The Commodore 64 Returns This Winter with TheC64

When it comes to computers, there's no model more famous than the Commodore 64. The home computer from the '80s dominated the market once, and now it's returning to take over once again. Introducing TheC64, a modernized recreation of the original hardware.

Produced in collaboration with Retro games and Koch Media, TheC64 is a full-sized replica of the original computer-keyboard combo. Unlike the original, however, this model supports modern televisions and monitors. It also has a variety of classic C64 games built into the system digitally.



TheC64 will support a 720p video output via HDMI, with 4:3 graphics in full width, CRT filter, and US/Europe display mode options. It will come with 64 games built in, and with the potential to use as a home computer via the original C64 BASIC interface. For the full list of games, visit the official game list webpage.

Interestingly enough, the official website says that "The keyboard keys are non-functional" while the video says it is a full-sized working keyboard. We aren't clear what this means, exactly, so be wary.

This follows the trends of the previous years when multiple game companies were releasing miniaturized, modernized renditions of their classic consoles. While products like the NES Classic Mini did very well, others like the PlayStation Classic did not. This is mostly attributed to a higher price tag and a less appealing game selection. It'll be interesting to see if TheC64 manages to avoid the same shortcoming.

Marked for release on December 5, 2019, the modernized computer will cost ~$135.