WinUAE 6.0.0 Released – Major Chipset Emulation Overhaul
Release Date: July 3, 2025 · Category: Technical Update
WinUAE version 6.0.0 introduces a significant internal rewrite of the core custom chipset emulation, including Agnus/Alice and Denise/Lisa components. This update focuses on improved cycle accuracy, better parallelization, and broader compatibility with low-level hardware behavior expected by advanced Amiga software.
Custom Chipset Rewrite
Internal emulation logic for Agnus/Alice and Denise/Lisa fully overhauled.
Denise/Lisa emulation now operates on a separate thread, improving performance under accurate emulation modes.
Cycle-accurate handling of VPOSW/VHPOSW and mixed hardwired vs programmed sync logic.
Support for full subpixel resolution in AGA bitplanes and sprites; legacy subpixel toggle removed.
Fully independent horizontal and vertical counter emulation, with correct behavior outside standard display ranges.
Support for UHRES DMA slots (ECS/AGA), including impact on DMA priority scheduling.
NTSC LOL (Long Line) logic and STRLONG interaction now emulate horizontal offset as on real hardware.
Improved blitter sequencing with cycle-accurate channel scheduling; mid-blit modifications tracked for compatibility testing.
Accurate collision detection enabled by default; optimized for performance.
Display pipeline now reveals bitplanes and sprites during blanking intervals in debug mode.
Input and Peripheral Enhancements
Low-level keyboard emulation introduced, with firmware-based emulation of CSG 6570-036, 68HC05C, and D8039HLC MCU models.
Caps Lock LED, matrix scan behavior, and keyboard disconnect states fully emulated.
PCI emulation expanded to include Matrox Millennium/Mystique and Voodoo 3 (86Box port).
RIPPLE IDE controller and A1000 WOM expansion support added in the expansion menu.
System Fixes and Adjustments
Default configuration now cycle-exact A500; replaces legacy approximated mode.
Updated CD32 CD read logic to better reflect sequential read patterns and reduce re-read latency.
WASAPI now auto-selects fallback audio modes when preferred channels are unavailable.
Deprecations and Removals
All legacy software filter support has been removed due to elimination of 16-bit color modes.
Subpixel emulation option removed; now enforced in accurate emulation modes.
Obsolete 16-bit host color depth support fully deprecated.
Additional Improvements
Expanded DMA debugger, sample ripper filenames include address/length metadata.
UI tree state now persistent between sessions; configuration file tree behavior improved.
Integer scaling logic adjusted for better handling of combined overscan and filter modes.
Debugger window now properly restores focus to prior application window.
TV Overscan and RTG filter interactions now render correctly under various display pipelines.
Known Caveats
This release includes extensive internal changes to timing-sensitive subsystems. Users are advised that edge cases, particularly under JIT or fast emulation modes, may exhibit regressions. Testing under non-default expansion devices or custom RTG pipelines is recommended before production use.
🎮 Track & Field - Arcade Port in Development for Amiga
A new Amiga arcade port is underway by developer JOTD, known for previous conversions like Gyruss and Bad Dudes vs DragonNinja. This time, the focus is on Track & Field — a classic button-mashing sports game originally released by Centuri/Konami in the early 1980s.
The port was recently highlighted on the English Amiga Board (EAB), where users noted its potential popularity among the retro Amiga community. Although still in development, a beta version is now available for early testing.
🏃 About the Original Game
Track & Field was a commercial hit in arcades and is remembered for its fast-paced, competitive gameplay. Players compete in a sequence of Olympic-style events — most requiring rapid alternation between two buttons to simulate sprinting, jumping, and other athletic feats.
The arcade version features a horizontal side-scrolling layout with one or two tracks visible at a time, a large scoreboard, and a packed stadium crowd in the background. It was one of the most successful arcade titles of 1984.
🖥️ The Amiga Version
The Amiga port aims to replicate the arcade gameplay closely, with support for original hardware and emulators. Performance appears smooth in early versions, with core mechanics and visuals already functioning. It’s expected to appeal to fans of titles like Hyper Sports.
⬇️ Download the Beta
The beta version can be downloaded from the following link:
🎉 Herra 47: Midsummer Festival
A Chaotic Finnish Summer on the Commodore 64
By David “Jazzcat” Simmons
The lovable antihero returns!
Herra 47 is back—and this time, he’s unemployed, broke, and still clueless. After winning hearts at Zoo 2024’s game-making competition, developer Jani Parvianen of Vector5 Games is gearing up for a full sequel: Herra 47: Midsummer Festival. Set for a late Q3 2025 release, the game promises even more absurdity, Nordic awkwardness, and pixel-perfect chaos.
🕹️ Reborn in Code
Rooted in Finnish pop culture and comedy, Herra 47’s awkward charm, terrible pick-up lines, and infamous catchphrases (“Sissos, Satan!”) are legendary. This time, you’ll guide him as he tries to organize a midsummer party—despite being fired, broke, and totally out of his depth.
Expect a riotous blend of retro visuals, inappropriate conversations, and point-and-click puzzles—crafted entirely on the Commodore 64.
🎯 Technical Highlights
Built using EasyFlash for smooth loading and a larger 1MB game size, Herra 47: Midsummer Festival includes:
42+ playable rooms
Three arcade minigames
Crude humour & adult themes (age gate included)
Graphics created in Paint Shop Pro + SpritePad
Code in C with assembly via Oscar64
Joystick support only—because keyboards are for grownups.
📦 Launch Plans
The game will launch digitally as an EasyFlash download in late 2025. While no physical edition is confirmed, interest could sway the developer to offer boxed copies.
👨💻 Developer’s Vision
“I’ve always loved Leisure Suit Larry,” says Parvianen. “After Zoo 2024, I felt encouraged to take the concept further—and this time, really go all in.”
With help from the Finnish C64 scene, music and sound design are still underway—but the game already looks like a must-play for fans of vintage European humour.
