TL;DR
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is a near‑perfect hardware re‑creation of the 1982 machine, built around an FPGA and compatible with many original peripherals. Its authenticity and tactile presentation will delight longtime fans, but its deliberate old‑school design and steep learning curve make it a challenging proposition for newcomers.
What happened
A revived Commodore-branded device, the Commodore 64 Ultimate (C64U), attempts a close‑to‑original remake of the iconic 1982 home computer. The unit uses an AMD Xilinx Artix‑7 FPGA to mimic the original 8‑bit hardware while offering modern conveniences such as HDMI output, Wi‑Fi, Ethernet and two rear USB‑A ports. It accepts many authentic peripherals from the era, and ships with a cassette‑shaped USB drive that includes games, demos, music and the GEOS graphical environment. The package also includes a comprehensive 273‑page spiral user manual that teaches basic commands and C64 usage. Reviewers praise the authenticity, tactile feel and compatibility, but note the machine’s intentionally retro choices can be obtuse—there is no support for a contemporary mouse, the menu and labeling lean into vintage terminology, and the environment expects familiarity with BASIC and older workflows. Users can enable optional features such as a RAM expansion and a turbo clock mode for faster operation.
Why it matters
- Offers a hardware‑level preservation of a historically significant home computer, useful for collectors and enthusiasts.
- Maintains compatibility with original peripherals, making it a practical path for using legacy accessories.
- The design choice to keep authentic behavior limits accessibility for users without prior Commodore experience.
- Includes modern connectivity (HDMI, Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB) so the device can interact with contemporary displays and networks while preserving retro operation.
Key facts
- Reviewer score noted in the source: 7/10.
- Core hardware: FPGA (AMD Xilinx Artix‑7) and 128 MB DDR2 RAM.
- Emulates original C64 behavior by default but offers a RAM Expansion Unit and a Turbo Boost that raises clock speed (to 64 MHz in this context).
- Rear connectivity includes two USB‑A ports, HDMI output, Wi‑Fi and an Ethernet port; CRT output remains supported.
- Includes a cassette‑shaped USB stick preloaded with games, software demos, music and GEOS.
- Ships with a 273‑page spiral user guide tailored to the C64U experience.
- Maintains compatibility with many original Commodore peripherals (joysticks, datasette, etc.).
- Does not support a modern mouse natively; users can operate a cursor with WASD and RETURN or use period peripherals.
- Available in a beige model, a transparent “Starlight” model with RGB lighting, and an early 'Founder’s Edition' gold variant.
- The revived company behind the product was purchased by retro gaming creator Christian “Peri Fractic” Simpson and positions itself as a 'digital detox brand.'
What to watch next
- Whether the C64U will attract users who lack nostalgia for the original platform: not confirmed in the source.
- If the revived Commodore will produce or license modern first‑party peripherals to improve usability: not confirmed in the source.
- Future software updates or expanded collections for the bundled GEOS environment and online services: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- FPGA: Field‑programmable gate array: a reconfigurable chip that can be programmed to replicate the functions of other hardware at a low level.
- GEOS: A graphical desktop environment originally developed for the Commodore 64 that provides icons, folders and applications in a GUI style.
- BASIC: An early, text‑based programming language and command interface that many 1980s home computers used for boot and user interaction.
- PAL / NTSC: Two analog video standards historically used by televisions; some vintage software behaved differently depending on which standard the hardware used.
Reader FAQ
Can I use my original Commodore joysticks and datasette with the C64U?
Yes. The device retains many original ports and is reported to be compatible with authentic peripherals from the era.
Does the C64U work with modern mice and input devices?
No. The review states contemporary mice are not supported; users can navigate some interfaces with WASD and RETURN or use period hardware.
Is the C64U easy for people who never used the original Commodore 64?
The review describes a steep learning curve and says the device is not particularly welcoming to newcomers without nostalgia or strong curiosity.
What comes preloaded with the unit?
A cassette‑shaped USB drive preloaded with games, software demos, music and GEOS is included.
Who revived the Commodore brand for this product?
Christian “Peri Fractic” Simpson purchased the company and led the effort to recreate the Commodore 64.
MATT KAMEN GEAR DEC 30, 2025 7:30 AM Review: Commodore 64 Ultimate The reborn Commodore 64 is an astonishing remake—but daunting if you weren’t there the first time around. COURTESY…
Sources
- Commodore 64 Ultimate Review: An Astonishing Remake
- Commodore 64 Ultimate Review
- Commodore 64 Ultimate Review: 21st Century Computing …
- Commodore 64 Ultimate – Unfinished Business
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