In this section, you will find a collection of software specifically arranged for use on RetroGames' TheC64 and TheC64Mini consoles. I have also provided links to other related information that I have created and posted elsewhere on my blog. To use these programs/games on your C64Mini or TheC64, just unpack the zip files on to your USB storage device and you're good to go!

Here's a link to my initial review of TheC64Mini, when I first got mine back in 2018 (with a few updates done more recently): I Join The Mini Revolution

I hope you find this information useful and helps make your experience with these charming consoles more enjoyable.

If you are looking for blank disk images, with which you can use to store your own programs that you write with TheC64 or TheC64Mini, here are three disk images you can use. The .D64 is a standard disk-type that is used with a 1541 or 1541-II model disk drives. The .D71 is the disk type that is used with a model 1571 disk drive, which is typically used with a C128. And then there's a .D81 disk that is used with the model 1581 disk drive, which uses 3½“ floppy disks.

empty1541.d64 ^{(664 BLOCKS FREE)}
empty1571.d71 ^{(1328 BLOCKS FREE)}
empty1581.d81 ^{(3160 BLOCKS FREE)}

These software titles have been specifically chosen for use on the full size TheC64 console. However, they can be used just as well on TheC64Mini, but it is strongly recommended that you have a USB keyboard plugged in to the unit to work efficiently.

These games have been configured specifically for use on the TheC64Mini. Multi-disk games have been arranged in a folder structure that allows you to swap disks when required. They also have been configured to work with TheC64 Joystick; refer to the table below for the button assigned layout. And don't forget to check out my archive of NTSC-specific and PRG games!

Here's a collection of over 70 CJM files that I've put together for certain games, to help make them more playable on TheC64Mini. Use these files in combination with corresponding disk images, found elsewhere on the Internet. If the disk image of the game has a different file name, just change the CJM file to match (both disk image and CJM file need to have matching file names in order to work).

• TheC64Mini CJMs.zip

I have also created this chart to identify the assigned function of TheC64 Joystick buttons for each individual game. I hope you find this useful.

• TheC64Mini Joystick Maps.pdf

Below is a list of all the available flags to use when configuring specific games to work properly on TheC64 and TheC64Mini. To use these, simply add the appropriate flag to the end of the file name, before the extension (example: FranticFreddie_AD.d64):

• _J1 This sets the primary joystick port as port 1. With a second Joystick connected, it automatically uses port 2. For VIC 20 programs (THEC64 only), this is the default and any port 2 settings are ignored.

• _J2 This sets the primary joystick port as port 2. With a second Joystick connected, it automatically uses port 1. Note that port 2 is the default for C64 computers, so it doesn’t have to be specified by this flag.

• _AD This flag turns ‘accurate disk drive’ mode on (for original slower but more accurate disk loading) and turns off the fast disk access mode, which is on by default.

• _RO This makes the disk file read-only (which prevents THEC64 device writing back to the disk file)

• _NI This flag disables the drive icon from appearing on-screen during disk loading

• _TN This runs the program on an NTSC computer. It doesn’t affect the HDMI output

• _TP This runs the program on a PAL computer. It doesn’t affect the HDMI output

• _FH This forces the entire display – including top and bottom borders – into the 720p output image, sacrificing the accurate display but showing everything (Firmware 1.3.1+)

• _NS This disables audio scaling, which automatically compensates for the adjustments in pitch of generated (rather than sampled) audio when running a computer at different refresh rates (Firmware 1.3.1+)

TheC64 Specific

• _CD This tells THEC64 that this disk is part of a multi-disk set, but not the first disk in the set.

• _R5 = 512K REU enabled

• _R2 = 2MB REU enabled

• _RM = 16MB REU enabled

• _M6 This instructs THEC64 to emulate the C64 computer

• _MV This instructs THEC64 to emulate the VIC 20 computer

TheVIC20 Specific

• _B0, _B1, _B2, _B3, _B5 Enables 3k banks of extended RAM.

First, the disks need to be configured in a certain way. Each disk needs to be stored in their own folder, while the disk files themselves all need to have the same file name. Here's an example:

 FLOPPY DISK SIDE 1
    |- GAME.D64
 FLOPPY DISK SIDE 2
    |- GAME.D64

To start the game, navigate to the SIDE 1 folder and launch the GAME.D64. When the game prompts you to flip the disk (or insert side 2), use TheC64 Joystick to do a Save Game, then quit the game.

Now, navigate into the SIDE 2 folder and launch the GAME.D64 you find there. You will most likely get an error message, from the C64, telling you that you've entered the wrong side of the disk. This is okay. Using TheC64 Joystick, restore the Save Game you made above and simply continue on with the game.

Every time the game asks you to change disks, do a Save Game, quit, then navigate to the appropriate disk folder, launch or start the disk image you find there, then immediately restore the Saved Game you just did with the previous “side”. That's all there is to it.

TheC64Mini has two USB expansion ports, which you can use to plug in TheC64 Joystick and a USB storage device to play extra games. But what if you want to use a keyboard as well? You can expand the device's capabilities with the use of a USB hub.

The C64 Joystick (or compatible third-party joystick/game pad) must always be plugged in to the console, in order for it to run properly. Therefore, in the second USB port, plug in a USB hub, which will allow you to use a keyboard and storage device at the same time. Like this:

As of firmware version 1.2.0, you can use the numeric keypad on your USB keyboard as a virtual joystick for two player games. You can get all of the details regarding the keyboard virtual joystick in TheC64 manual.

You can download the User Manual for TheC64, C64Mini, and TheVIC20 from RetroGames website, Here. But if you hate using Google Drive as much as I do, I have a copy of it available right HERE!

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