"After a three decade-long hiatus, the Commodore 64 resurfaces, boasting enhanced capabilities for generating chiptune music"
The iconic Commodore 64, a best-selling home computer from 1982, is making a comeback in 2025. The new Commodore 64, known as the Commodore 64 Ultimate, is a hardware remake of the original computer based on FPGA technology rather than software emulation.
Key Features
The Commodore 64 Ultimate boasts several features that make it an improved version of the original. One of the standout features is the hardware core, which utilises an AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA to replicate the original C64 chipset at a circuit level. This ensures authentic compatibility with over 99% of original C64 software and peripherals.
The Ultimate Edition also benefits from significantly expanded memory, with 128MB DDR2 RAM and 16MB NOR flash memory, compared to the original's 64KB RAM. This upgrade allows for modern capabilities while maintaining legacy support.
In terms of video output, the new Commodore 64 supports native 1080p HDMI (50Hz PAL, 60Hz NTSC) with virtually zero lag, DVI-compatible, plus original analog DIN-8 ports (CVBS, S-Video, RGB) for legacy display connectivity.
For audio, the Commodore 64 Ultimate features dual SID sockets for authentic Commodore 6581/8580 SID chips with automatic voltage/filter detection. It also includes an FPGA-based UltiSID SID emulation and SID-TAP header for chiptune/music enthusiasts.
The new Commodore 64 comes with a USB stick containing 50 retro games and demos, including a new Jupiter Lander game.
Design and Availability
The Commodore 64 Ultimate will be available in a classic beige finish as well as a "Starlight Edition" featuring a transparent case with RGB lighting and collectible autographs etched in copper.
Shipments of the Commodore 64 Ultimate are expected from late 2025, though there may be potential schedule changes. The Founders Edition of the new Commodore 64 is limited to 6,400 units and mimics the Golden Anniversary Edition.
Christian Simpson, a YouTuber, has reborn the Commodore brand, buying the entire Commodore company, its logos, and the rights to all of its creations.
The new Commodore 64 will be available for purchase as a perfect, new, improved version, offering a blend of faithful hardware-level recreation of the original computer with significant modern enhancements in memory, video/audio output, connectivity, storage options, and user interface. It's set to be a versatile platform for nostalgia, hobby use, and modern retro computing.
The Commodore 64 Ultimate, a modern interpretation of the iconic home computer, will not only support home-and-garden lifestyle technology such as HDMI for 1080p HD video output but also cater to gadget enthusiasts with features like dual SID sockets for authentic Commodore sound chips and an FPGA-based SID emulation. Furthermore, this reimagined piece of technology, available from late 2025, will offer a blend of traditional lifestyle and contemporary gadgets, making it a versatile platform for nostalgic use as well as modern retro computing.
