For folks that are curious about the MEGA65, that want to browse and explore its universe through an emulator first, here’s some links to help you out on your journey:
Getting the Xemu emulator and MEGA65 ROM
Xemu MEGA65 emulator available here:
- https://github.lgb.hu/xemu/
Usually it’s best for most users to use the stable ‘master’ version of xemu
Though if you’re an early user of the latest ALL_INTROS, I suggest the latest ‘next’ version of xemu
Sourcing a MEGA65 ROM for the emulator can be tricky (licensing issues)
There is a pathway available to patch a C65 ROM into a MEGA65 ROM
In more recent times, a few community members have contributed scripts that will automate the retrieval of C65 rom over the net and patching it into a M65 rom. If you’re curious to try, take a look at:
See Retrocombs’ walkthrough videos for advice:
Try out existing software
How do I use .prg and .d81 files with xemu?
Option 1: Drag’n’drop .prg and .d81 files onto the xemu window
Upon doing so, this popup window will appear. Typically you would do as follows:
Option 2: right-click via the context menu
Option 3: Use the “HDOS virtualisation” option
Alternatively, run xemu from the command-line with the -hdosvirt argument.
Then locate the HDOS folder as follows:
Then drop your PRG/.D81 files within the “hdos” folder in here:
Then back in xemu:
For PRG files, type: DLOAD "FILE.PRG",U12
For D81 files, type: MOUNT "MYDISK.D81" and can then do any of the following:
do a DIR to see the contents within.
You can press SHIFT + RUN-STOP to load the first file on the disk
If the disk contains an AUTOBOOT.C65 file, you can type BOOT to run it
You can use the cursor keys to moce to the start of any PRG file within the DIR listing and type / followed by RETURN key to load and run it
NOTE: When using this option, it’s probably best to rename all your files to be:
All uppercase
DOS 8.3 filenames.
E.g. “GNG.D81” (and not “Ghosts n Goblins.d81”)
I’d like to try run “ALL_INTROS” package in xemu!
I’d like to try to run “Intro Disk #02” in xemu!
UPDATE: We’ve recently released our ALL_INTRO DISKS zip package containing **ALL**intro disks from the past years!
This is a great way to sample many programs created by the community quickly via a friendly menu system. As of 2025, it gives you access to about 263 software titles! 
Download links:
If you’d like to try the ALL_INTROS collection via the MEGA65 emulator. I’d recommend the following approach:
Un-zip the “ALL_INTROS - Public.zip” file and place all items within its “sdcard-files/” folder into your “hdos” folder as per option 3 described earlier
Drop a copy of your “MEGA65.ROM” into this “hdos” folder too (the latest Intro Disk #4 will need to load it from here)
Configuring Xemu for ALL_INTROS package
I’d recommend setting “Input devices >> Use F9..F11 as hotkeys”. This will allow you to more comfortably reset xemu via F10 key to go back to the Intro Disk menu after you try each program.
I also recommend setting “Input devices >> Reset hotkey type >> HYPPO” so that these F10 resets will work in a way similar to how the real machine resets via its physical reset button.
Finally, I recommend saving your settings via “Configuration >> Save config as default”
This will assure that it will start up with hdos turned on, and will load the Main Menu via the default MEGA65.D81 image within this package.
After you try running a program on the menu, xemu should let you jump back to the menu with F10 (reboot).
On the occasions it fails to do so (due to a program that needed to mount another disk), try press F9 instead (to shutdown), and re-run xemu again.
Joystick support within Xemu
USB Joysticks
USB joysticks do work fine in xemu.
Joystick emulation via keyboard
Via Numeric Keypad
By default, xemu uses the numeric keypad to emulate the joystick on port 2.
To swap over to port 1, press the numeric keypad’s “Enter” key.
Via Cursor Keys
As some keyboards don’t have a numeric keypad (such as on laptops), an alternative is available to set the cursor keys as the joystick.
Right-click and go to “Input Devices >> Cursor keys as joystick”
If you need to swap between joy port 1/2, go to “Input Devices >> Swap emulated joystick port”
Want to learn more?
Ok, I’ve tried all that, now I want the real thing!
After exploring, if you find yourself itching to purchase a MEGA65, head to the Trenz website:
