Mini Commodore 64 Gets Another Launch Date

Posted on 24/07/2018 by Shane McGlaun

We’ve expected to see the tiny, retro Commodore 64 game console land for us to buy for a while now. We first talked about it back in October 2017 when it was promised for early 2018. That window later turned into March 2018, and still no launch happened. Now the 50% scale Commodore 64 called THEC64 Mini is promised for an October 9, 2018 launch.

The machine will come with a joystick, two USB ports, and the console itself. The USB ports can be used to connect joysticks, a keyboard, perform firmware upgrades, or to load your own software. When you connect a keyboard to one of those ports you can use the console like a home computer with C64 BASIC programming capability.

The system offers 720p HD output via HDMI, but a CRT filter is offered for those who want real old-school graphics. You can also save games, something we would have killed for growing up. There will be 64 games pre-installed on the console including many of the cool ones from back in the ’80s that I wanted so badly. Sadly, I don’t see the flight simulator the kids were always playing in Sears back in the day.

Pricing and retailers aren’t announced for the US yet, but in the past, it was rumored to cost just $69.99. That price, coupled with its new October release date should make this a killer Christmas gift for retro computer and gaming fans.

[via THEC64.com]

Commodore 64 Mini Slated for Release in 2018

Posted on 01/10/2017 by Paul Strauss

Between the Nintendo Classic Mini, SNES Classic Mini, Atari Flashback, and Sega Mega Drive Classic, there’s a clear miniaturization trend when it comes to retro gaming systems. The next system to go in front of the shrink ray? The Commodore 64.

The 1982 8-bit system is getting a mini version, scaled down to 50% of the size of the original. The new version looks exactly like the real deal, though it does away with the original 9-pin joystick connectors, replacing them with USB ports. Those USB ports will likely come in handy if you want to use the C64 Mini as a full computer, rather than just a gaming system, since the mini keyboard is just for show, and you’ll need to plug in an actual keyboard if you want to type and run programs in BASIC. If you prefer your systems full-sized, the company says they’re working on a 100% scale version of the updated Commodore 64, which will have an actual working keyboard built in.

While some retro emulators aren’t perfectly accurate, the makers of the C64 Mini say that their system provides “Accurate 64 operation.” Hopefully, that means the emulation is spot on. There are also some modern upgrades, including an HDMI video output, pixel filters for emulating CRT and scanline effects if you want, and the ability to save game states. The system also includes one classic C64 style joystick, and comes pre-loaded with dozens of classic (and not so classic) C64 games.

The C64 Mini is expected to ship in early 2018, and will sell for just $69.99(USD) – which is a bargain if you ask me.

[via SlashGear]

These Commodore 64 Necktie Are BASICally Awesome

Posted on 07/04/2017 by Conner Flynn

Man, I miss playing around on my old Commodore 64 computer. I never really knew how to code or anything, but with the help of popular computer magazines I could type in one of the many fun programs within the pages. Plus the games were awesome for the time. I’m almost nostalgic enough to wear one these cool Commodore 64 Neckties from Cyberoptix.

They come in several colors, including the classic blue Commodore monitor color, with BASIC code printed all over them along with the C64 start screen. They also have the “POKE” command which was used to control all three C64 voice oscillators.

These hand-printed ties are awesome and nerdy. Wear them with pride.

[via Internet vs Wallet]

Commodore Resurrects as an Android Phone

Posted on 15/07/2015 by gene

Geeks and computer enthusiasts from the 80s and 90s are familiar with the Commodore 64, an 8-bit computer that is considered to be the highest-selling single computer model of all time, according to...

LEGO Classic Computer Set Concepts: Building Blocks

Posted on 03/11/2014 by Lambert Varias

Professional LEGO builder Chris McVeigh is known for his miniature kits and building guides, including those of classic computers. But wouldn’t it be nice if there were LEGO sets of the machines you grew up with? If you think so too, support these concepts by LEGO Ideas member Fbsarts.

As of this writing, Fbsarts has four different concept sets. They all include pieces for the components inside each computer as well. There’s a Macintosh set…

A Commodore 64 set…

A ZX Spectrum set…

…and an Amiga 500 set.

As you can see, Fbsarts’ concepts add stickers, labels and pieces that have no existing official counterparts, which is why it would be great if LEGO gave these the green light.

If you’re a LEGO Ideas member, you can go to Fbsarts’ profile page to see all of his projects in one place. If you’re not a member and you don’t want to sign up, you can support the Macintosh 128K set here, the Commodore 64 set here, the ZX Spectrum set here and the Amiga 500 set here.

Super Hexagon Commodore 64 Demake: Micro Hexagon

Posted on 03/12/2013 by Lambert Varias

Programmer Paul Koller managed to make a full-fledged Commodore 64 demake of Terry Cavanagh’s beloved Super Hexagon. For the record, I behate it. It’s so freakin’ difficult. But I love Paul’s demake because even if it turns out to be as hard as the original game, at least it won’t take up a lot of my hard drive’s space. Micro Hexagon clocks in at a mere 16 kilobytes.

For comparison, the Android version of Super Hexagon is 28MB while the iOS version is 23.3MB. Another reason to love Micro Hexagon? The bangin’ soundtrack by Mikkel Hastrup aka Encore64.

You can download Micro Hexagon from the C-64 Scene Database for free. You can play it on your PC using a Commodore64 emulator like micro64.

[via Benjamin Wimmer via Joystiq]

Technology Has Come A Long Way: Commodore 64 Goes Handheld

Posted on 30/09/2013 by Kristin Silva

When we say that the Commodore 64 goes handheld, we mean that literally: the classic computer now fits your hand… …

Tiny Commodore 64 Computer: Way Better than My Tiny VIC-20

Posted on 29/09/2013 by Paul Strauss

Looking for something to put on your desk alongside your tiny Atari 2600 and NES? Why not print out a miniature Commodore 64 computer, complete with 1541 Floppy Drive so you can load some tiny programs onto it?

This miniature C64 model is yet another design from Dave Nunez – the guy behind the tiny 8-bit consoles, and I think he really nailed it yet again. This weensy version may not have every key on its keyboard, but it still captures the essential design attributes of the classic 8-bit computer. The two-inch-wide system includes joystick ports and function keys as well.

I like how he even made a tiny little box and styrofoam insert for the computer too. If you’d like to print out your own miniature Commodore 64, head on over to Thingiverse to download the model. Great job again, Dave! Now all you need to do is hook up with Ben Heck and convince him to stuff functional systems inside of your models.

8 Awesome Under Appreciated 80′s Video Games

Posted on 22/02/2013 by Ehud Riven

Despite the internet rules by 90′s kids, the days of the 1980′s was the real period in which video games started to bloom, without impressive graphics and often through text-based ...
Continue Reading on Walyou

MIDI spans 30 years at NAMM with Commodore 64 and Animoog (video)

Posted on 25/01/2013 by James Trew

You may have heard that the Musical Instrument Digital Interface protocol (aka MIDI) celebrates its 30th birthday this year. And where better than NAMM would the MIDI Manufacturer Association be able to fully demonstrate (and celebrate) the persevering protocol's coming of age? Part of the MMA's installation was a set-up destined to get geek hearts racing. A 1983 Commodore 64 connected to a Sequential Circuits Model 64 sequencer cartridge (with MIDI interface). From these vintage parts, the regular 5-pin MIDI cable heads out through the decades and into an IK Multimedia iRig MIDI, into an iPad, finally feeding its information into the Animoog app from equally longevous Moog. Watch old meet new in the gallery and video below.

Gallery: Commodore 64 and Animoog spans 30 years of MIDI (hands-on)