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Nelkano Emulator for Android
PlayableJoseph Weisbecker (RCA) · 1977

CHIP-8

Where it all began. A virtual machine that helped start the story. Simple games, pixel graphics and a 16-key keypad. Discover CHIP-8 on Android.

Files:.ch8.c8.chip8

What is CHIP-8?

CHIP-8 is a programming language created by Joseph Weisbecker to make it easier to develop games for computers such as the COSMAC VIP. Its games use simple graphics and a 16-key keypad. With Nelkano, you can open these games on your phone and use on-screen touch controls. You can also run programs you have written yourself.

What you can do today

  • Open CHIP-8 games and programs stored on your device.
  • Import individual files or games inside a ZIP archive.
  • Play with an on-screen 16-key keypad.
  • Hear the game's sounds.
  • Save a game session and resume it by loading its state.
  • Try your own CHIP-8 programs.

Known limitations

  • Some games may have issues or fail to work correctly. Check each title's test results to see what has been verified.
  • Programs can be up to 3,584 bytes. This limit applies to the program, not the ZIP archive containing it.

Getting started with CHIP-8

  1. Save a game on your device

    You need a .ch8, .c8 or .chip8 file. You can use a program you created or one its author allows you to download and use.

  2. Add it to Nelkano

    Open the library, tap + and select the file. Nelkano will add it to your library and open the game.

  3. Start playing

    The virtual keypad will appear on screen. Each program uses different keys; check its instructions if something does not respond as expected.

Frequently asked questions about CHIP-8

Is CHIP-8 a console?

No. It is a language designed for making simple games. Nelkano interprets those programs so you can run them on Android.

Which keys should I use?

It depends on the game. The keypad has 16 keys, from 0 to 9 and A to F, but each program chooses which ones to use. Check the game's instructions for its controls.

Can I open my own programs?

Yes. Once you have generated your program's CHIP-8 file, add it using the + button in the library. It must stay within the 3,584-byte limit.

Can I save my game?

Yes. You can save the game's state and load it later to continue from that point.