In the mid-1980s, a glowing blue READY. prompt on a Commodore machine was the gateway to endless possibilities. Now, decades later, that gateway has reopened. Commodore is back – not as a fleeting logo slap or mini novelty, but with a new computer that is both a time machine and a modern gadget. Dubbed the Commodore 64 Ultimate, this machine is the first official Commodore computer released in over 30 years. It promises to whisk veteran 8-bit gamers and curious newcomers alike into a retro computing paradise – with some very 21st-century upgrades. In this post, we’ll explore what the Commodore 64 Ultimate is all about, how it compares to the legendary Commodore 64 (and its 16-bit sibling, the Amiga), why it’s launching now, and what the community thinks of this ambitious revival. So dust off your joystick, crack your knuckles for a little BASIC, and let’s dive in.
Back to the ’80s with Modern Tech: What Is the Commodore 64 Ultimate?
The Commodore 64 Ultimate “Starlight Edition” model channels the classic C64’s form factor – complete with the iconic breadbin-style case – but adds a translucent shell and multi-color LED lighting that reacts to sound, blending 80s nostalgia with a cyberpunk glow. It’s a faithful homage on the outside, and all-new tech on the inside.
The Commodore 64 Ultimate (C64U) is a fully-functional revival of the original 1982 Commodore 64 home computer – built using modern hardware while preserving the classic experience. It isn’t an emulator box or a toy; it’s a real Commodore machine at heart. In fact, the C64U runs on an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that recreates the original C64’s motherboard hardware at the transistor level. This means when you power it on, you get the authentic Commodore environment (including that familiar BASIC prompt) but with enhancements that 1980s kids could only dream of. Priced starting at $299 for the base model, the C64U is available for pre-order now and is expected to ship in the first batch by October/November 2025.
Key features of the Commodore 64 Ultimate include:
- Authentic C64 Hardware, Modernized: Built around an AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA core, making it at least 99% compatible with 10,000+ original C64 games, cartridges, and peripherals from the ’80s and ’90s. This is a true hardware implementation, not software emulation, for maximum accuracy.
- Expanded Specs & Performance: Offers 128MB of RAM (versus the original C64’s 64KB) and a Turbo mode up to 48 MHz – roughly 48× the stock C64’s 1 MHz CPU clock – for those who want to speed up games or applications. It also supports dual SID audio chips (the sound generators in the C64) for stereo sound and even has options to install original SID chips or use high-fidelity FPGA emulation.
- Modern Connectivity: Outputs video via 1080p HDMI (with virtually zero lag) so you don’t need to hunt for a CRT TV. It also includes old-school analog video outputs (composite, S-Video, RGB) via an 8-pin port for purists. Audio can be pumped through a 3.5mm jack or optical S/PDIF. There’s built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet for transferring games or updates, plus three USB ports and a microSD slot for loading software. (One cheeky touch: the spec sheet proudly notes “No social media” under networking – a nod to the C64U’s distraction-free, offline computing philosophy.)
- Peripheral Support & Storage: Just like a real Commodore 64, the Ultimate has the old ports: plug in original game cartridges, connect a 1541 floppy disk drive, attach a Datassette tape drive, or hook up vintage DB-9 joysticks – it’s all supported and actually works with this machine. At the same time, you don’t need those old devices to enjoy it: the C64U comes with a “cassette” USB drive (a USB stick cleverly styled like a mini datasette tape) loaded with 50+ classic games, demos, and even a brand-new sequel to Commodore’s first-ever game Jupiter Lander. You can also load your own software ROMs and disk images from USB or SD card with a built-in file browser.
- Enhanced Controls & Lighting: The keyboard is a 66-key mechanical keyboard, with full n-key rollover and programmable macros – a huge improvement over the squishy keys of the original C64. In two of the three models, both the keyboard circuit board and the case are transparent and filled with RGB LEDs that glow and even change color in reaction to the SID music and sounds of your games. In other words, your computer literally dances to the music! Even the traditional red power LED has been upgraded to a multi-color spectacle. This flashy lighting can be customized or turned off via menus, blending retro tech with a bit of disco flair.
- Collector’s Edition Touches: The attention to nostalgia is everywhere – the motherboard is emblazoned with the signatures of Commodore’s original C64 engineers (including Al Charpentier, the “father of the C64”) as well as members of the new team. The machine comes in a vintage-styled glossy box with a spiral-bound user manual (just like the 80s original) full of BASIC programming tips and retro illustrations. It’s clear that this product is as much a love letter to the Commodore community as it is a piece of hardware.
Three variants of the C64 Ultimate are on offer, all technically identical under the hood. The differences are in cosmetic style and included collectibles:
- BASIC Beige ($299.99): A classic Commodore beige computer case, for that true 1980s look. This model foregoes the fancy LEDs – no transparent parts or light show here – and instead fully embraces the old-school aesthetic. The Beige edition is “the spitting image of the original hardware”, which is exactly the point for many nostalgia purists.
- Starlight Edition ($349.99): The flashy model shown in the promo shots – a translucent case that lights up in a rainbow of colors as you play, plus the world’s first see-through mechanical keyboard PCB with backlighting. It’s a C64 as imagined in a cyberpunk future: think Tron meets 8-bit. Aside from the LED glow, it’s the same machine, but it certainly turns heads.
- Founders Edition ($499.99): A limited collector’s run of 6,400 units (a clever nod to “64”) that decks out the C64U in luxurious gold trim. Inspired by the famous one-millionth Commodore 64 (which was plated in gold back in the day), the Founders Edition features 24-karat gold-plated Commodore badges, metallic gold keys, and a translucent amber case. Each comes with bonus swag: an “I Rebooted C=” T-shirt, a gold “dog tag” necklace engraved with Commodore logos, a share certificate prop, and a holographic serial number label on the machine (starting from 00000001). It’s both a tribute and an investment in the brand’s revival – part of the proceeds help “boost the mission to reboot Commodore” as the company puts it.
All models are available for pre-order on Commodore’s official website as of now, with a money-back guarantee if you change your mind before shipping. Notably, the company chose to do this independently rather than via Kickstarter – a move they say avoids platform fees and is “just like our founder Jack Tramiel would’ve wanted” in keeping costs low for consumers. Early buyers will be charged now (in USD) to fund production, but can request a full refund any time before the units ship. Shipping will be fulfilled from regional hubs in the US, UK (even out of Commodore’s old 1980s facility in Corby), and EU, aiming to deliver by the end of 2025. So that’s the what, when, and how – now let’s talk about why this machine exists and how it connects to Commodore’s legendary past.
Bridging Eras: The C64 Ultimate vs. the Original Commodore 64 (and Amiga)
It’s impossible to look at the Commodore 64 Ultimate without reminiscing about the original Commodore 64 – the computer that defined home computing for a generation. Launched in 1982, the C64 became the best-selling single computer model of all time with an estimated 15 million units sold worldwide. It hit a sweet spot of affordability and capability: though its 8-bit 1 MHz CPU was modest, the C64’s VIC-II graphics chip and SID sound chip were remarkably powerful for their price, enabling colorful graphics and synthesizer-quality sound that home users had never experienced before. By the late ’80s, the C64’s library had ballooned – over 5,000 commercial games were released during its heyday (and if you count public-domain and hobbyist software, the total catalog easily exceeds 10,000 titles). From the United States to Europe, kids spent countless hours loading games from cassettes and floppies, programming in BASIC, and forming a thriving demoscene that pushed the little machine to do astonishing things. Simply put, the cultural impact of the C64 was massive – it was the machine that introduced many to computing and gaming, earning star status in the history of tech.
Following up that success, Commodore’s Amiga line in 1985 took the torch and ran into 16-bit territory. The Amiga introduced a true multitasking OS, a 4096-color graphics palette, and 4-channel sampled stereo sound – features that made IBM PCs and Apple Macs of the time look plain boring. It became a staple for gaming, digital art, video production, and music in the late ’80s and early ’90s. The Amiga sold around 5 million units in its lifetime and developed an almost rabid fanbase (especially in Europe) that exists to this day. Titles like Shadow of the Beast and Deluxe Paint, and the famous Boing Ball demo, showcased the Amiga’s prowess and left an indelible mark on computing culture. If the C64 was the computer “for the masses, not the classes,” the Amiga was the dream machine that truly fulfilled Commodore’s slogan of delivering innovative technology at (relatively) affordable prices.
So how does the Commodore 64 Ultimate compare to these icons? In many ways, it’s a love letter to the original C64, faithfully reproducing its functions, while also addressing the limitations that time has revealed:
- Hardware Architecture: The original C64 was built from MOS 6502-series chips and other fixed-function logic. The C64U instead uses a modern FPGA to reimplement all that logic in a single chip. This means the Ultimate can simulate the exact behavior of the old silicon (cycle-accurate, so games behave correctly), but it’s not bound by the old physical constraints. Need more memory? It’s got 128MB vs. 64KB. Want faster CPU speed? Toggle Turbo mode and you can run 48x faster for intensive tasks. Yet, when running in stock mode, it’s essentially the same computing experience as a 1980s C64. Think of the FPGA as a time machine on a chip – you dial up 1982 when you want authenticity, or dial up 2025 when you want performance. There’s no general-purpose OS like Windows or Linux running the show in Ultimate (that role is filled by the separate Commodore 64X PC product). The C64U is the C64 at the core, just with optional enhancements.
- Ports and Peripherals: Amazingly, the Commodore 64 Ultimate brings back nearly all the I/O ports from the original C64 – not just as decoration, but fully operational. The cartridge slot, serial IEC port for disk drives, Datassette port for tape drives, and DB9 joystick ports are present and work with original accessories. This means you could dust off a 1541 floppy disk drive, plug it in, and load a program off a 5¼″ floppy if you really wanted to (though with the convenient modern storage options, you might not need to). In contrast, hooking a real 1541 drive to an original C64 often required alignment and disk swaps – it’s nostalgic but slow; the C64U gives you the choice to relive that or use instant-loading from flash storage. For video, the original C64 relied on RF and composite output to CRT televisions; the Ultimate offers crisp HDMI output and still provides composite/S-Video/RGB via an adapter for vintage monitors. With the C64U, you can start a game on a modern flatscreen in the living room, then, if you feel whimsical, connect it to a period-correct Commodore 1702 monitor for that warm retro glow. Essentially, the Ultimate serves as a bridge between old and new gear – honoring the past by working with it, but also freeing you from old tech hassles if you prefer.
- User Experience: One of the most charming aspects of the C64 Ultimate is how it recreates the feel of using a classic Commodore, beyond just running the same software. The machine boots to Commodore’s blue BASIC screen (with licensed or user-provided ROMs), and you can type in BASIC programs exactly as you would on a 1980s C64. The included spiral-bound manual encourages this by including tutorials and sample code for BASIC, just like the manuals of yesteryear. It’s a deliberate attempt to reintroduce the learning experience that came with 8-bit computing – typing code, tinkering, making the machine do your bidding. At the same time, the Ultimate has conveniences that modern users expect. For example, there’s an on-screen menu system (accessible via a special key or button) that lets you browse files on a USB drive or adjust hardware settings, instead of having to type arcane commands. You can easily flash new firmware to the FPGA as updates come (the community is likely to develop and refine the core over time), whereas the original C64’s firmware was fixed in ROM chips. And of course, trivial but important: if something crashes, you have a proper reset switch and power rocker to quickly reboot – anyone who lived through the ’80s knows how valuable a physical power switch can be when a game locks up! .
- Cultural and Aesthetic Homage: The Ultimate wears its heritage on its sleeve. The BASIC Beige model is virtually identical in look to a Commodore 64C of the late ’80s (the slightly sleeker revision of the breadbin C64). The team even worked with original Commodore engineers – for instance, they consulted Albert Charpentier, the engineer behind the VIC-II chip, whose signature now adorns the new board. This kind of detail underscores that the project isn’t just commercial, it’s personal and historical. The inclusion of Jupiter Lander: Ascension (a new sequel to a very simple 1982 Commodore PET game) in the software bundle is another nod – it ties the very first Commodore game to this latest one, a symbolic full circle. And then there’s the light-up translucent design of Starlight and the bling of Founders Edition, which riff on famous Commodore lore (from the Commodore SX-64’s vibrant colors to that gold C64 made for a lucky contest winner). The message is clear: the Commodore 64 Ultimate is meant to evoke the feeling of using a Commodore in the ’80s – the excitement and optimism – while also delighting you with touches that remind you this is something new, part two of the story.
What about the Amiga, you ask? While the C64 Ultimate is focused squarely on the 8-bit Commodore era, the shadow of the Amiga looms in fans’ hopes. The new Commodore team has indeed brought on some former Amiga engineers and Commodore veterans as part of their venture. So it’s not far-fetched to imagine that if the C64 Ultimate succeeds, we could see an “Amiga Ultimate” in the future. In fact, CEO Christian Simpson has hinted that he envisions a “single, joined-up family of Commodore machines” going forward. Reviving the Amiga would be a more complex task – not least because the rights to its original operating system and ROMs are tangled up with different companies – but the appetite is certainly there. An FPGA-based Amiga with HDMI output and modern storage (much like existing community-driven projects, e.g. the MiSTer or Minimig cores) would make a lot of retro enthusiasts very happy. For now, Commodore has at least paid tribute to the Amiga era by including Commodore OS Vision 3.0 in their parallel product, the Commodore 64X PC (a modern mini-PC in a C64-style case). That custom OS is a retro-styled Linux build that nods to AmigaOS in interface design, suggesting Commodore hasn’t forgotten its 16-bit legacy even as it reboots the 8-bit one.
Why Now? The Timing and Significance of Commodore’s Revival
Why resurrect the Commodore brand now, in 2025, with a piece of hardware so lovingly rooted in the past? The answer lies at the intersection of technology, nostalgia, and a bit of serendipity in who’s leading the charge.
A Fan at the Helm: Unlike past attempts to use the Commodore name (which infamously ended up on random gadgets like GPS units, smartphones, and even a Commodore-branded shredder), this revival is being driven by genuine enthusiasts. Christian “Perifractic” Simpson, a popular retro Youtuber (known for his channel Retro Recipes), spearheaded an effort to acquire the Commodore brand and “give it a new life”. Simpson pulled together a team including former Commodore engineers and executives, and reached a deal to buy the rights to Commodore for a “low seven-figure” sum. He effectively became the new CEO of Commodore. His motivation wasn’t just to sell merch or nostalgia trinkets – it was to right the wrongs of the past misuse and rekindle that optimistic spirit Commodore once had. As Wired magazine put it, “after years of mismanagement and questionable product tie-ins, the ’80s computer brand is back, now with a fan at the helm”. This passion-driven leadership is a key reason now is happening: the brand finally ended up in the hands of people who care deeply about it, rather than a corporate shell looking for quick ROI. Simpson’s approach has been collaborative – he actively sought out community creators like Gideon Zweijtzer (maker of the “Ultimate 64” FPGA boards that the C64U is based on) to join forces. Gideon himself said he saw teaming up with Commodore as a “win-win-win” – easing his burden of lone development and ensuring the community gets a polished, well-supported product. In short, the timing was right because the right people finally came together to do it.
Retro Tech Renaissance: We’re living in a golden age of nostalgia for classic tech and gaming. The success of devices like the NES Classic, SNES Mini, and PlayStation Classic showed that there’s a mainstream market for reliving old games (albeit those were simple emulation boxes). More relevantly, within the computing hobbyist scene, projects like the ZX Spectrum Next (a modern FPGA-based Spectrum) and various FPGA retro consoles (Analogue’s Super Nt, MiSTer, etc.) have proven that people will support new hardware that faithfully recreates old experiences – especially if official branding and blessing are involved. The ZX Spectrum Next, for example, was a crowdfunded hit, delivering a “what if” updated Spectrum that fans adored. Commodore’s resurrection taps into the same vein, but arguably with an even more famous name and broader appeal. After all, the Commodore 64 wasn’t just a games machine; it was a cultural icon that millions grew up with – in America, UK, Germany, and beyond. Many of those original users are now in their 40s, 50s, or 60s with disposable income and a desire to reconnect with their youth. The C64 Ultimate offers them something more substantial than just a tiny plug-and-play TV game device: it offers the full experience of owning a Commodore computer again – opening the box, reading the manual, typing on a real keyboard, maybe even teaching their kids BASIC on it, as a way to share a piece of their childhood. This wave of tech nostalgia meets hands-on tinkering is cresting now, so Commodore’s timing makes sense commercially and culturally.
Technology Makes it Feasible: It’s worth noting that doing a project like this with high quality was a lot harder 10-15 years ago. FPGA technology has matured significantly – powerful chips like the Artix-7 used in the C64U are more affordable now, and the knowledge to recreate old systems in FPGA logic has been built up by the community over time. Gideon’s Ultimate64 (the basis of the C64U) went through iterations and improvements thanks to years of community feedback. Likewise, mechanical keyboard manufacturing (for custom layouts like a C64’s) and niche plastic case production have become easier thanks to the globalized supply chain and interest in custom keyboards and retro case remolds. In fact, Commodore’s team leveraged existing efforts – the mechanical key switches in the C64U are a design by Jim Drew, another community figure, and the cases likely draw on work from enthusiasts who recreated C64 cases in modern materials. All these pieces existed in some form, but it took Commodore as a company to pull them together, refine them, and add the official branding that legitimizes it. As one report succinctly put it, the C64 Ultimate is “effectively an amalgamation of existing products, from the keycaps to the Ultimate64 board at its core,” but assembled into a cohesive, polished package with Commodore’s stamp. Now was the time when those components were ready and available, so a project like this didn’t have to start entirely from scratch – they could build on the community’s shoulders and deliver something great more quickly.
The “Digital Detox” Angle: Beyond just nostalgia, Commodore’s comeback has a subtle philosophical angle. On their website and marketing, they emphasize a return to “focus-friendly computing”, free from the notification-overload and algorithm-driven engagement that defines modern devices. The tagline speaks of a “parallel timeline where tech stayed optimistic, inviting, and human… where it served us, not enslaved us.” This is a direct appeal to those who feel modern PCs and phones, for all their power, have lost the simplicity and joy that old computers provided. Back then, you turned on a Commodore and you made something or you played something, without the internet vying for your attention. By releasing a self-contained, non-networked (at least non-web) home computer in 2025, Commodore is testing the idea that perhaps there’s a market for a disconnected computing experience – a device you use deliberately and creatively, rather than for mindless surfing or doom-scrolling. It’s a niche idea for sure, but it resonates with the broader retro trend of seeking authenticity. As Wired noted, the new Commodore is trying to position itself as both reboot and originator, past and future – which can be a bit of a branding juggling act. But the underlying message is hopeful: maybe using a Commodore 64 Ultimate to code a little game or scroll text in BASIC will remind people of the magic of programming, and inspire some to teach or learn in a way that modern closed appliances do not. In an educational context, a C64U could be a fun tool to introduce kids to coding without the distractions of a full PC – a notion the company does mention as a goal.
Signs of Things to Come: The release of the Commodore 64 Ultimate might also signal a new model for how to revive classic computer brands. Instead of giant corporations pumping out plastic nostalgia cash-ins, we’re seeing community-driven, crowdfunded or direct-preorder-based projects that prioritize authenticity and quality. It’s a bit akin to the vinyl record resurgence: smaller batches, aimed at enthusiasts, with a premium touch and a story behind them. If successful, Commodore’s approach could encourage other defunct computer platforms to attempt similar comebacks. We might see, say, an official Apple II+ revival (Apple’s probably not going to do it, but one can dream), or more likely, other companies licensing out to enthusiast teams. In fact, there’s already movement in this space: Atari’s new owners released the Atari VCS (a modern mini-console/PC hybrid) and even a remake of the Atari 2600 (the recently announced Atari 2600+). Sinclair’s legacy saw the ZX Spectrum Next. Now Commodore has the C64U. It’s not far-fetched to foresee Commodore VIC-20 Ultimate or Amiga 500 Ultimate if this first product does well, given the “family of machines” idea Simpson mentioned. Each of these, however, will test the waters of how big the retro computing market really is. There’s an open question about whether these devices can move beyond the core nostalgic audience to attract new users interested in the experience even without personal nostalgia. The C64U, for instance, is being pitched not only as a collectible for old fans, but as a way for totally new generations to get a taste of ’80s computing in a friendly way. If that angle finds traction – say, parents buying a C64U to show their kids “this is how we started coding” – it could indeed signal a bright future for retro computing’s relevance. If not, this could remain a passionate but limited market.
Community and Media Reactions: Nostalgia Overdrive
Ever since the Commodore 64 Ultimate was announced in mid-2025, retro computing circles have been abuzz. The initial reveal came via a YouTube video and news posts on July 12, 2025, and within days, the community response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Longtime Commodore fans couldn’t believe they were seeing an official new C64 — not a clone, not a third-party homage, but a real Commodore product. Pre-orders poured in almost immediately. In fact, in just the first couple of weeks, the company sold over 4,000 units, amounting to roughly $1.5 million in revenue. Those are impressive numbers for a niche machine, and they suggest that a sizable pent-up demand was finally being met.
On Reddit’s r/C64 forum, a hotspot for Commodore aficionados, threads about the C64 Ultimate lit up with excitement. Many users proudly announced they had placed orders. “Just ordered one. €325.76 😊” wrote one European user on July 12. “Being at the age where I have a bit of disposable income, and feeling nostalgic, I also picked one up (beige) for $328.99 USD,” confessed another. The sentiment “feeling nostalgic” sums it up — people who grew up with the C64 now saw a chance to own it again new, and jumped on it. Another user admitted initial skepticism but then couldn’t resist: “Ok, will put my initial skepticism aside. Order now placed for a Starlight model.”. The allure of that mechanical keyboard and modern touches also got praise: “Sure, it’s not the breadbin coloring you’d expect but that keyboard – so good!” one commenter said of the Starlight Edition. These personal testimonies illustrate how the C64U managed to hit the sweet spot for the community: authentic enough to please the purists (hence many opting for Beige), but also cool enough as a gadget to intrigue those who might otherwise stick to original hardware or emulators (hence the impulse to grab the flashy Starlight).
Crucially, the involvement of Gideon (the creator of the Ultimate64 board that powers the C64U) gave hardcore fans confidence. In a public statement shared on social media, Gideon reassured the community that this was a partnership of passion, not a soulless corporate move. “The Ultimate 64 Elite-II is indeed part of a Commodore product: the Commodore 64 Ultimate… The design of the motherboard is largely the same, but adapted to some Commodore wishes, and paired with a case and the best new mechanical keyboard… we worked in a joint effort to create a cohesive package,” he explained. He also noted that he’s not abandoning his existing customers: he will continue selling his DIY Ultimate boards until the C64U is widely available, and firmware development will continue for all platforms. This transparency and integrity won over many doubters. One fan wrote, “This is the information I was waiting for… now I’ll order one of these out of gratitude for Gideon.”. The sense is that the C64 Ultimate isn’t seen as competition to the enthusiast projects, but rather as their culmination, with the blessing of their creators. It’s a heartwarming example of a company working with the community rather than exploiting it, and the community, in turn, has largely responded with trust and eagerness.
Retro computing influencers and writers have also weighed in. Bill Loguidice, a veteran retro-tech author and Managing Director of Armchair Arcade, got early hands-on time with both the Commodore 64 Ultimate and the companion 64X PC. His verdict was strongly positive: “They’re great products, although I personally lean towards recommending the Ultimate for the most authentic recreation of one of the best-selling personal computers of all time.” That quote is telling: someone who has literally written books on computing history is validating that the C64U truly feels like a Commodore 64 – and he even prefers it over the more generic PC-in-a-C64-shell product. Other tech outlets like Tom’s Hardware and The Escapist quickly picked up the story. Headlines highlighted that this is Commodore’s first hardware launch in 30+ years and emphasized “no software emulation” – letting readers know this isn’t another cheap knock-off. The mainstream tech press, such as Wired and Fast Company, ran features that were cautiously optimistic. Wired, in a piece titled “The Commodore Comeback Fans Have Waited For – but the Odds Are Still Against It,” praised the passion behind the project and the successful early sales, but also analyzed the challenges ahead. They pointed out that outside the core fanbase, it’s unclear how large the market is for such a device, and noted that unlike Nintendo or Atari, Commodore doesn’t own a stable of famous game IPs to monetize for longevity. Those are valid points – Commodore was always more about the platform than any single game franchise. However, the flip side is that the C64’s library, though full of slightly lesser-known titles, is enormous and diverse, and largely still accessible through hobbyist licensing (the C64U’s included game pack, for instance, is filled with licensed classics and even music demos, indicating the new Commodore is actively partnering with content creators to add value).
There is also a sense of “cautious hope” in the community. Commodore fans have been burned before by false dawns (like the ill-fated Commodore USA in the early 2010s which sold replica C64 PCs but fizzled out, or various owners who did nothing of note). Some observers on forums humorously tempered excitement with comments like “when you’re riding a dead horse it’s still a dead horse – the guy needs a good amount of money if he wants to revive this brand” (one user on a demoscene forum quipped, skeptical if passion will be enough). Others joked about whether this is just a mid-life crisis project. But those voices have been largely drowned out by an outpouring of nostalgia and goodwill. It’s telling that over 6,000 people have joined Commodore’s official mailing list and social channels within weeks, and fans have been sharing photos of their original Commodore gear in anticipation of the new one. The mood in the retro community is almost universally supportive – even people who might not buy in immediately (perhaps because they already have original hardware or other FPGA setups) generally express that this is a positive development. After all, it’s bringing attention to the retro scene and potentially growing the community.
Perhaps the most profound reaction has been emotional. On Twitter (or X as it’s now called), one fan tweeted: “Seeing the Commodore logo on a new computer again gave me chills. It’s like a beloved story getting an unexpected epilogue.” That sentiment captures the nostalgia in play. The first run of pre-orders even included a small discount for early buyers (Armchair Arcade shared a $10 off coupon link), which gave a feeling of a celebratory reunion – “welcome back, have a gift.” And indeed, the first new Commodore TV commercial in 30 years was produced to promote the C64 Ultimate, itself a nostalgic homage (reportedly featuring a family in 80s attire discovering the futuristic C64U). For longtime fans, touches like these tug at the heartstrings. It’s not just about specs or price; it’s about reliving a part of their past.
READY. (Press Play on Tape)
In the world of technology, second acts are rare – especially for brands that once burned so brightly as Commodore did. Yet here we are, witnessing a genuine comeback powered by nostalgia, community, and an optimistic vision of computing’s past and future. The Commodore 64 Ultimate is more than a retro gaming toy; it’s practically a time capsule you can type on. It invites us to remember when computing was new and exciting, when we wrote our own code or patiently waited through the scratchy sound of a disk drive loading a game, and every pixelated victory felt earned. At the same time, it nudges that experience into the modern age – relieving the pain points (no need to adjust RF TV dials or swap floppies constantly) while keeping the magic.
For veteran Commodorians, firing up the C64U will be like coming home to a childhood bedroom strangely refurbished with mood lighting and Wi-Fi. For new users, it offers a unique chance to discover why these old machines inspire such devotion – because there is a special joy in making a simple computer do anything you want, without the opacity of today’s tech. Whether the C64 Ultimate is just a nostalgic capstone or the beginning of a broader retro revolution for Commodore will depend on how well this resonates beyond the initial wave. But at least for now, the C= logo is once again on a product that people desperately want, and that’s a story many of us hoped we’d see in our lifetimes.
As the classic Commodore 64 would greet you upon startup: “READY.” The new Commodore is indeed ready – ready to light up our living rooms with 8-bit glow, ready to bring old friends back together, and perhaps, ready for a part two that does the legacy justice. In a world of increasingly closed, complex, and interconnected devices, this humble beige box (or flashy transparent one!) reminds us of a different path – one where computers for the masses sparked creativity and community. For that, we welcome Commodore back with open arms, and maybe a tear of joy behind our 8-bit rose-tinted glasses.
Want One?
If you’re ready to relive the golden age of home computing (or experience it for the first time), you can pre-order the Commodore 64 Ultimate now via the official site.
👉 Use this link to get $10 off your order:
www.commodore.net/referral/IxuZeQYUCcsO?utm_source=referral_programWhether you go for the classic beige, the RGB-lit Starlight, or the gold-trimmed Founders Edition, you’ll be owning a true piece of computing history – revived, reimagined, and ready to go.
Sources:
- Commodore 64 Ultimate official site – product description and specs
- Wired – “The Risky Business of Bringing Commodore Back to Life” (Jul 2025)
- Tom’s Hardware – news report on C64 Ultimate launch (Jul 2025)
- The Escapist – announcement of C64 Ultimate (Jul 2025)
- Reddit (r/c64) – community comments on C64 Ultimate pre-orders
- Gideon Zweijtzer via Facebook (shared on Reddit) – on partnering with Commodore
- Armchair Arcade – commentary by Bill Loguidice (Jul 2025)
- Ultimate Pop Culture Wiki – Commodore Amiga sales figures and historical notes
