Commodore 64 Ultimate: A Classic Reborn with Modern Power

After more than three decades, Commodore is making a bold return to the hardware market with the Commodore 64 Ultimate — a modern reimagining of the iconic home computer that defined a generation. Blending 1980s nostalgia with current technology, this new device promises a genuine retro experience with today’s convenience. Pre-orders are already underway, starting at just $299, with shipping expected to begin in October.

A True Hardware Revival – Not Just Another Emulator

The Commodore 64 Ultimate isn’t simply an emulator wrapped in a retro shell — it’s a true hardware-based recreation of the original system. Built around the AMD Artix-7 FPGA chip, it delivers near-perfect compatibility (claimed at 99%) with thousands of vintage games, cartridges, and accessories from the Commodore 64 era.

Heading this revival is Christian Simpson — better known to retro computing fans as Peri Fractic — who recently stepped in as interim CEO of Commodore Corporation. Supported by a team of notable industry figures, Simpson is determined to restore the legacy of the Commodore brand, even though the company’s multi-million-dollar acquisition deal remains unfinished.

Three Editions to Suit Every Fan

The Commodore 64 Ultimate comes in three distinct versions, each offering the same core power but with different aesthetics and extras:

• BASIC Beige ($299) – A classic beige case without backlighting, featuring the same internal hardware and engraved signatures of Commodore’s original engineers.
• Starlight Edition ($349) – A futuristic twist with a transparent case and the world’s first clear mechanical keyboard on a PCB, enhanced with LED lighting that reacts to audio.
• Founders Edition ($499) – A collector’s dream in amber-tinted transparent plastic, complete with a gold logo, founders certificate, commemorative token necklace, numbered holographic sticker, and an exclusive “I Rebooted C=” T-shirt. Includes full lighting features.

All versions are being offered through Commodore’s in-house crowdfunding platform, bypassing mainstream service fees and offering full refund guarantees before shipping, plus a one-year warranty after delivery.

Under the Hood: Specs and Features

At the heart of the Commodore 64 Ultimate is a custom motherboard replicated via AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, designed to deliver flawless compatibility with original software and peripherals. The system features:

• 128MB DDR2 RAM and 16MB NOR flash memory
• HDMI output with 1080p resolution at 50Hz (PAL) or 60Hz (NTSC)
• Analog DIN-8 output for vintage TV connections
• Dual SID chip support (6581/8580) with automatic voltage and filter detection, plus SID emulation via FPGA
• USB-A and USB-C ports, MicroSD slot, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and legacy ports for joysticks, cartridges, and disk drives

The keyboard uses Gateron Pro 3.0 mechanical switches for a tactile typing experience and supports NKRO (N-Key Rollover) for fast, accurate input. Some models feature RGB lighting with customizable effects, including audio-reactive visuals for both the keyboard and the case.

Included Accessories

Every Commodore 64 Ultimate ships with:

• A power supply and HDMI cable
• A user manual
• A 64GB cassette-shaped USB stick preloaded with over 50 classic games, demos, and music
• A set of nostalgic stickers

Users can transfer new games over Wi-Fi, or use their original cartridges, cassettes, or disk drives, making this system a versatile choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

⚙️ Why FPGA Matters

Unlike software emulators that mimic retro systems, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) hardware recreates the original circuitry, delivering an authentic, low-latency computing experience true to the 1980s.

Why the Commodore 64 Still Matters

For millions who grew up in the '80s and '90s, the Commodore 64 wasn’t just a computer — it was the first step into gaming, coding, and digital creativity. The Ultimate edition reawakens those memories, but without the headaches of obsolete hardware like worn-out floppy drives or unreliable tapes.

Compared to other retro systems like TheC64 Maxi (which uses an ARM-based emulator and lacks native peripheral support), the Commodore 64 Ultimate offers a more genuine experience — all at a competitive price. While TheC64 Maxi originally retailed for $120, it now often exceeds $250 on the secondary market.

Should You Wait?

While the product looks promising, some uncertainty remains due to the still-pending acquisition funding. As a result, tech reviewers suggest cautious optimism: consider waiting until October or November to read hands-on reviews, and if needed, spend a little extra to get ready-to-ship units directly from stock — potentially avoiding any crowdfunding delays.