Commander X16

I'm happy to announce that OtterX's first official VCF exhibit will be at VCF PNW! Feel free to come say hi if you're in Seattle May 2 & 3 this year.

vcfpnw.org

This isn't the official dev team's account, but I try to keep up with the news and share where I can. Anything can change, but on the Discord David wrote this a few days after revealing gen 2:

"The existing board would continue to be made available (as long as parts are available)"

Excitement!

Attention everyone in the pacific northwest:

VCF PNW 2020 is Coming 2026!

vcfpnw.org

yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes!

Hacking Super Mario So It’s All One Long Level YouTube video by Inkbox

I gotta try this! #NES #Mario #Hack

Hazard: Let Us Out! by ultimate_gilby, Artix Survival Platformer for the NES and Commander X16.

This recent game called Hazard: Let Us Out, had a recent successful Kickstarter for the NES, and now it has a #CommanderX16 port!

To get it you buy the NES version and the X16 one is included.

ultimate-gilby.itch.io/hazard-let-u...

Sonic for Commander X16 Devlog #2: Pixel Perfect Multi-Level-Interaction YouTube video by doslogo

Another cool Sonic update. Mostly. Spends a lot of time discussing the physics of other games, too.

If you don't like hearing negativity about the upcoming X16 GS, you might want to skip the last part. I respect his opinion but don't agree with it.

Sonic for Commander X16 Devlog #2: Pixel Perfect Multi-Level-Interaction YouTube video by doslogo

Another cool Sonic update. Mostly. Spends a lot of time discussing the physics of other games, too.

If you don't like hearing negativity about the upcoming X16 GS, you might want to skip the last part. I respect his opinion but don't agree with it.

Online Muliplayer Pong for Commander X16 YouTube video by Retro coder

#CommanderX16 #Pong multiplayer (in the emulator).

Commander X16 65C02 Assembly Tutorial – Lesson 2: 65C02 Addressing Modes - The Oasis BBS Learn 65C02 addressing modes with live coding and debugging on the Commander X16 in Matt Heffernan’s updated tutorial episode.

Commander X16 65C02 Assembly Tutorial – Lesson 2: 65C02 Addressing Modes
#CommanderX16 #65C02 #AssemblyProgramming #RetroComputing #X16Tutorial #8BitCoding

theoasisbbs.com/commander-x1...

I worked my BUTT off for this revision of my C coded program: F256Amp that runs on the F256K2 and uses its VS1053b sound chip to its limits.

The main thing I added was a file picker in text mode, that was a bit of a heinous part.
1/3

RetroLink Internet Adapter for Commander X16 - The Oasis BBS Connect your Commander X16 to the web using the DIY-friendly RetroLink Internet Adapter. Works in hardware and emulator.

RetroLink Internet Adapter for Commander X16
#CommanderX16 #RetroLink #ESP32 #RetroComputing #DIYNetworking #8bitInternet

theoasisbbs.com/retrolink-in...

Introduction to Chiptunes by Inversephase video released: youtu.be/i0v712l2RWE

What's Ken Making builds an OtterX, a #CommanderX16 clone.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUoU...

Updates on Arcade, Commander X16, and Petscii Robots. YouTube video by The 8-Bit Guy

X16 second-gen update. Happy to hear they got Stefany Allaire to design the board for them. One, because she's a great engineer, and two because it feels like putting some old rivalry to rest.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=25IN...

I figure I'll ask everybody, what's the best game or piece of software to get folks "into" the Commander X16 space? I'll tag @commanderx16.bsky.social in case they have any thoughts on this one too. 😃

The OtterX computer sits on a table at the Wisconsin Computer Club's Fond Du Lac show. The OtterX, or Otter X, is a kit computer and a licensed clone of David "The 8 Bit Guy" Murray's Commander X16 kit computer. As a kit, these all vary, and this one was built by the WCC's David Collins, who artfully installed the system into a clear acrylic case.

The OtterX had a fantastic outing at Fond Du Lac. It will definitely be at more shows going forward! My hat off to the trio who made this possible, David "The 8 Bit Guy" Murray who dreamed up and brought the Commander X16 to life, Joe Burk for the OtterX, and David Collins for building this one! 🥳

Prog8 is a nice cross-compiled language for the X16 a lot of devs seem to like. It's pretty low-level but easier than assembly.

There's more but it depends what a person is into.

Related to that, there's a strong effort to make on-system BASIC development more productive than the typical Commodore experience. The built-in file editor combined with BASLOAD adds a lot of features and convenience.

The Blitz BASIC compiler is also impressive but (I think) is not totally 'done'.

The most polished games are probably Planet X16 and Attack of the PETSCII Robots. Vault of the Vindicator is a roguelike game that's 3D (impressive on an 8-bit).

Melodius is good for showing off the music capabilities of the platform, and Dream Tracker can be used on-system to make music.

Picture of me holding up a wedge computer F256K2 in one hand, and holding up 2 fingers witht the other hand. Red letters in yellow outline spell out: "F256 Foenix Retro Systems, the Second Wave. What's new?"

F256, 2nd wave launched in 2025! What's new with this? I break it down in this video, highlighting the most important changes. Check it out if you like these systems that try to bring back the 80's but don't shy away from bringing modern twists. Also, sale until June 20th! www.youtube.com/watc...

8-bit Blast Processing?? Commander X16 YouTube video by doslogo

Short update on a Sonic port to the CommanderX16. Looks fast!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZUy...

8-bit Blast Processing?? Commander X16 YouTube video by doslogo

Short update on a Sonic port to the CommanderX16. Looks fast!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZUy...

Commander X16 MovieMaker and KG3D Hardware Capability Demonstration (June 2025) YouTube video by Xiphod / voidstar tech

Stretching the hardware limits of the #CommanderX16. Video playback and 3D gaming.

If it's making extensive use of the Kernal ROMs, yeah it's probably better to use that version.

Me too!

An IBM PC model 5150 in a complete setup with keyboard and monitor. A cat is inspecting the setup

Went to pickup an IBM 5153 monitor locally this morning. The IBM PC just isn't the same without an appropriate monitor! Now to spend some time getting it all up and running.

Cat included for scale.

I'm so concerned for the fate of the hobby electronics industry in the US.

I have friends who run small online shops selling modern hobby retro gear and it feels like, at least for now, it's going to end in short order.

No one can absorb these tariffs.

blog.adafruit.com/2025/05/08/h...

Suite 16 - Commander X16 games and info The Suite 16 website has games and tutorials for the Commander X16 retro-style computer.

"Tomb of Anneis" is out now for the @commanderx16.bsky.social !

Visit Suite16.au

Want to connect to The Retro Hour using your old machine?
Telnet to: trhbbs.uk:6400 for the BBS
Also connect via #RetroHour on irc.libera.chat for the discord chat on IRC.
Big thanks to youtube.com/@HAGSLAB