1980s commodore 64 computer returns in retro beige and with game-reactive glowing LEDs

Retro device comes back with ‘turbo’ mode

The Commodore 64 computer from the 1980s makes a comeback in retro beige and a transparent case with game-reactive glowing LEDs. Designed to play games, learn coding, and even be used as software, it has taken over 30 years before an upgraded and real-life version of the keyboard-like device returns. It still looks and feels like the old Commodore 64 computer from the 1980s, but this time, it uses a new computer chip, which is the upgraded version of FPGA hardware. The system replicates the chip from the original model, but with modern electronics.

The hardware isn’t the only recent feature in the returning device; it also comes with a Turbo Mode to make the games and programs run up to 48 MHz, which is much faster than the original model. There’s also more RAM in the upgraded model as well as two sound chips for richer audio. Gamers can also plug the new 1980s-styled Commodore 64 computer into an HDMI-equipped screen if they want to play on a bigger display, use WiFi to transfer games, and connect USB devices into it for printer and flash-drive functionalities.

all images courtesy of Commodore

1980s-styled Commodore 64 computer in three versions

The team behind the new 1980s-styled Commodore 64 computer includes a cassette-shaped USB stick with the device, which has more than 50 pre-installed games and demos loaded, but the users can add more games from their collection, too. The device still worked with almost all games made in the 1980s and 1990s, and gamers can plug in the old parts from the original models into the new one, like the game cartridges, floppy drives, or cassette players. They can also use the 1980s-styled Commodore 64 computer to operate modern and outdated printers. There are three versions of the new 1980s-styled Commodore 64 computer. The first is the classic beige casing, which faithfully follows the original model’s design, whose production was discontinued in April 1994. 

Then, there’s the Starlight edition, which features a transparent keyboard with game-reactive and changing glowing LED lights inside. Because of the clear casing, users can see the circuit board and parts from the outside. The last is a special edition called Gold Founders. Here, the keyboard keys are made of satin gold, and it has a see-through amber case. There are also 24k-gold badges included as well as a golden ‘share certificate’. The team decided to release this as they were inspired by the one-millionth gold Commodore 64 computer from the 1980s. Inside the new motherboard, the names and signatures of the original C64 creators are etched into the copper, including Albert Charpentier, one of the key designers, as a way to honor their legacy.

gamers can also plug the new 1980s-styled Commodore 64 computer into an HDMI-ready screen

the rear design that faitfully follows the original model’s

the keys’ design still keep the graphics below them

the device comes with a Turbo Mode to make the games and programs run up to 48 MHz

components inside the upgraded device

for the Starlight edition, the team creates a transparent case

the clear case allows users to see the components inside

detailed view of the keys

project info:

name: Commodore 64 computer

company: Commodore International Corporation | @wearecommodore

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