The Commodore 64 Ultimate has arrived, and it looks awesome
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is the company’s first hardware launch in 30 years
Commodore has just opened pre-orders for its Commodore 64 Ultimate. This new home computer recreates the classic Commodore 64 experience, but with new features, compatibility with classic games, cartridges, peripherals, and more.
Unlike other classic PC recreations, the Commodore 64 Ultimate doesn’t use emulation. Using an AMD Artix 7 FPGA, this system has the same functionality as the original Commodore 64. This isn’t a cheap ARM-based emulation solution; it’s a “faithful recreation of the original motherboard.” That’s how the Comodore 64 Ultimate can claim to be “at least 99% compatible with all 80s/90s games, cartridges, and peripherals.”
Honouring the past. Innovating the future.
Without the distractions that stole it.Commodore has returned from a parallel timeline where tech stayed optimistic, inviting, and human. Where it served us, not enslaved us. We’re here to bring that feeling back – retro-futurism, transparent tech, digital detox, real innovation.
This is the first real Commodore computer in over 30 years, and it’s picked up a few new tricks.
Not an emulator. Not a PC. Retrogaming heaven in three dimensions: silicon, nostalgia, and light. Powered by a FPGA recreation of the original motherboard, wrapped in glowing game-reactive LEDs (or classic beige of course).
- Compatible with 10,000+ original retro games, cartridges, and peripherals
- SID chip reactive colour-changing LED case and keyboard
- Wi-Fi game transfer & USB “cassette” bursting with classic & new games
- Transparent keyboard circuit board to let the tech speak for itself
- Original C64 creator autographs etched forever into the mainboard copper
- Spiral-bound manual, glossy classic box, and more
Preorders have started
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is available in three flavours. First, there is BASIC Beige, which looks like an original C64 system. This version will be available for $299.99. Next, we have the Starlight Edition, which features a translucent case, a translucent keyboard PCB, and LED lighting. Note that the BASIC Beige Edition will only be available during the pre-order stage of this project.
Finally, we have the Commodore 64 Ultimate: Founders Edition. This version has a translucent amber case, a commemorative “Commodore Gold Seal ‘share’ certificate”, “24k gold-plated badges”, and a “24k gold Commodore badges ‘dog tag'”. Only 6400 Founders Edition systems will be made, all of which will be numbered.
All versions of the C64 Ultimate will ship with a 64GB USB Cassette Drive that features 50+ titles. This includes full games, licensed classics, music, demos, and a new game “Jupiter Lander: Ascension.”
Commodore 64 Ultimate Preorders/Crowdfunding
Pre-orders for Commodore’s three Ultimate systems are available through the company’s website. Note that these systems will be shipping until October at the earliest. This is a crowdfunding project, but it isn’t using a platform like Kickstarter or IndieGoGo. Commodore has assured buyers that they have a “no questions asked” money-back guarantee, which will allow buyers to cancel their pre-orders before they ship.
Pricing for these Ultimate systems will increase by $50 after crowdfunding is complete. For those who wait, you will have to pay more. However, these users will be able to benefit from consumer reviews and detailed hardware analysis from Commodore enthusiasts and the tech press.
You can join the discussion on the Commodore 64 Ultimate on the OC3D Forums.
