The MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor celebrates its 50th anniversary, having first appeared in advertisements in July 1975. Created by Chuck Peddle and his team after leaving Motorola, the 6502 was designed as a simpler, cheaper alternative to the complex Motorola 6800. Its success stemmed from its reasonable pricing, single 5V power supply, pipelined architecture, and efficient instruction set. The chip powered iconic 8-bit computers from Apple, Commodore, Acorn, and Atari, plus early gaming consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System. Despite the Z80's demise in 2024, the 6502 remains in production through Western Design Center, though its current market beyond retrocomputing enthusiasts remains unclear. The processor's legacy demonstrates how thoughtful, minimalist design can triumph over seemingly more powerful but complex alternatives.
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