diff --git a/ports/pic16bit/Makefile b/ports/pic16bit/Makefile
index fa6de38e3..3c2bd54ea 100644
--- a/ports/pic16bit/Makefile
+++ b/ports/pic16bit/Makefile
@@ -6,7 +6,8 @@ QSTR_DEFS = qstrdefsport.h
 # include py core make definitions
 include $(TOP)/py/py.mk
 
-XC16 = /opt/microchip/xc16/v1.35
+XCVERSION ?= 1.35
+XC16 ?= /opt/microchip/xc16/v$(XCVERSION)
 CROSS_COMPILE ?= $(XC16)/bin/xc16-
 
 PARTFAMILY = dsPIC33F