x128
x128 is the Commodore 128 emulator included with VICE for macOS, used to run C128 software, disk images, and classic system environments.
What is x128?
x128 is a macOS desktop emulator for the Commodore 128 computer and is part of the VICE emulator suite. It helps users run classic C128 software, load disk and tape images, and work with programs designed for original Commodore hardware. The emulator is useful for retro computing enthusiasts, preservation projects, and developers who want to test or revisit C128 applications and games on a modern Mac. VICE also documents C128-specific capabilities such as 80-column VDC display support, 2 MHz mode, Z80 emulation, and other hardware features expected from the original system. On macOS, users may encounter x128 as a standalone app inside a VICE package or as a bundled executable used by a front end.
Key features
- Run Commodore 128 software on a modern Mac
- Load classic disk, tape, cartridge, and program image files
- Use C128 hardware modes including 80-column VDC display support
- Switch into C64-compatible workflows when supported by the software
- Save and restore emulator snapshots during testing or gameplay
- Use debugging and machine-monitor tools available in VICE
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
x128 is a legitimate emulator component from the VICE project. It normally needs access only to the files you choose to open, such as disk images, cartridges, ROM files, or saved snapshots. Removing it will stop Commodore 128 emulation and may affect any front end or VICE installation that depends on it. Download emulator builds from the project’s official distribution page and open only software images you trust.
Recommendation: Keep x128 if you use VICE or any retro-computing setup that runs Commodore 128 software. If you do not use Commodore emulation, you can remove it along with its related VICE files to free space, but any saved emulator settings or shortcuts tied to it may stop working.
Common paths
/Applications/VICE.app/Applications/x128.app
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/VICE
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/org.viceteam.x128.plist
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