The Commodore C64 is Back – And it’s Making a Charming Comeback!
Retro Gaming is Back - Now With HDMI, Wi-Fi, and More!
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The Commodore C64 is back! It’s not just a vague memory or a gimmick for emulator fans; it’s a technically sophisticated reissue that combines retro aesthetics with contemporary technology. The new “Commodore 64 Ultimate” is more than just a collector’s item. YouTuber Christian Simpson is behind the project. He was originally only interested in a license, but ultimately acquired all the trademark rights. Thus, his idea evolved into an entrepreneurial vision that revives old hardware and brings the essence of the 1980s brand into the present. Inside the computer, modern FPGA technology meets the nostalgic original design, aiming to recreate the original feel as closely as possible without compromising today’s standards.
Commodore C64 Ultimate: The Original Feel With Contemporary Features
The “new” Commodore C64 system is powered by an AMD Xilinx Artix-7 processor combined with 128 MB of DDR2 RAM and 16 MB of flash memory. Rather than using software emulation, the old chips are replicated by a programmable circuit (FPGA) with low latency. This means that even old peripherals, such as the VC1541 floppy drive, can be used again. Yes!
Those who still have a Competition Pro joystick in their basement can rejoice because the classic joystick ports are included – I’m in! According to the manufacturer, the system is compatible with over 99 percent of old games and hardware. Cartridges and original monitors with DIN-8 connectors can even be connected directly, eliminating the need for adapters or emulators.
The New C64 Relies on FPGA Instead of Emulation
At the same time, the new Commodore C64 opens up to today’s world. Thanks to its HDMI connection, the retro computer can be connected to modern monitors. USB ports of types A and C are also available for connecting keyboards and other devices or installing your own programs. Alternatively, this can be done via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
An accompanying USB stick contains more than 50 retro games, demos, and music tracks, including a new chapter in the legendary “Jupiter Lander” series. This allows you to dive right into the Commodore C64 universe without lengthy searches or configurations. A particularly charming feature is that the names of the developers are engraved on the circuit boards of each edition – a loving tribute to the original creators.
The three available versions differ in both design and presentation. The “Basic Edition” features the classic beige Commodore C64 design, while the “Starlight Edition” is a real eye-catcher with a transparent cover and RGB lighting.
The Commodore C64 is Still a Collector’s Item
The highlight, however, is the “Founders Edition,” which is limited to 6,400 units. It is based on the golden anniversary version, produced to celebrate the sale of the one millionth unit. Its amber-colored, transparent cover and gold-plated keys underscore this variant’s exclusivity. Despite all the nostalgia, securing long-term financing for the project remains a challenge. The company is currently seeking investors to ensure series production begins in fall 2025.
The rebirth of the Commodore C64 as the “Ultimate” is much more than a nostalgic gesture. It symbolizes the present day’s growing interest in authentic retro experiences that combine technical reliability with cultural significance. In an era when many digital products seem interchangeable and arbitrary, the new Commodore C64 connects us to an era when technical limitations demanded individuality. The attention to detail, coupled with open hardware and serious compatibility, clearly shows that this project comes from the heart of a community that still feels deeply connected to the retro computer.
Prices and Availability
The standard version costs €255.59, the Starlight Edition costs €298.19, and the Founders Edition costs €425.99. Delivery is scheduled to begin in October 2025.
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5 responses to “The Commodore C64 is Back – And it’s Making a Charming Comeback!”
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Meh. Another piece of landfill. Take a 15 year old laptop and Vice, you get the same for free
No, if you put Vice on a laptop, you get a rough approximation of a C64 that runs C64 software at similar speeds to an original C64 with a mismatched keyboard and no ability to connect orignal joysticks or cartridges.
This FPGA based machine has the original keyboard layout, original cartridge and expansion ports, and can run at *exactly* the same speed as an original C64.
You could swap this in place of an original C64 and be highly likely to be able to run any tape, disk, or cartridge software that the original could from the original storage media, with the same old joysticks, printing on the same old printer, displaying on the same old monitor. It’s a near-perfect copy of the original machine implemented in reprogrammable hardware, which is a far cry from Vice on a laptop.
If that distinction is lost on you, then you’re not qualified to comment.
Nice! I’ve got an original beige breadwinner in storage, alongside with a datasette & loads of games on cart and tape. It was my first home computer, so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Here’s hoping the new team are around for a long time, as it’s a special machine, with a tremendous games library and legacy.
oops! i meant Bread Bin , as that’s what the original C64’s were known as.
Will this new Commodore C64 machine support and work with Kung Fu Flash cartridge to play all games without cassette band tape player or using the 1541 discdrive ?