VirtualKim - 6502 Emulator
Coding like it's meant to be.
Free
1.20for iPhone, iPad
Age Rating
VirtualKim - 6502 Emulator Screenshots
About VirtualKim - 6502 Emulator
The 6502 microprocessor changed the world. Released in the 1970’s, it was the reason that home computers were within the reach of many hobbyists. This app re-creates the 6502 CPU and some of the hardware that used it. This isn't a game (although games are included), this is an emulation of the 8-bit processor, complete with an assembler and some programming puzzles to solve.
Start with the most basic user interface you can imagine — 7-segment LEDs and some buttons — to enter, debug and run your applications. Then upgrade to a display and keyboard, and use the built-in monitor program to dump memory, makes edits and execute your code. Can you run BASIC? Maybe. FORTH? Perhaps. Assembler? Definitely!
Don't think of this as a game (or something "fun" or "enjoyable" in the traditional sense). Think of it as a puzzle: how on earth did those folks in the 1970's manage to do ANYTHING when computers were this basic?
Documentation is provided, but to get the most of out of this app you'll need to do your own research. Just like in the 1970s.
Start with the most basic user interface you can imagine — 7-segment LEDs and some buttons — to enter, debug and run your applications. Then upgrade to a display and keyboard, and use the built-in monitor program to dump memory, makes edits and execute your code. Can you run BASIC? Maybe. FORTH? Perhaps. Assembler? Definitely!
Don't think of this as a game (or something "fun" or "enjoyable" in the traditional sense). Think of it as a puzzle: how on earth did those folks in the 1970's manage to do ANYTHING when computers were this basic?
Documentation is provided, but to get the most of out of this app you'll need to do your own research. Just like in the 1970s.
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What's New in the Latest Version 1.20
Last updated on Jan 25, 2023
Old Versions
There is now an (optional) memory dump visible from the KIM-1 LED/Buttons view. Watch how your program changes RAM in real-time!
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Version History
1.20
Jan 25, 2023
There is now an (optional) memory dump visible from the KIM-1 LED/Buttons view. Watch how your program changes RAM in real-time!
1.19
Jan 9, 2023
Added a memory dump view visible once you assemble your own 6502 code.
Your own 6502 code is persisted so you can keep editing and perfecting your program.
Your own 6502 code is persisted so you can keep editing and perfecting your program.
1.18
Dec 29, 2022
* Worked on making the Single Step (SST) mode work better when using the KIM-1 in LED mode.
1.17
Dec 21, 2022
Redesigned to be easier to use (is that saying much?) with fab new graphics.
1.16
Oct 3, 2022
* You can now load paper tape files that are composed of several sections.
* Improved spacing of keypad and keyboard components.
* Added a button to dismiss the built-in help display.
* Tap the LEDs to cycle through various options.
* Improved appearance of the app to suit both light and dark modes.
* Approved by an authentic period-appropriate pet rock.
* Improved spacing of keypad and keyboard components.
* Added a button to dismiss the built-in help display.
* Tap the LEDs to cycle through various options.
* Improved appearance of the app to suit both light and dark modes.
* Approved by an authentic period-appropriate pet rock.
1.15
Mar 25, 2022
Our engineering team improved the display for users of smaller iPad devices, and the technical writing pool updated the included manual to the fourth edition. Then they all went out for some cans of Tab.
1.14
Feb 27, 2022
The "LOAD" panel has been renamed to "FILES", because you can now generate a KIM-format paper tape of memory contents, and so save or share your work by copying the strings. If you do nothing but select save, then 256 bytes from 0x200 will be displayed - perfect for small programs. If you need more control, put the start address (low byte first) in 0x17F5, 0x17F6 and the end address in 0x17F7, 0x17F8 before selecting save. Yes, this is about as awkward as the real thing.
1.12
Feb 14, 2022
Corrected code editing views to work in dark and regular modes.
Updated the way the controls in the KIM-1 simulation view work to be a little closer to a real KIM-1
Updated the way the controls in the KIM-1 simulation view work to be a little closer to a real KIM-1
1.11
Feb 11, 2022
Improved the experience (like, groovy) when entering 6502 assembly language.
1.10
Feb 8, 2022
There's something to be said for a CRT with a fixed number of rows and columns This update tweaks the Assembler editor view to work better with different screen sizes, and the same for the tape import screen.
1.9
Jan 30, 2022
Updated RIOT code a little, to help other existing programs run.
1.8
Jul 26, 2021
Our engineers were feeling smug about the challenges they had set you, when someone pointed out they had forgotten to add support for STX and STY in the Assembler. You should have seen their faces! They worked all weekend to get this release out. Enjoy :-)
1.7
Jul 23, 2021
The 6502 coding challenges are still here, but now our engineers have improved the keyboard support on smaller sized screens. No more excuses: impress your friends and/or significant other by demonstrating your assembly language knowledge, no matter where you are! Who wouldn't be surprised and amazed when you yell out "I can calculate the BRA offset in my head!".
1.6
Jul 20, 2021
So you think you can code in 6502? Prove it!
The engineering team thinks you're faking your retro-computing fandom status, and has challenged you to complete a few 6502 assembly language tasks to prove you can walk the talk. If you succeed.. well, then the team will give you some more until they're satisfied. Check out the Assembler view for more details.
Also, when they weren't taunting you, they improved the assembler with more error messages, addressing mode bug fixes, and better symbol support. And sped up the virtual 6502.
The engineering team thinks you're faking your retro-computing fandom status, and has challenged you to complete a few 6502 assembly language tasks to prove you can walk the talk. If you succeed.. well, then the team will give you some more until they're satisfied. Check out the Assembler view for more details.
Also, when they weren't taunting you, they improved the assembler with more error messages, addressing mode bug fixes, and better symbol support. And sped up the virtual 6502.
1.5
Jul 7, 2021
Good news! Our engineering team has worked weekends and brushed up on their Rodnay Zaks books to update the app and bring you some great new features!
* Fixed! Resolved an issue that could hang the app when multiple keys were pressed
* New! A 6502 Assembler is included! BRK, NOP, LDA, PHA, STA - you know you want to. Now you can!
* New! Ability to enter "paper tape" format files.
* Fixed! Resolved an issue that could hang the app when multiple keys were pressed
* New! A 6502 Assembler is included! BRK, NOP, LDA, PHA, STA - you know you want to. Now you can!
* New! Ability to enter "paper tape" format files.
1.4
May 24, 2021
* Fixed issue with DA mode not working properly
* Improved support for different screen sizes
* Reversed the polarity of the neutron flow
* Improved support for different screen sizes
* Reversed the polarity of the neutron flow
1.3
May 14, 2021
On-line help fixed.
1.2
May 12, 2021
Fixed an issue with the built-in help causing the app to quit in some circumstances (e.g. when you clicked the HELP button)
1.0
May 10, 2021
VirtualKim - 6502 Emulator FAQ
Click here to learn how to download VirtualKim - 6502 Emulator in restricted country or region.
Check the following list to see the minimum requirements of VirtualKim - 6502 Emulator.
iPhone
Requires iOS 16.1 or later.
iPad
Requires iPadOS 16.1 or later.
VirtualKim - 6502 Emulator supports English
