# Commander X16

> Learn retro computer programming and BASIC on a virtual 8-bit inspired machine. (iPhone/iPad app by Roger Boesch.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/commander-x16/id1554909329 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Roger Boesch](https://appshunter.io/developer/289469740)
- Category: Education, Developer Tools
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.53/5 from 17 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 14.3 · 1 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-03-09
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/commander-x16/id1554909329/reviews.md

## What is Commander X16?

Learn how to program for the Commander X16 retro inspired computer from 8-Bit guy

But why would you want to learn that today?

Because it’s a lot of fun, because you always wanted to write a game, because you want impress yourself or your childrens?

All very valid reasons but there also more serious benefits to learn with a Retro-Computer:

- Understand the basic ideas what a CPU does, many of today’s programmers lack that understanding
- Get the aid of the built-in BASIC interpreter, that shows off what’s possible with the hardware
- Assembly helps you to understand of how memory and memory management, pointer, address, and instructions work at a very low level

The Commander X16 App teaches you exactly that! But also it makes your life as an aspiring Classics Coder much easier than it was in the 80’s. Learn everything on your iPad and iPhone

- Code in BASIC
- Every month a new Tutorial or Listing to try out

Plenty of cool BASIC samples on the website!

- Runs on iPhone and iPad
- Full hardware feature support
- Support of virtual and physical keyboard
- Copy/paste support of BASIC listings
- Touch support to simulate GEOS mouse
- Portrait and landscape support
- Switch between 80/40 character mode

## Key features

- Learn BASIC programming
- Understand CPU and memory
- Virtual retro computer simulation
- Monthly tutorials and listings
- Copy/paste BASIC listings
- Touch support for GEOS mouse

## Recent user reviews (10 of 11)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/commander-x16/id1554909329/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Keyboard error

*2023-12-28, version 1.0*

When I drop the keyboard away, I can’t get it back

### 3/5 — Looks interesting but website down and not sure what is up

*2023-06-27*

I am hoping the website is just under maintenance because that seems to be the only way to get documentation

### 2/5 — Minus doesn’t work on iPhone

*2022-01-31*

Minus doesn’t work on iPhone so is sort of useless for that.

### 5/5 — Awesome and much appreciated

*2021-12-01*

I really dig this project and extremely happy to see the interpreter in an iPad app. Thank you!!!

### 2/5 — Good, but needs some interface work.

*2021-10-06*

This app does everything it’s supposed to do.  My only complaint is the interface.  It gives you a choice of only two font sizes, and on an iphone, the first size is barely visible, and the other one is microscopic.  Please add some larger font sizes for people with Iphones or people with less than perfect vision. 
I like this app, it’s just eye straining to use.

### 1/5 — How not basic it is

*2021-09-23*

Way to advanced i havent made any thing in it

### 4/5 — Not able to perform subtraction?

*2021-09-19*

Looks good, except I’ve not been able to get it to produce a “minus” for negative values or subtraction. I’ve tried every key and shift-key. Any suggestions?

### 1/5 — Minus key doesn't work!

*2021-05-27, version 1.0*

This looks as though it might be a lot of fun, but at the moment the minus (-) key does nothing—which holds you back a bit when you're trying to program in BASIC. (I'd have written to the developer directly instead of posting a public review, but I can't see an email address.)

### 3/5 — Good emulator. Screen bottom gets clipped.

*2021-04-22*

So I tried the X16emu on MacOSX and that one worked great. Saw this emulator and loaded it onto my iPad Pro and I’m seeing some issues:

1) Can’t seem to access the iCloud Drive with the: LOAD”@“ command.

2) Bottom of the screen is obscured by the keyboard bar that pops up when typing with the physical keyboard on IOS/iPad.

### 5/5 — Compute like it's 1979!

*2021-04-17*

This is an emulator for the Commander X16 8-bit system currently in development, based on the Commodore 64. Run programs, program in BASIC and 6502 Assembly with the built in machine language monitor.

## Frequently asked questions about Commander X16

### What is Commander X16?

Commander X16 is an educational app that simulates a retro-inspired computer, allowing users to learn programming in BASIC and understand low-level computer functions. It aims to make learning classic coding accessible on modern iOS devices.

### What programming languages can I learn with Commander X16?

Commander X16 primarily focuses on teaching BASIC programming. It also provides insights into assembly language to help users understand memory management, pointers, and instructions at a very low level.

### Does Commander X16 offer new content regularly?

Yes, the app provides a new tutorial or listing to try out every month. This ensures users have fresh content and challenges to keep their learning engaging.

### What devices does Commander X16 support?

Commander X16 is designed to run on iPhones and iPads. It offers full hardware feature support for these devices, including virtual and physical keyboard support.

### Is Commander X16 suitable for children?

Commander X16 has an age rating of 9+, making it suitable for younger learners interested in programming and technology. It offers a fun and educational way to explore computer science concepts.

### How does Commander X16 help users understand computer basics?

The app teaches fundamental CPU operations and how memory management, pointers, and instructions work at a low level. This provides a deeper understanding of computing that many modern programmers may lack.

### Can I use a physical keyboard with Commander X16?

Yes, Commander X16 supports both virtual and physical keyboards, offering flexibility for users. It also includes copy/paste support for BASIC listings and touch support to simulate a GEOS mouse.

### What is the user rating for Commander X16?

Commander X16 has a user rating of 3.5 stars based on 17 ratings. This indicates a generally positive reception with room for improvement.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2021-03-10

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Commander X16

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Gambit REPL](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gambit-repl/id434534076) | 4.4 (10) | $0.99 | Education |
| [Rust Programming Compiler](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rust-programming-compiler/id1486323711) | 4.3 (16) | Free | Education |
| [Learn Coding & Programming](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-coding-and-programming/id1491901881) | 4.6 (15) | $1.99 | Education |
| [Hand BASIC - CBM Flavor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hand-basic-cbm-flavor/id394924289) | 4.4 (45) | Free | Education |
| [Console for MATLAB programming](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/console-for-matlab-programming/id1600998307) | 4.6 (13) | Free | Education |
| [cl-repl](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cl-repl/id1511296102) | 4.9 (21) | Free | Education |

## More apps by Roger Boesch

- [Classics Coder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classics-coder/id1532192527)

All apps by Roger Boesch: https://appshunter.io/developer/289469740

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*