity through Murray’s YouTube channel and attracted a community of retrocomputing enthusiasts and independent developers. The system features a physical design reminiscent of classic microcomputers, custom video and sound hardware, and support for Commodore BASIC.
History
In April 2018, David Murray published a blog post titled "What is my dream computer?" describing his vision of an ideal 8-bit computer: a system running Commodore BASIC, with no FPGAs or microcontrollers, and using widely available parts such as the WDC 65C02 CPU.[1]
Murray began a video series in 2019 to document the design and development of the Commander X16.[2] The series sparked widespread interest, leading to the involvement of contributors from the retrocomputing community, including Christian Simpson of Retro Recipes and Kevin Williams of TexElec.[3][4]
Design
The X16 was designed using modern components wherever possible. It uses a WDC 65C02 CPU running at 8 MHz and a custom FPGA-based video and sound chip known as VERA (Versatile Embedded Retro Adapter). The VERA module enables high-resolution graphics and rich audio synthesis, with additional sound generated by a Yamaha YM2151 or YM2164 chip.
To maintain the philosophy of "booting to BASIC," the operating system is based on Commodore KERNAL and Microsoft BASIC. Licensing for these ROMs was acquired from Cloanto, allowing proprietary ROMs to be included with the system.[5]
Launch and Availability
The Commander X16 Gen 1 debuted on October 12, 2022, with the first 100 PCBs produced for early development boards.[6] Early units were sold through TexElec at a price of $500, with future models planned to be more affordable.[7]
As of late 2023, pre-orders for Gen 1 were priced at $349.99.[8]
Hardware
The X16 is built around the W65C02 processor with 512 KB or 2 MB of banked RAM, an SD card slot for storage, and a real-time clock. The VERA module provides graphical output and PSG sound. Video capabilities include resolutions up to 640×480 and 128 hardware sprites. Audio features include FM synthesis (YM2151/YM2164) and 16-channel PSG.
The motherboard uses the MicroATX form factor with DIP socketed chips and no soldered components, enabling repairs and upgrades.
Software
The Commander X16's firmware includes a modernized version of Commodore BASIC V2 with extended commands for graphics, I/O, and memory. It also includes an enhanced KERNAL compatible with both Commodore 64 and 128 APIs. The onboard ROM totals 32 KB, and the OS supports expansion via SD card and software loading.
A built-in machine language monitor, modeled after the Final Cartridge III, supports low-level development. The system is supported by emulators for Windows, macOS, Linux, and web platforms.[9]
Community Software
The X16 community has developed a variety of software including ports and remakes of games such as Super Mario, Space Invaders, and Mega Man, as well as original titles like Planet X16 and 8-Bit Blocks—a demake of Minecraft.[10][11]
See also
- Mega65 – modern remake of Commodore 65
- Fantasy console
- Homebrew Computer Club
- Arduboy
- Telmac 1800
References
- ↑ Guy, The 8-Bit (April 12, 2018). "What is my dream computer?". Retrieved May 6, 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ Building my dream computer – Part 1. February 19, 2019 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "Commander X16 Community FAQ". Retrieved May 4, 2024.
- ↑ "Speakers 2023". Retrieved May 5, 2024.
- ↑ Building my dream computer – Part 1. February 19, 2019 – via YouTube.
- ↑ The Commander X16 has finally arrived!. October 11, 2022 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Commander X16 2023 update – via YouTube.
- ↑ Williams, Kevin (October 1, 2023). "Pre-Order the Commander X16 Developer Edition now!". Retrieved April 30, 2024.
- ↑ "Commander X16 Emulator". Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ↑ "Commander X16 Software Downloads". Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ↑ Guy, The 8-Bit (December 9, 2023). "Planet X16 Is Here!". Retrieved June 2, 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)