AMSpiriT Lite is out!
We're excited to announce the release of the first public version of AMSpiriT Lite for Linux, and Mac OS (Silicon).
AMSpiriT Lite is not a port—it's a reinterpretation. It shares the same proven emulation core as the original AMSpiriT (Z80, Gate Array, PSG, FDC), but wraps it in a minimalist, experimental philosophy built for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
The result: ultra-precise CPC emulation paired with a flexible, developer-friendly architecture that's open to new ideas. The core is platform-agnostic and intrinsically portable—no graphics, no OS dependencies, just emulation. Everything else is up to you.
What It's Not
AMSpiriT Lite embraces a minimalist philosophy: it strips away configuration dialogs and runtime menus to focus on the core emulation and essential tools. The original AMSpiriT, meanwhile, evolves toward a comprehensive IDE with all the modern conveniences that desktop emulation can offer. Our ambition for the original: a worthy successor to the legendary WinAPE.
Three Flavours
Choose the interface that fits your workflow:
- Qt (amspirit-lite-qt): Classic desktop UI with menus and file dialogs. Recommended for beginners—gives you all the convenience of a traditional application.
- SDL2 (amspirit-lite-sdl): Ultra-lightweight, runs everywhere, instant startup. Same precision, stripped-down interface: drag-and-drop files, control via the built-in web interface (even from your phone). For users who prefer minimalism.
- Libretro (RetroArch): Play CPC alongside your other retro systems. Supports all 6 CPC models (464, 664, 6128, Plus variants, GX4000) in multiple languages. (Experimental—active development ongoing.)
Key Features
Run BASIC Instantly
- Drop a .bas file onto the emulator. Built-in tokenizer transforms text to machine format in milliseconds—no more agonizing auto-type delays.
- Load BASIC files from disk, edit them on your PC, then reload them on the CPC automatically—full bidirectional workflow.
Integrated Web API
- Full control via HTTP endpoints: start/stop emulation, read/write RAM, inject code, autotype...
- Powerful embedded web UI for:
- BASIC bidirectional: Inject text BASIC and export running programs back to your PC as editable
.basfiles - Live memory access: Hex dump with auto-refresh, write arbitrary code and execute it,
- Memory heatmap: Watch every RAM access in real-time with address overlays
- BASIC variables: Monitor all variables in real-time as they change during program execution
- Virtual Keyboard: Type directly into the CPC, useful for text input without physical keyboard constraints
- BASIC bidirectional: Inject text BASIC and export running programs back to your PC as editable
- You can even user curl or wget to take full control of the emulator!
Scripting Automation
Automate tests, debug workflows, and complex sequences with Lua or CSL scripts : Inject code, insert disks, simulate key presses, wait for frames—all in a script. Modern expressiveness meets proven compatibility.
Supported Media & Models
- Disk images: DSK, HFE, IPF/CAPS formats (not just the basic ones)
- Cassette tapes: CDT, WAV
- Snapshots: SNA
- Scripts and Basic Programs : BAS, LUA, CSL
- ROMs : ROM, CPR, CRO
- CPC Models: 464, 664, 6128, 464 Plus, 6128 Plus, GX4000, each selectable at runtime
Portable Power
- UI is available in French, English, Spanish, German
- Runs on Linux, Windows, macOS (Silicon), and Raspberry Pi 5.
- Embedded documentation: Press F1 inside the SDL and Qt application to get access to a Quick start guide (opens in your web browser)
Get Started
AMSpiriT Lite grows with its users. We invite you to explore, contribute, and share your ideas. The future of CPC emulation is experimental, flexible, and yours to shape.
Download
- Required step — do not skip. AppImages downloaded from the web are not executable by default. Without
chmod +xthe file will not launch.
chmod +x AMSpiriT-Lite-x86_64.AppImage
./AMSpiriT-Lite-x86_64.AppImage -R /path/to/ROMsAMSpiriT Lite Qt
AMSpiriT Lite works on Linux and MAC OS (Silicon).