Experience Nostalgia Like Never Before With The Commodore 64 Ultimate
- Vince
- Jul 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Get ready for a blast from the past with the incredible Commodore 64 Ultimate! This marks the exciting debut of fresh hardware under the new management, and it's available for pre-order right now, starting at just $299! + tax (£270 + tax) But hold your horses — shipping isn't likely to commence until October 2025 at the earliest. What’s in store for you? This fantastic device is proudly “not a software emulator” and is powered by an impressive AMD Artix 7 FPGA. Plus, it boasts compatibility with over 10,000 original games, cartridges, and peripherals! Don’t miss out on this nostalgic journey — secure your Commodore 64 Ultimate today!
We had a feeling something exciting was on the horizon, especially with the recent takeover of Commodore Corporation’s management by a group of passionate enthusiasts! Christian ‘Peri Fractic’ Simpson, the popular TechTuber from Retro Recipes, is now leading the charge.
Recently, Simpson announced that he is the “acting CEO of Commodore Corporation” and has been joined by several legendary figures from the Commodore legacy. He even hinted at an incredible new hardware reveal! It looks like the acquisition of Commodore Corporation is almost a done deal, but there’s a slight concern as the funding for this “low seven-figure” deal isn’t fully secured yet.
Could we be on the brink of witnessing the launch of the Commodore 64 Ultimate? The excitement is palpable!
Commodore 64 Ultimate overview
Get ready to dive back into nostalgia with the exciting launch of the new Commodore 64 Ultimate models! There are three versions available, and while they may look a bit different on the outside, they pack a powerful punch under the hood. These machines proudly mark the return of official C64 computers after more than three decades! But don’t be fooled — this isn’t just a retro revival; the Ultimate model comes loaded with some seriously impressive modern features!
As we highlighted earlier, the beating heart of these fresh C64 devices is an incredibly faithful replica of the original motherboard, expertly crafted on AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA technology. This means they boast an astounding “at least 99% compatibility” with all your favorite games, cartridges, and peripherals from the 80s and 90s! To help you get a clearer picture, we’ve put together a handy table of other essential specifications. Get ready to relive the magic with the Commodore 64 Ultimate!
Commodore 64 Ultimate Specs
Memory
Equipped with 128MB of DDR2 RAM and 16MB of NOR flash memory.
Storage
Supports USB thumb drives formatted in FAT, FAT32, and exFAT. Compatible file formats include .D64, .D71, .D81, .G64, .T64, .TAP, .PRG, .ROM, among others. It also provides ISO-9660 image support. Features integrated Ultimate-II+ capabilities for tape emulation and DMA loading.
Video
Offers 1080p resolution at either 50Hz (PAL) or 60Hz (NTSC). Certified for HDMI with virtually no lag, DVI-compatible through HDMI, and provides analog output via DIN-8 in formats such as CVBS, S-Video, or RGB.
Sound
Includes two SID sockets (compatible with 6581/8580) featuring automatic voltage and filter detection. Incorporates UltiSID octal core FPGA SID emulation and supports SID-TAP headers.
I/O
Features three USB-A 2.0 ports, one USB-C port, a MicroSD card slot, an HDMI connection (cable included), an 8-pin DIN for analog video output, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Optical S/PDIF, 100Mbps Ethernet connectivity, Wi-Fi capability, a cartridge port (>99% compatibility), a Datasette port (6-pin edge connector), a disk drive port (6-pin IEC DIN), two DB-9 joystick/paddle ports, and a user port (26-pin internal; adapter sold separately).
Keyboard
A mechanical keyboard with 66 keys utilizing Gateron Pro 3.0 55g switches. It features the original C64 layout and shapes, full N-key rollover, USB connectivity, 70 RGB LEDs, and standard stabilizers.
Lighting
The case and keyboard lighting are seamlessly integrated into the motherboard and can be configured through a menu. Offers adjustable patterns, speeds, and brightness levels (not applicable to the BASIC Beige model).
Other
Includes a rocker switch for power, reset, menu navigation, and freeze functions. A 12V DC power supply suitable for worldwide use is included.
This device is known as the Commodore 64 Ultimate.
In addition to the computer, power supply unit (PSU), and HDMI cable previously mentioned, purchasers of the Commodore 64 Ultimate will receive a spiral-bound user manual, a 64GB USB Cassette Drive that includes over 50 full games — featuring licensed classics — as well as music, demos, a quick start guide, and a selection of stickers.
While using the system, you may find the cassette-style USB drive to be quite useful. It also offers the convenience of Wi-Fi game transfers. However, for those who are long-time fans of the C64, the Commodore 64 Ultimate website emphasizes that they can enjoy their collections of “dusty old cartridges, CRT TVs, datasettes, or disk drives.”
Three Different Versions Available
The most affordable way to own a new Commodore 64 Ultimate is by opting for the BASIC Beige edition, available for $299 during the promotional pre-order phase. This model, as indicated on the packaging, is a standard beige version without any decorative lighting features. However, it still includes the same engravings of the names of both past and present C64 creators on the motherboard, just like the higher-priced models.
If you choose to upgrade to the Commodore 64 Ultimate: Starlight Edition for an additional $50, you will receive a system with a translucent casing and the world's first translucent mechanical keyboard PCB. This version also boasts LED lighting that can be programmed to respond to sounds emitted by the computer.
At a higher price point of $499, you can acquire the Commodore 64 Ultimate: Founders Edition. This model comes in a translucent amber case and includes a commemorative gold seal 'share' certificate from Commodore. Additionally, it features a 24k gold 'dog tag' necklace with the Commodore badge and a holographic serial number sticker that begins at 00000001. This collector's edition also provides an "I Rebooted C=" t-shirt and has reactive lighting capabilities.
Commodore is utilizing its own crowdfunding platform instead of Kickstarter or Indiegogo to reduce costs. The Commodore.net website reassures potential buyers that this new official product, the Commodore 64 Ultimate, is backed by a money-back guarantee. This allows customers to cancel their order anytime prior to shipping and receive a full refund without any conditions. Once the product is received, it comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and craftsmanship.
Additionally, readers are informed that the launch of this hardware is not dependent on the outcome of the Commodore Corp buyout. Nevertheless, some individuals may prefer to wait until October or November, willing to pay an additional $50 above the crowdfunding prices to benefit from reviews by retro tech publications, gain confidence in the completion of the manufacturing process, and ensure shipping from available stock.