"After a 30-year slumber, Commodore 64 has reawakened, boasting increased power for producers of chiptune music"
The Commodore 64, a beloved home computer from the 1980s, is making a comeback in 2025, reborn as the Commodore 64 Ultimate. This new incarnation is a faithful hardware remake, powered by an AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA that emulates the original C64's chipset at the hardware level, resulting in extremely low latency and over 99% compatibility with original software, cartridges, peripherals, and games[1][2][3].
Key features of the Commodore 64 Ultimate include an AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA processor for precise hardware-level emulation, 128 MB of DDR2 RAM and 16 MB of flash memory, an original cartridge slot, DIN-8 connectors for authentic peripheral compatibility, modern connectivity like HDMI output, USB-A and USB-C ports, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet networking[1][3]. The new device comes with a USB stick preloaded with 50 retro games and demos, including a new entry in the Jupiter Lander series[1].
There are several physical editions available, including a Basic Beige version that faithfully reproduces the original look, a Starlight Edition with a transparent case and RGB lighting, and a more premium Founders Edition featuring special autographs and SID chip-reactive LEDs on the case and keyboard[2][4]. The world's first transparent keyboard PCB and customizable features via a new easy-to-use main menu are also included[2].
Starting prices for the Commodore 64 Ultimate are around $299 USD for the base model, with higher-tier editions costing more due to their enhanced aesthetics and extras[3][4]. This new hardware release marks the first time in over 30 years that the Commodore 64 has been made available, blending retro authenticity with modern convenience and connectivity[1][3][4].
The Commodore 64's unique sound was largely due to its MOS Technology 6581 Sound Interface Device (SID chip), which had three voices, four waveforms, and a multi-mode filter. This combination gave the C64 a distinctive sound that set it apart from its competitors[5].
The reborn Commodore 64 can be found at Commodore.net, which is now under the ownership of YouTuber Christian Simpson, who bought the entire Commodore brand, logos, and rights to all of its creations[6]. The new Commodore 64 is compatible with over 99% of original software and hardware, making it a perfect, new, improved version of the original[7]. The company plans to begin shipping their first hardware in October of 2025[8].
References:
[1] https://www.c64.com/ultimate
[2] https://www.c64.com/ultimate/editions
[3] https://www.c64.com/ultimate/specs
[4] https://www.c64.com/ultimate/pricing
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SID_chip
[6] https://www.c64.com/about
[7] https://www.c64.com/ultimate/compatibility
[8] https://www.c64.com/news
With the Commodore 64 Ultimate, the classic home computer is reborn, merging retro authenticity with modern technology. Powered by an AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, it offers precise hardware-level emulation of the original's gadgets and peripherals. This blends the charm of the past with the convenience of the present.
