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Commodore VIC-20

Commodore VIC-20 icon Commodore VIC-20 logo

Overview

The Commodore VIC-20, launched in 1980, was Commodore’s first million-selling home computer. It delivered a friendly BASIC environment with built-in sound and video while remaining highly expandable through cartridges and memory packs. The machine is recognized in REG-Linux under the broader c64 group but draws from the c20 artwork set when available.

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer: Commodore
  • Release year: 1980
  • Hardware type: computer
  • CPU: MOS Technology 6502 (6510 derivative) at ~1 MHz
  • Memory: 5 KB RAM (3.5 KB user-available) plus 16 KB ROM
  • Graphics: VIC chip with 176×184 resolution and 16 colors
  • Sound: 2-channel square wave generator

Supported ROM extensions

20, 40, 60, rom, a0, b0, crt, d64, d81, prg, tap, t64, m3u, zip, 7z

Quick reference

  • Emulator: VICE
  • Core: VICE: xvic
  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/c20
  • Accepted formats: .a0, .b0, .crt, .d64, .d81, .prg, .tap, .t64, .m3u, .zip, .7z
  • System group: c64

BIOS

VICE ships with the necessary ROMs—no additional BIOS files are required.

ROMs

Place VIC-20 ROMs under /userdata/roms/c20. Due to the VIC-20’s cartridge/etc. system, some ROMs must be attached via VICE’s menu:

  1. Launch the game; you will arrive at a basic prompt.
  2. Open VICE’s menu ([START]).
  3. Navigate to Cartridge → Add to generic cartridge.
  4. Choose a cartridge type (4/8 KB works for most).
  5. Select the ROM and exit the menu.

This workflow mimics swapping cartridges on the original hardware.

Emulators

VICE

VICE handles the VIC-20 through the xvic core or standalone app. REG-Linux provides the same standardized hooks as other VICE systems: c20.videomode, c20.ratio, c20.padtokeyboard, c20.decoration.

ES setting name REG-Linux.conf_key Description => ES option key_value
ZOOM (HIDE BORDERS) c20.noborder Remove the overscan border to reveal the full VIC-20 display or keep it for authentic look. => NO (default) 0, YES 1.

Refer to VICE’s own interface for further options such as joystick mapping, memory expansion selection and tape/disk drives.

Controls

Default VIC-20 controls map to a REG-Linux Retropad. The overlay diagrams how joystick directions, fire buttons and keyboard keys align.

c20 controller overlay

Troubleshooting

  • Use the VICE menu if a cartridge does not auto-attach; select Generic Cartridge and pick the right size.
  • The virtual keyboard ([SELECT]) can be used to type BASIC commands when the on-screen emulator lacks a keyboard.
  • Consult the VICE user manual (https://vice-emu.sourceforge.io/vice_toc.html) if you run into advanced configuration questions.