65xxseries

The 65xx series refers to a family of 8-bit microprocessors designed by MOS Technology, later acquired by Commodore. The most famous member of this family is the MOS Technology 6502, first released in 1975. The 6502 was highly influential and found its way into a vast array of iconic personal computers, video game consoles, and arcade games during the late 1970s and 1980s. Its popularity stemmed from its relatively simple design, low cost, and efficient instruction set, which made it an attractive choice for manufacturers seeking affordable yet capable processing power.

Key members of the 65xx family include the 6502, which was the flagship processor, and variations like the 6507, a cost-reduced version with fewer pins and less addressable memory, and the 6510, which added an extra I/O port and was used in the Commodore 64. The 6502's architecture featured an 8-bit data bus and a 16-bit address bus, allowing it to access up to 64 kilobytes of memory. Its simple instruction set, often referred to as zero-page addressing, contributed to its speed and efficiency.

The widespread adoption of the 6502 in systems such as the Apple II, Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Commodore 64 cemented its legacy as one of the most significant microprocessors in computing history. Its continued availability and the active retro computing community ensure that the 65xx series remains relevant to hobbyists and developers today.