All the best 6502!

The MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor has left a deep mark on the history of computing. Many know it as the heart of legendary 8-bit computers from Commodore, Apple, Acorn and others. Interestingly, a version of this chip remains in production today. With this year's 50th anniversary, with the first advertisements for this processor appearing in July 1975, it's a good time to look back.

The 6502 architecture began with scientist Chuck Peddle, who worked for Motorola in the early 1970s and developed an idea for a simpler, more affordable chip than the Motorola 6800. When Motorola ordered him to stop working on it, he and a group of colleagues moved to MOS Technology, where they created the 6502 chip.

In the early 1980s, computer enthusiasts compared processor architectures. The Z80 had a higher clock speed, while the 6502 had a more efficient instruction set. Due to its reliable manufacturing and affordability, the 6502 microprocessor became the microprocessor of choice for the first generation of home computers and consoles, from the Acorn to the Nintendo.

Today, WDC still manufactures the original 6502 microprocessor in the classic 40-pin DIP form factor, which surprises even many enthusiasts. The Z80 ended production last year, so how long will the 6502 last?