The Commodore 64 Ultimate is a highly faithful FPGA-based recreation of the classic 1982 home computer, offering modern features like HDMI output, USB, Ethernet, and compatibility with original peripherals, while maintaining authentic performance and sound. Despite some build quality concerns and a high price, it is a compelling device for enthusiasts seeking an authentic and upgradeable C64 experience.
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is a modern, FPGA-based recreation of the classic 1985 home computer, offering high compatibility with original hardware and software, modern connectivity, and enhanced features like overclocking and multiple SID chips, making it a compelling device for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Priced from $299.99, it blends nostalgic design with contemporary technology, though it lacks some original features like the RF output and user port.
Commodore International, under new ownership, has announced the Commodore 64 Ultimate Edition, a modern recreation of the classic computer powered by an AMD Xilinx FPGA, with pre-orders available for three editions, expected to ship in late 2025, featuring high compatibility with original games and peripherals.
8BitDo has unveiled the Retro Mechanical Keyboard - C64 Edition, a wireless mechanical keyboard inspired by the classic Commodore 64 computer. The keyboard features a retro design with a rainbow stripe and limited keys, and it can connect via USB or Bluetooth. It also includes a joystick and large buttons for gaming, but it only supports Windows 10 and Android 9.0 and higher. The keycaps are made of ABS plastic with doubleshot legends, resembling the original Commodore 64's keycaps, and the keyboard aims to provide a nostalgic typing experience.
8BitDo has unveiled a new retro-themed mechanical keyboard inspired by the Commodore 64, featuring a tenkeyless design, wireless and wired connectivity options, hot-swappable PCB keys, and 87 keys in total. Priced at $110, it comes with a 2,000mAh battery offering 200 hours of use, and is compatible with Windows and Android. Additionally, it includes a detachable gamepad with customizable inputs, and 8BitDo's dedicated software allows for versatile customization. The company also offers Fami and NES-inspired keyboards for $90 each, all of which provide good value, durability, and portability.
8BitDo's new Commodore 64 edition of its Retro Mechanical Keyboard series, available for preorder at $109.99, pays homage to the iconic 1980s computer with a design reminiscent of the original Commodore 64 keyboard. Featuring clicky Kailh Box White V2 switches, hot-swappable keys, USB/Bluetooth/2.4GHz connectivity options, programmable "Super Buttons," and a tenkeyless form factor, the keyboard offers a nostalgic yet modern typing experience with a built-in volume dial and no RGB lighting.
Developer Onno Kortman has successfully run Linux on a Commodore 64 using llvm-mos, an adaptation of the LLVM compiler for the MOS 6502 processor. The process requires a RAM Expansion Unit (REU) due to the limited 64KiB memory. The emulator, called semu, is capable of running the Linux kernel and corresponding userland, albeit slowly. Kortman believes there is room for optimization, potentially improving performance by a factor of 10x. The next challenge is to test it on real hardware, and Kortman is encouraging others to share timelapse videos of an original unit with REU booting Linux.
A programmer named Davide 'dakk' Gessa has demonstrated the simulation of various quantum gates on a Commodore 64 using just 200 lines of BASIC code. While the practical use of simulating a two-qubit system on an 8-bit MPU is limited, it serves as an accessible teaching tool and an interesting way to introduce people to the world of quantum computing.
Mike Brixius is attempting to finish his own Commodore 64 CRPG from 1984, Digital Dungeon Master (DDM), after nearly 40 years. Brixius has kept all the disks, tapes, notes, and hand-documented assembly code print-outs ever since his teenage project. He is relying on his Patreon supporters and YouTube community to give him the "moral support and accountability" he needs to complete his game. Brixius has already figured out one memory-saving fix and plans to keep the project true to its early days CRPG roots.
