Commodore 64
News, coverage and analysis tracking Commodore 64 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Good quality retro cables matter, but decent wires now cost more than I used to pay for consoles
The cost and quality of retro gaming cables have significantly increased, with many cheap options failing to provide adequate visuals or even risking damage to older consoles. While high-end cables from brands like Retro Gaming Cables offer superior performance, their high price tags are prohibitive for many. The article highlights the need for more affordable, dependable options in the retro cable market.
Commodore is bringing back a legendary '80s joystick, and I'm hyped to see the microcomputer maker delve into…
The resurrected Commodore brand is bringing back the iconic Suncom TAC-2 joystick, originally popular in the 1980s. The joystick will be available in five new colorways, including versions that match the Commodore 64 Ultimate and C64C models, with prices starting at $49.99. Commodore CEO Peri Fractic highlighted the faithful re-release, noting improvements like a new steel shaft to enhance durability while maintaining the original's feel and functionality.
Commodore is bringing back the legendary TAC-2 joystick after more than 40 years
Commodore is bringing back the legendary TAC-2 joystick, originally released in 1983, after more than 40 years. The company is now taking pre-orders for the recreated controller, which aims to faithfully reproduce the original design and feel while improving durability. The new TAC-2 will be available in five colorways, with prices ranging from $49.99 to $64 for a limited Founders Edition.
A Commodore Amiga FPGA remake is now possible thanks to new landmark agreements
Landmark licensing agreements have been reached between Commodore International, Amiga Corporation, and Hyperion Entertainment, paving the way for potential FPGA remakes of the Commodore Amiga. These deals clarify intellectual property rights for software and trademarks, removing barriers for Commodore International to create modern hardware versions. Hyperion Entertainment will continue developing AmigaOS 4 under license.
The Spectrum White Edition interview: ‘it smells the same as Christmas Day 1984'
Retro Games CTO Chris Smith discusses the company's mission to recreate classic 8-bit computers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 with modern hardware. The Spectrum White Edition aims to capture the original experience, including programming capabilities, while offering modern conveniences like HDMI output and save states. Smith highlights the challenges of hardware replication and the importance of preserving gaming history for both nostalgic adults and curious younger generations.
Exclusive interview: How Sam Dyer built Bitmap Books into a shrine for your gaming memories
Sam Dyer, founder of Bitmap Books, discusses how his passion for graphic design and retro gaming led to the creation of a premium publishing house focused on preserving gaming history. The company emphasizes meticulous packaging and high-quality production, treating each book as a collectible artifact. Dyer also highlights the importance of original content and human curation over generative AI, aiming to capture the essence of gaming memories and culture.
A new flip phone that blocks social media at a system level is coming out, and you'll never guess which retro…
Commodore has announced the Callback 8020, a $500 Linux-based flip phone designed for digital minimalism. It blocks social media and web browsers at a system level, comes pre-loaded with classic Commodore 64 games and Snake, and runs a custom OS developed by the Sailfish OS team. Pre-orders open June 30th with a $50 discount.
No, Commodore's next project isn't an Amiga remake, it's a flip phone with 2000s vibes that's already prepped to deal with the under-16s UK social media ban
Commodore has announced its next product, the Callback 8020, a flip phone designed with a 2000s aesthetic and featuring physical keys. Running on Sailfish OS, it offers access to apps like WhatsApp and Spotify but blocks social media and web browsing to combat distraction. CEO Christian Simpson aims to provide a 'not dumb dumbphone' experience, inspired by his own switch to a minimal phone.
These new Spectrum And Commodore64 Gaming Handhelds Come Preloaded With Games
Two classic 1980s computers, the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum, are being re-released as new handheld gaming devices. These devices will come preloaded with 25 games each and feature design elements inspired by their predecessors, with a microSD card slot for additional games. Preorders are open, with shipping expected to begin on October 15.
Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum are getting Nintendo style handhelds this year
Retro Games Ltd, in partnership with Blaze Entertainment, is releasing new handheld versions of the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum in October. Each handheld will come pre-loaded with 25 classic games and feature a 4.3-inch IPS screen, priced at £109.99.
Game History and Preservation
The creators of the Evercade retro gaming console are developing handheld versions of the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. This initiative highlights ongoing efforts in game preservation for classic computer systems.
Two computer giants of the 80s - the Spectrum and C64 - are being turned into pocket-sized handhelds by the makers of Evercade
Blaze Entertainment, through its Hyper Mega Tech division, is releasing handheld versions of the classic 1980s computers ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 in October. Both devices, named The Spectrum Handheld and The C64 Handheld, feature a 4.3-inch screen, built-in controls, and come pre-loaded with 25 games each. They are priced at £109.99, with limited edition versions available for £129.99.
The C64 and ZX Spectrum are back as 3DS-style handhelds
Blaze and Retro Games Ltd are releasing new handheld consoles, THE64 Handheld and THE SPECTRUM Handheld, which resemble the Nintendo 3DS and are based on the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum microcomputers. These devices feature 4.3-inch screens, 25 built-in games, and micro SD card slots, with collector's editions also available. Both are set to launch in October.
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is getting a C64C sibling with an Amiga-style case that uses the original mold
Commodore has announced the C64C Ultimate, a remake of the 1986 microcomputer featuring an Amiga-style case. The company acquired the original injection tooling from Individual Computers to recreate the case with its 1980s imperfections. The C64C Ultimate is available for pre-order in multiple colors and configurations, with Commodore planning further retro and futurism-focused products for 2026.
Multiplayer Commodore 64 Gaming in the Browser? Welcome to C64-Cade!
C64-Cade, created by Andrew Hayes, has launched C64-Live, a platform enabling real-time, multiplayer Commodore 64 gaming directly in web browsers. This system allows a host to stream a C64 session, with a second player joining remotely to control the second joystick port. The platform also supports live spectating, interactive chat, online lobbies, and versatile loading options for cartridges and disk images, aiming to make classic multiplayer accessible to a wider audience.
Games Inbox: What is your favourite retro video game format?
Readers discuss their favorite retro gaming formats, with the Atari ST, ZX Spectrum, and Commodore 64 being popular choices. The discussion also touches on anticipation for upcoming games like The Witcher 4 and Switch 2, as well as the perceived decline of studios like Firaxis.
Amazon Spring Sale - Grab This Commodore 64 Replica Console For Just $85
The THEC64 Mini replica console, a 50% scale model of the original Commodore 64, is available for $85 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, down from its usual $120 price. This device can play official and homebrew Commodore 64 games on modern TVs via HDMI and supports loading games from a USB stick. It comes with 25 pre-loaded games and allows users to code in BASIC directly on the hardware.
Major Nelson of Xbox fame joins Peri Fractic and his new Commodore International company
Larry Hryb, formerly of Xbox, has joined the newly formed Commodore International as a Community Development Advisor. The company, founded by YouTuber Christian Simpson, aims to release new hardware faithful to the original Commodore brand, despite ongoing trademark disputes with an Italian company.
