The Virtual Kim 6502 system for iOS – with assembler – is now on the Apple App Store.

The 6502 microprocessor changed the world. Released in the 1970’s, it was the reason that home computers became something 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 assembler and some puzzles.

Use 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” 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 simple?

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.

Enjoy the thrill of retro computing and 6502 assembly language programming.

The software is a free download – see the page here.