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The Commodore 64 and Amiga were the home computers that defined a generation, especially in Europe. The C64 has one of the largest game libraries of any system ever, and the Amiga pushed graphics and sound far beyond the consoles of its day. Both emulate well on handhelds, though they take a little more setup than a cartridge console because they used disks and have a few quirks. This guide walks you through it.
We frame all of this around games you own and want to preserve.
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Why These Two Are a Bit Different
Consoles use simple cartridge files. Computers like the C64 and Amiga used disks and tapes, and they boot into an operating system. That means a few extra steps: handling disk images, sometimes swapping disks mid-game, and on the Amiga, providing a system ROM. None of it is hard once you know what to expect.
Commodore 64 Setup
The C64 is light and runs on any handheld.
- In RetroArch, download the VICE C64 core.
- Place your games in a C64 folder. Games come as disk images, tape images, or cartridge files in various formats.
- Load a game with the core. Disk-based games may need you to type a load command or use the core's auto-load, and some need you to press the right key to start.
- A keyboard overlay or mapped keys help with games that need typed commands.
The C64 had a single-button joystick, so most games map perfectly to a D-pad and one button.
Amiga Setup
The Amiga is heavier and needs a system ROM, called a Kickstart.
- In RetroArch, download the PUAE or Amiberry core.
- You must provide a Kickstart ROM from an Amiga you own. Place it in the system folder. We do not link to BIOS downloads.
- Add your games as disk images. Many Amiga games span multiple disks.
- For multi-disk games, the core lets you swap disks from a menu when the game asks for the next one.
- Pick the right Amiga model in the core options to match the game, since some games expect a specific model.
The Amiga used a one-button joystick for most games, but some use the keyboard, so a key overlay helps.
Best Commodore 64 Games
The C64 library is enormous. These are great starting points.
- The Last Ninja. A landmark action-adventure with gorgeous isometric levels.
- Turrican. A sprawling, fast run-and-gun with huge levels and a famous soundtrack.
- Impossible Mission. A tense platform-puzzle classic with that unforgettable digitized speech.
- Boulder Dash. A perfect pick-up-and-play puzzle game.
- Paradroid. A clever sci-fi action game beloved by C64 fans.
Best Amiga Games
The Amiga showed off graphics and sound the consoles could not match.
- Another World. A cinematic, atmospheric adventure that still feels ahead of its time.
- Turrican II. Even bigger and better than the C64 version. A showcase for the hardware.
- Lemmings. The puzzle classic where it shined. Endlessly charming.
- Sensible Soccer. Fast, fun arcade football that defined the genre.
- Shadow of the Beast. Famous for its parallax scrolling and music. A technical landmark.
- The Secret of Monkey Island. The Amiga version of the beloved adventure. A joy to revisit.
A Note on Performance
The C64 runs on the cheapest handheld. The Amiga is heavier, especially for the more demanding games and the later AGA models, so a mid-range handheld gives a smoother experience. If Amiga games stutter, see our fix slow emulation guide.
Recommended Handhelds
These computers run best with a comfortable screen and, ideally, decent button mapping.
The
handles the C64 with ease. For smoother Amiga play, the gives more headroom. A device with more buttons and power, like the , makes keyboard-driven games easier.Related Guides
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