The Commodore 64, an iconic name in computer history, is rising from the ashes. Announced as the Commodore 64 Ultimate, the new computer offers modern FPGA-based hardware rather than a software emulator. Pre-orders are available starting at $299, with shipments expected to begin in October.
Built on the AMD Artix 7 FPGA chip, the device promises full compatibility with over 10,000 original games, cartridges, and peripherals. Buyers will receive a 64GB USB drive (loaded with over 50 games, demos, and music, including licensed classics), a power adapter, an HDMI cable, and a user manual. While the device offers modern features like Wi-Fi game streaming, its true promise is to revive your old cartridges and floppy drives that have been sitting on dusty shelves.
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is available to enthusiasts in three different versions:
- BASIC Beige ($299): The entry-level model of the project. It features a simple, unlit design in its iconic beige color.
- Starlight Edition ($349): This special edition, designed for collectors, stands out with its translucent casing and the world’s first translucent mechanical keyboard PCB. It features LED lighting that responds to sounds coming from the device.
- Founders Edition ($499): This special edition, designed for collectors, features a translucent amber casing, commemorative gold seals, a necklace with a 24-karat gold Commodore badge, and a special serial number. It also comes with a t-shirt that says “I Rebooted C.”
The project is being funded through its own crowdfunding platform, rather than platforms like Kickstarter. However, Commodore offers buyers a significant guarantee:
A full refund, no questions asked, can be requested at any time before the order ships. A one-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship is activated upon delivery.
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