Kenbak vs Opcodes
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Kenbak
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Discover the history of computing with the Kenbak-1 Emulator! This emulator is not just a copy, but a carefully recreated digital version of the Kenbak-1, one of the first personal computers, released in 1971. Key Features: • Full Processor Emulation: Authentic emulation of all original Kenbak-1 instructions. • Interactive Front Panel: Replica of the control panel with working switches and LEDs. • Easy-to-use command input panel: Allows you to choose the specific processor instruction from the command panel and immediately store it in memory. • Memory Dump: Visual display of the contents of each memory location for debugging and analysis. • Save and Load Programs: Create, save, and load your own programs written for the Kenbak-1. • Documentation: Complete set of original Kenbak-1 documentation. • Settings: Option to adjust emulation speed and other parameters. The Kenbak-1 Emulator is the perfect tool for learning the fundamentals of computing, experimenting with machine code, and delving into computer history. It's a great way to understand how the first computers worked and how the foundations of the modern digital revolution were laid.
Opcodes
This app provides a comprehensive reference for retro CPU opcodes, including detailed descriptions, assembly examples, and historical context. It covers eighteen iconic processors and offers features like search, sorting, and filtering for easy exploration of historical computing information.
- Opcode reference for 18 iconic processors
- Detailed instruction descriptions
- Hex, octal, decimal values
- Flags affected, addressing modes, cycle counts
- Assembly code examples
- CPU history and pinout diagrams
- Simple assembler/disassembler
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Opcodes – The Retro CPU Reference The definitive opcode reference for the legendary processors that launched the personal computer revolution. Whether you're a retrocomputing enthusiast, a student of computer history, writing code for classic hardware, or just a big old nerd - the Opcodes app gives you everything you need. Eighteen iconic processors covered: Intel 4004 · Intel 8008 · Intel 8080 · Intel 8085 · Intel 8088 · Zilog Z80 · Motorola 6800 · Intel 8085 · Motorola 6809 · MOS 6502 · Signetics 2650 · RCA 1802 - SC/MP · Motorola 68000 · Intel 8086 · WDC 65816 · Texas Instruments TMS9900 · INMOS Transputer · ARM2 For every opcode: • Full description of what the instruction does. • Hex, octal, and decimal values. • Flags affected. • Addressing modes and cycle counts. • Assembly code examples - including loops, conditionals, and common patterns. More than just opcodes: • CPU history and historical context. • IC pinout diagrams. • Notable systems that used each CPU, with memory maps and other background information. • Chip variants and successors. • A silly card game(!) • Simple assembler / disassembler for many CPUs. Built for exploration: • Search for opcodes by name or category. • Sort by mnemonic, opcode byte, or category. • Filter by category, Quick Find with a colorful map. • Undocumented instructions clearly marked and optionally displayed. More than microprocessors: • Information on key support chips: video, sound, memory and more. Cool design: • Clean, readable layout optimised for quick reference. • Multiple colour themes. • Full "dark mode" support. Everything is included with absolutely no in-app purchase required. Recent additions: • Quiz game - test your CPU knowledge! • Share CPU cards - beautiful shareable images showing specs and history for any processor • External references - curated links to community resources for all 18 CPUs • "Opcodes display first" setting - choose whether selecting a CPU shows opcodes or info first • Chip-maker colour themes - Zilog, MOS Tech, and Motorola replace the old themes • Enhanced 6502 docs - JMP page boundary bug, BRK behaviour, and Read-Modify-Write quirks • Fixed Scratchpad hang when switching tabs
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Kenbak at none against Opcodes's 1. Opcodes's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Opcodes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Kenbak asks for nothing beyond the download.
Kenbak ships an update every 3 weeks, Opcodes every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Kenbak | Opcodes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.8 (6 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 6 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 8 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 58 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Takhir Zakirov | John Kennedy |
In-app purchases
Kenbak
No in-app purchases
Opcodes
- Buy Me a Coffee$0.99







