The C64 (Electronic Games)
The C64
The C64 is back, this time full-sized with a working keyboard for the dedicated retro home-computer fan.
Featuring three switchable modes – C64, VIC 20, and Games Carousel.
Connect to any modern TV via HDMI for crisp 720p HD visuals, at 60 Hz or 50 Hz.
Micro computer
An updated joystick, now featuring micro switches, companions the hardware making the included games even more fun than ever.
The Games Carousel has 64 pre-installed games including classics such as California Games, Paradroid and Boulder Dash, with new additions like Attack of the Mutant Camels, Hover Bovver, Iridis Alpha, and Gridrunner.
Topped off with the recently released shoot ’em up Galencia and text adventure Planet of Death to let you relive the glory days of true keyboard gaming!
| Dimensions: | 11.3 x 63 x 25 cm; 1.5 Kilograms |
| Model: | RGLA03.UK.61ST |
| Origin: | China |
Retro gaming collectible !
A absolutely brilliant retro classic remake of the Commodore 64 I love that this one has a full sized fully functional keyboard I never owned The C64 before as its before my era I’m a late 80s kid but I’m a massive gaming collector and love all things retro gaming right now so when I seen this with it’s great in built games and classic joystick I just had to add it to my collection it looks absolutely amazing on show I really love the fact you can add your own games to it as that’s a massive feature for me it plays all the games very well and in a good quality 720p which is enough in my opinion for these 8bit games to run well anyway I really love mine so much it’s a great system the reason for 4 star not 5 is it can be very difficult to update the firmware as it doesn’t always show up on the storage to be installed and can take multiple times of inserting and removing the memory stick for it to show up on there which is annoying and unfortunate also at 120 it’s very highly priced for what it is if it was 70-80 then that’s the sweet spot price wise for me but I must say I can still recommend very very much nicely packaged too
My family could never have afforded one of these back in 1983 so I would drool over them in WH Smith in my spare time. Now for a meagre sum you too could own a brand new boxed C64 that does not require an honors degree in Electronic Engineering to get it working, countless hours finding parts that don’t exist anymore or peroxide burns to make it brite again.
Seems like a good deal to me and it even comes with a joystick.
Good addition to thec64, giving two identical joysticks for 2 player games
I’ve been using the one that came with thec64 for a week now and have no complaints. Feels solid precise with no errors in picking up movement. Covers all menu functions. If like me you have a large game collection, some of those use “the other” joystick. With one joystick these games won’t work. Adding another joystick solves this. Also useful for two player games.
I’ve read earlier reviews complaining about build issues but happily I haven’t had any issues yet. Maybe they fixed that in production. One happy gamer (retro)!
Get one! Thec64 unit is a faithful reproduction but with usb rather than the original sockets
Connectable devices limited by what the usb sockets support, which could improve as later firmware is released. That said, you need a usb memory stick to save and load your own programs. The supplied joystick is a joy to use, I’ve ordered a second one for multiplayer games.
Creating fresh disks has to be done on pc also use pc to move files around, name them or create folders. Bit awkward but it works. Maybe these features could be added to a future firmware upgrade?
Get all the manuals you can find. Thec64 is a beast you CAN get your head around, search eBay and Amazon for old c64 books. At least the Commodore 64 users guide, the cbm 64 programmers reference guide and the commodore 1541 disk drive user guide.
Will appeal to programmers old or new. However this is a games machine and you can experience 80’s superior gameplay with no knowledge of programming necessary.
Caviat to this is , in my opinion, the best game is programming the c64.
Get the additional thec64 user guide. This covers all the new features in this computer. Then to start programming in the basic language, get the Commodore 64 user guide. Amazon or eBay.
When you’re ready and are bitten by the bug splash out on the other books. The c64 may be dated but it was and still is a classic home microcomputer and for a reason. It’s possible to get 100% control over it with a little effort.
You would struggle to do that with a modern computer. They’re powerful but only a very few would understand all of them all of the time. It takes teamwork.
The graphics and sound are crystal clear rather than the jittery blurry and scratchy results in the 80’s hardware.
Eye strain is minimal. By modern standards it’s not a powerful machine so it runs cool on a frugal 5volt power supply.
Loading times are quick even from usb memory stick, as file sizes are small.
In short, I’m loving it! Hope this helps.
You can dev games and sell them too
he reasons why not first.
Well first off I thought all these Retro machines were just a mini arcade box.
I thought the games would be dated.
I thought no one would use or dev the games.
I found the new full sized THEC64 for sale on amazon, and I found myself researching it, most emulators never recreated a retro consoles without perfect keyboard and joystick and executables. the c64 mini was just a box with lets face it dated games.
——————————————–
the reasons for it as I found them
I bought THEC64 first because I saw they run the thousands of games you can download and put on a FAT32 USB stick, and the Price was equivalent to the original C64.
then the quality when I opened the box , gave me goose-bumps like my first one in the 80s, it was made with love I can tell you
Next it acts just like the original hardware, the system uses the same software as the original, you can fire up basic and use it just like the original, but on any TV with HDMI,
so its now NOT restricted to tape drives and old TV monitors, but still keeps the C64 working like the original
NOW CAME FOR ME THE crunch, you can distribute your C64 games you write on itch.io. now this interested me, so I looked at a book called ‘RetroGameDev C64 Edition Volume 1’ and found it advertised a free IDE environment called ‘CMB rpg studio’ and the VICE emulator, so I could trust the tools, and downloaded them as they were recomended and had awards from the book.
the IDE also have designers for the graphics, and exported straight to your game. this interested me because in the 80s game art was simple and you did not have to be an artest, just a programer.
then I thought the joystick would be expensive but it was not it was 17.
The THEC64 console is a brilliant recreation of the original and I feel there is an outlet for my work on itch.io and I swear I feel like I’m back in the 80s roots, the programing was just as rewarding as it was back then, you can do an ASM dump and export the code in Hex and then feed it in as data into a basic program. the free IDE is great! quick! and proffessional!
it above all is fun and a great side line to our hobby, I would recomend anyone from the 80s to get one, the young guys wont feel the buzz like us, it just feels like opening the box of my first computer, thec64 team must of been c64 devs back in the day, because they did it well.
Retro fu
Such a good trip down memory lane, an excellent recreation with full functionality
Retro gaming
Never owned a Commodore 64 back in the day I had an Acorn Electron Great to be able to finally experience this computer thanks to the C64 Maxi As a keen retro gamer, it’s awesome to play old school computer games A must have for any retro game collector The full sized working keyboard on the Maxi gives it the look and feel of a real computer, as opposed to just another emulation device
This is the perfect machine for every day C64 fun!
This machine is impressive! I have several real C64S, but, the fact they are aging conserns me, parts are hard to find, and i’d rather keep them in perfect condition or as close to anyway! While i cannot connect real C64 devices to this? It doesn’t matter all that much. If i really need the real thing? I’ve got it, i just choose to use the original somewhat sparingly. I. Have lots of games, so don’t play any of the built in ones. The fact it comes with games built in, is a bonus
Retro goodness.
Just the same as the one that comes with ‘The C64’. I got the clear one just to be distinct and to use on a Raspberry Pi 2 that I have running BMC64 inside a Vic20 case and keyboard.
The joystick is best suited to use on emulation of 8bit computers on PC or Raspberry Pi. Each button can be remapped to different functions on an emulator. I wouldn’t use it for playing any modern games requiring 2 analogue and digital pad and 8 buttons. Totally retro only, wouldn’t be much use playing Fortnite or even some console games such as nes or sms.
Great joystick
I have tried a few of theC64’s own branded joysticks, but by far this joystick has been the most comfortable joystick of them all.
C64
I bought this as a present for my husband. He grew up playing games on original C64 and he’s absolutely loves this new one.
Good retro fu
Not bad, the main buttons can stick occasionally but the stick is very good. I’m sure I’m committing some kind of heresy by using this to play Amiga games on my retropie but it does the job well.
works well for thec64
it’s good , same as the ‘thec64’ joystick, but better than the one that comes with the mini.
well worth buying and having 2 joysticks, when plugged in with the one that comes with the console , it will act as the second plugged in joystick, some games want you to be in p1 slot or p2 slot on original games, this allows you to quickly put one down and pick up the other stick, so you don’t have to mess around by having 2 stick plugged in.
good quality, but isn’t quite the same as the original from the 80’s, still micro switched. but the way it’s implemented isn’t as good and doesn’t have the steel rod going all the down to where the micro switches are. shame.
but still it’s a good stick.
he c64, a great machine for emulation, easy to use, you can even code, though the first one i had, the keyboard didn’t work, that was a zavvi purchase i then sent back and purchased here on amazon for a similar price at 90.
you can add more games suing a usb (8gb , no need for bigger TBH) , the instructions on their website are clear and easy to use on how to set up those games to make them work, the latest update has been good, though the menu to do the switch joysticks from p1 to p2 port won’t work, but i get around it with 2 joysticks.
this is a good alternative to an original, though you can’t beat original hardware, which a refurbished one can cost 80 to 160 depending on what comes with it, non-refurbished 30 to 60(if it works and has a SID chip). theC64 is worth the purchase , easy to use, and it really can do alot the original can, runs smooth for an emulator. look up the ‘8bit-guy’ YT for ‘the c64’, you may find a good review.
enjoy….
Perfect in every way! If you have not got one, WHY NOT?
I got this to add to my retro collection. I have an original Commodore 64 and an original VIC-20 but the screen display and speed of loading is unsurpassed. Its really nice to play games of yesteryear with such speed of loading and clarity we could only dream of. A Perfect addition to my collection.
Joystick
I love it reminds me of the Olden says plugs straight into the USB port on my Android box
If you are a child of 80s and love retro gaming then I don’t know how will you miss this commodore 64 retro machine it’s just superb . I have always used emulators on pc and raspberry pi but I think this gives the closest and real C64 experience especially due to full original keyboard available with actual mapping of keys .. I also love the fact that it supports emulating cartridges too and real 1541 drive emulation if incase you encounter problem playing some software..
It’s easy to use carosal menu help my kids to easily play games from a wide selection and surprisingly they love it too
I love playing Last ninja and Defender of the crown on it those were my favourites.. I think I will recommend this to all retro gaming lovers whole heartedly
Click, Click, Click...
That’s what I like to hear. The Sound of a Good joystick Love It.
Perfect retro remake
Really nice retro item exactly how I remember them being when I was like 10 grea
Better than the controller that comes boxed with the C64
If you love retro gaming with your C64 or C64 mini you need to get this controller. Zero point using the original once you have this.
However, it’s worth knowing you need to make sure you’ve updated the BIOS on your C64C64 Mini as it’s unlikely to work….and you will want to avoid the total meltdown I had when I first plugged it in!
It’s crazy simple to do, the people at https://retrogames.biz/ rock and the guide is simple to use.
Why are you still reading…. buy it already! 🙂
Nostalgia trip!
Nostalgia right here! Had this back in the early 90’s on my Commodore 64. Will go great with my Mini C64 and the Breadbin remake.
Nice to be able to see inside and the microswitches in all their glory.
Awesome for software nostalgists like myself
First off a disclaimer: I didn’t have a C64 back in the day so I’m not an expert on them.
That being said…this is a very well made up-to-date version of the venerable Commodore 64. However, it’s primarily aimed at software nostalgists, not hardware ones, as this lacks all of the interfaces of the original. Instead you get four USB ports, a single HDMI port, and a single Micro USB socket for power. So (sadly for some) you won’t be plugging in a 1541 disk drive or a Simon’s BASIC cartridge with adaptors (even assuming it’s possible, which I genuinely don’t know).
I comes with a very well made joystick with eight (count them, eight!) buttons for controlling the unit. The joystick uses microswitches and feels quite sturdy.
It comes pre-loaded with a lot of games software (about 50 from memory), but you can also plug a USB stick into it that contains .d64 disk images of original software, which can then be loaded as you normally would – in the controller software you tell it which .d64 image(s) are loaded and then, when you go back to C64 mode, you can LOAD “$”,8,1 to your heart’s content. As a bonus this can also run VIC-20 software.
Physically the unit is nearly identical to the original (within the realms of regional variations) with two small exceptions – the SHIFT LOCK key is mechanical on real C64’s (press it and it stays down, press again to release), and software toggled on The C64. This makes sense as it would be pricey to manufacture an authentic version. The other small difference is the Commodore logo key in the bottom left is labelled ‘The C64’. This is due to licensing issues, as I understand it.
The controlling OS is simple but comprehensive. It allows you to choose the default switch-on condition of the unit (it can be a Commodore 64 or a VIC-20), to set a few video effects (scanlines, 4:3 etc) and to browse plugged in USB sticks for disk, cassette and cartridge images.
While I can’t claim to have tested it comprehensively, it has so far run everything I’ve thrown at it. It has also received at least one firmware update since I bought my unit shortly after Christmas, and there’s an active community supporting it.
In short, if you have a Commodore 64 itch you’d like to scratch and just downloading VICE doesn’t cut it, this is ideal.
Now if they could just do the same for the BBC Micro…!
Updated reminder of youth
Excellent product ! Takes me back to my youth and many hours waiting for the program to load from tape. No such issues with this. Full sized keyboard usb and hdmi ports to connect the latest equipment. Comes loaded with many of the classic games that I played as a youth. Also this version comes with basic and the familiar commodore basic blue screen. Joystick is also retro and works well
Great value
I’d wanted to try the C64 for ages but didn’t want to get into the whole retro hardware noise. This is a great halfway point, giving you the opportunity to try the games and basic programing in one very collectable package. Looks great on your shelf or plugged into your TV for some super SID action.
The C64 is BACK At its best 😍
Love it 10/10
C64 easy to update and add games need PC and USB Stick
I Used TheC64 Maxi game tool v1.01 software C64 games are easy to found on Google. c64 keyboard vary useful and feels great. joystick great can be use joystick on pc 8 button config. Tested C64 on 48″ Full Hd screen see picture great picture this a must for any c64 fan.
Excellent produc
This is excellent joystick if you’re fan of the microswitches. Essential for games like International Karate. I love it so much, I use these frequently and they work’s great. If you thinking about upgrading from The c64 mini joystick just do yourself a favour and go for it. The difference is like day and night. Bare in mind that they’ll be out of stock soon like it happened last time… So if you’re thinking about getting one (or two)… maybe you should do it ASAP.
Retro games ltd please make The Amiga happen.
The manchild loves it!
If I was writing this review from my own opinion, I would say “What a waste of money”. However, I didn’t buy it for me, I bought it for the manchild hubster and he LOVES it. As does our young son actually. Apparently it’s a great replica and feels and plays just how the manchild remembers his one was all those decades ago.
I can’t bring myself to give this ugly, big console full marks as it looks so unsightly, but in terms of it doing what it said on the tin, yeah.
Great value and easy to use.
Was not sure about purchasing this but am glad that I did. My original Commodore 64 can rest a while whilst i can take advantage of the HDMI and USB ports of this great little machine. Everything I have loaded onto the USB stick has run fine. The only thing I have had to do, for a few games, is put _J1 into the filename in order to get the joystick going. TheC64 defaults to port 2. I think this is a great piece of kit and the people behind it have done a great job. Very good value for money. Recommended.
C64 maxi joystick
Great joystick for the c64 maxi – controls pixels well.
A modern C64 for old people :)
Very pleased with product though had a minor hiccup at start. I had set the TV output to 60hz which caused the games and sounds to run faster even though I set it as a PAL machine. Found out after that using 60hz TV mode increases speed and had to factory reset to choose 50hz. Manual could be a little bit more informative.
Before ordering this I had asked a question about using a sid player to playback sid files of HVSC from disk/SD (similar to SD2IEC on a real C64) which wasn’t answered but I have found out with using it that it can be done in a manner. Can’t access a full SD card/usb drive as a directory but can make disk image files containing the sids with about 30 sids on a disk. I have only made disk images of my favourites as there are tens of thousands of sid files.
The sound emulation is good, not perfect but not bad. If you hadn’t already listened to endless hours of C64 music or currently play a real C64 you wouldn’t notice any difference. There are only minor differences and only in certain places so isn’t anything to be worried about.
Overall if you don’t have a C64 but want one then this would be best one to get. Easier to use, everything built in, hdmi, save states, faster and much cheaper than a real C64 with the costs of peripherals needed to get a similar type of performance.
It isn’t a real C64. It is a clone, but a very good clone. It is almost a C64, you will get 99% C64 experience only faster and easier. Plus the Vic 20 side as well which admittedly I know nothing of. That’s a bonus I shall be looking into.
This is as good as it gets if you owned an original back in the day.
Retro Games LTD Never disappoint.
Another Top Quality release. Although this is in fact a Limited Edition “TheC64” in the guise of a Vic20 it is indeed a version in its own right with a custom carousel containing its own collection of added vic Games.
Cannot wait to purchase their next product !!
The Commodore Vic 20 was the first computer I owned. It did me well for a number of years back in the 1980’s. TheVic20 from Retro Games Ltd is a superb recreation. Build quility is spot on with a nicely working keyboard that feels similar to type on and a responsive micro-switched joystick that is a joy to play the games with.
TheVic20 has is an emulation device and contains both a Commodore 64 and Vic 20 so you are getting two great 8-bit computers in one device. In addition, you get at least 64 games on the carousel and USB ports where you can plug in a memory stick filled with your own games to expand it. By default it starts at the carousel but it can be configured to boot up direcly into the Vic 20 or C64 BASIC for that immediate retro experience.
Games in all modes are quite easy to load and get started with. Those that you add yourself may need a little preperation on the USB memory stick so TheVic20 knows what memory expansion to apply (for the Vic 20 mode) or which joystick port to use (for the C64 mode).
What makes this that bit better than the real thing are:
1. Modern device, connects easily to your TV.
2. Has save/load states for each game.
3. Can run as PAL or NTSC at either 50Hz or 60Hz.
4. Less wires, no need for a separate Disk Drive, Datasette or SD/IEC reader.
5. No worries about heat, energy usage or wear and tear you might have if using the original ~40 year old Vic 20.
TheVic20 is a limited edition of TheC64 and might be difficult to get hold of now. However, I see TheC64 is still available on Amazon and that is a great alternative if you can’t get this limited edition model.
The limited edition is styled with the Vic 20 looks and colours. It has a sort-of PET style keyboard, although the shape is that of the later Vic 20’s / C64’s. The joystick has also been given a matching colour. Other than that, and a few of the games on the carousel, it is the same.
Runs great on a modern TV, although be aware that if your TV has a Game mode or setting, or a primary HDMI socket for consoles etc, use that to avoid any minor lag in the display (this is a TV thing, not a TheVic20 thing).
As mentioned, the build quality is great. The unit is much lighter, having minimal modern electronics inside, but the itegrity of the case is solid. They keyboard is satisfying to use and I do appreciate it taking up far less space being only the keyboard and joystick in front of the TV.
TheC64 and TheC64 mini have been well supported by Retro Games Ltd, with their website pubilishing firmware updates and new games for free over the last year, so I expect we’ll see the same for TheVic20 for quite some time to come. It has already had one firmware update.
In summary, well worth the money if you enjoy these old 8-bit comptuers. No hassle, easy to get going with and not limited to the games it comes with (unlike other mini-recreations on the market). Whether you are an experienced retro hack with the original computers, or have not touched one in decades, TheVic20 (and TheC64) is a load of fun that will keep you entertained for ages.
Technically very well done
Love the classic mode.. USB drive has a good 1541 command emulator. User documentation
Is very thin. New users will need to buy the manual. Overall good value for money
no need to hesitate.
The best Joystick for The VIC20/C64
Great precision! Best USB Joystick!!
Great performance!
Great gameplay!
Thank you, Retro Games!
Thank you, Amazon!
Retro product of the year!
After reading online reviews for this machine, I finally took the plunge and bought it as a Xmas present. BTW it arrived quickly – thank you Amazon! What can I say? In a word..amazing! The C64 Maxi is like a dream come true. It truly captures the essence of the 64 and feels and plays like the real C64. Emulation is near perfect and the available options are incredible. It even allows you to play your own games from a USB drive – brilliant! If you ever owned a 64 and miss those glory days, buy the C64 Maxi. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Genius.
Whoever decided to resurrect this machine is a genius. Add to it a brilliant new joystick, and treat yourself to a True Blue Mini C64 stick with 480 games on it and enter retro gaming heaven.
This is just great!
My brother bought me this for my birthday and I’m thrilled! My dad gave me his C64 when I was a kid in the 90s and I was absolutely obsessed with it. I learnt BASIC and I played games like Humphrey, Mayhem and Punchy on it (loaded via tape)
When I was about 11 the c64 went “Pop” and it was decided that I would get a Pentium III to replace it.
I never really gave it much thought since.
Until now.
I’m not sure the keyboard is ‘quite’ right but it certainly looks the part. I ordered a USB stick off eBay that advertised “every c64 game ever” and I’m exploring a new game every day. It’s great. Buy it!!!!!
I bought this because I’d got one of the C64s that it’s designed for. The joystick that comes with The C64 is just as good as an original 1980s Competition Pro, but unlike the recreation USB Competition Pros, it has a row of buttons meaning it can cover more consoles – in theory.
Since it’s USB, the first thing I did with it was try it on OpenEmu running on Mac OS, and it worked 100% perfectly. Assign the four fire buttons to A, B, X, Y and they work individually. The four buttons for navigating TheC64 can be assigned to left/right shoulder, start and select – it was completely hassle-free. Since that all worked I got the clear one for two-player C64 games and for use on emulators on PC, RetroPi and the aforementioned Mac (OpenEmu is really impressive), and I’ve found it completely trouble-free on all platforms.
There’s nothing to complain about here at all, though I miss the suction cups of the original joysticks and might see if they can be added. Fit and finish is good and it’s a close recreation of the original; all that’s missing is the rapid-fire switch, but the depth of the joystick body is taller and chunkier – see my pictures for a comparison. It’s the same size as the C64 DTV joystick from a few years ago, but that was a whole console in a joystick. It also has some extra weights in the base.
There’s enough room in the shell for mods – so you could add lights, or perhaps a switch-only passthrough to an old Atari joystick, for example…
In terms of appeal this really is a no-brainer for retro gaming. The goal is to get an accurate working microswitched joystick, and this costs about the same as a USB to DB9 (Atari) style convertor but is a complete, working, fully implemented solution. Because it’s linking to microswitches inside, you could even use the boards inside the joystick as a basis for converting your existing favourite microswitched type,. and enjoy the well-implemented USB device support that doesn’t need any daft drivers.
Buy it. Even if you don’t have a recreation C64, buy it. It identifies properly in Windows, it just-works in Mac, and it’s supported in RetroPie; I haven’t tried EVERY option but as it works so well with what I have tried there’s not much left to go. The clear version looks great – if they made a green and chrome one like my original Competition Pro I’d have it like a (Quick)shot.
I’m an old fart who grew up owning and collecting 8-bit computers, but had to grow up. There are emulators, all sorts of gadgets littering the house, and most of them are just fleeting attempts at reliving something long past and frankly, long outclassed.
This was too hard to resist though. TheC64Mini was ‘meh’, no keyboard on a computer that existed with a keyboard – what is this, a C64GS? But TheC64? Full-size, fully beige, real keys with real horrible slow action (this is no gaming keyboard) and a microswitched Competition Pro clone joystick? Yes please!
First of all: if you want to give a gift of a retro computer thing to your favourite Gen-Xer, this is probably the best one you will find, period. It’s packaged authentically, it’s pleasing to hold, but unlike trying to use a Commodore 64 on modern TVs etc. it JUST WORKS. Which really cannot be overstated – this is great.
Second: This isn’t some locked down, needs to be hacked to get away from the 64 included games system. You can program it. You can load disc, cartridge and tape images. It is as flexible as the Linux-based emulator it’s essentially a derivative of.
Finally: Yes, it is quite expensive. The joystick is easily worth 20 of this cost – you can buy them separately and they’re well worth it for retrogaming on Windows/Mac/Pi etc. – as good as getting a classic joystick, and cheaper than decent USB-to-Atari adaptors. The case – you’d probably pay 30 for a case of this size and quality for your Raspberry Pi, even without a keyboard. Call the keyboard a fiver, but it’s really more like 30 for the bespoke C64-style keys. Then you’d need the computer and software.
So even if you’re a DIY-nutter determined to save money with free software and cheap hardware, TheC64 is very good value.
What’s it actually like? A Commodore 64 with some modern user-friendly touches. You can boot up into the classic C64 BASIC mode and easily load and save software – it even creates a virtual disk image for your BASIC programs – or you can go into a Carousel mode with preloaded games. Gameplay is more than good enough – I can’t compare to a real C64 anymore, but it never feels like there’s something wrong even if the sound may be slightly different.
The keyboard is quite slow for typing (authentic), but the joystick is great for games. Zynaps is one of my favourites, a proper shoot ’em up like a modest R-Type clone, and the joystick keeps up with rapid firing and movement as well as the real Competiion Pro ever did.
HDMI output is easy – the only downside is that unlike some rivals there’s no composite out for older TVs, but then the benefits totally outweigh that gripe.
Could it have had DB9 joystick ports? Probably. That’s my biggest criticism of it really. For comparison an upgraded C64 motherboard is more than twice as much as this, needs a real C64 to install it in, and isn’t as easy to use. On a technical level this is basically a Pi clone board running some carefully optimised frontend – instead of getting nerdy about it, just enjoy that it exists and works so well any kid or busy adult can enjoy it immediately.
This really is a no-brainer for retrogaming addicts and a great gift for 40+ year old kids remembering the first time they unwrapped a home computer under the tree. And yes, you can plug it into a giant LCD telly – but I find it really nice using an old small HDMI one (a monitor with speakers would do too) so you get the small screen inches-from-your-face reality that we had in the ’80s.
Even if it is in colour and not mum’s old 9-inch black and white telly…
Why does this product exist? You could just install an emulator for a Vic-20 or a C64 on your pc and have thousands of games in a folder. You could get a Raspberry Pi and do the same, placing it in a tiny case sitting under your T.V. As Alan Turing proposed, a computer is a universal machine so of course contemporary computers can run virtual re-creations of past systems. If you are technically inclined you may have already done that and found it somehow unfulfilling.
Marcel Proust’s book “In search of lost time” a character eating a certain lemon cake dipped in tea triggers an involuntary memory of his mother reading to him as a child. The trigger was the physical sensation of taste. This cannot be simulated by a computer. What you need is something physical. Something tangible and tactical.
Hence this computer. It’s a good quality reproduction of the famous “breadbox” Commodore case with the convenience of modern ports, hdmi, mini usb, and usb to bypass the hassle of looking for CRTs and suspect old power bricks that comes with using the original hardware. You can set it to boot up into a GUI mode or into basic which it does in a snap. The joystick is a seriously solid piece of kit, complete with clicky micro switches. Plug in a usb drive and you can save out and load whatever programs you want.
On these cold winter nights of the frightening and often bewildering 21st Century I find myself typing away on the iconic commodore keyboard, writing programs in a long defunct language. I remember my Grandmother, now long gone, squinting at a big CRT T.V. as I show her how I can make things move about on screen and I feel safe and content in way that is hard to explain.
Worth it!
I’m very happy with this Joystick. It has the most realistic feeling of the old good joysticks used on the home computers of the 80/90’s. I highly recommend it. It not only works with theC64 and theC64mini but also with other emulators and all operating systems.
eally high quality, looks and feels like the original breadbin - a lot of fu
64 game graphics are better than I remember, and the music on the games – absolutely great. Impossible Mission and so on. Lots and lots of fun. very happy with this purchase.
The unit is of high quality construction including the joystick, and the 64 looks identical to the original, but none of the hassle of loading off tape. Now it’s all off the internal SD card. Great value, excellent quality, lots of fun!
Loved the joysticks responsiveness!
Loved the microswitch joystick aspect of it and it’s responsiveness. A great buy!
Good nostalgic fu
Good nostalgic fun, but with ease of instant loading of games.
I bought this as a replacement for the the joystick that came with my mini TheC64 as I found the supplied joystick unresponsive and just awkward to use.
This replacement is much better with clicky microswitches that give a better response rate and overall just feels better than the non-microswitches variant which I found horrible to use. One thing this joystick will not do is make some C64 games easier as some titles were notoriously difficult back in the day and they definitely have not got any easier today! Overall satisfied with my purchase.
I’ve not tried it on a PC but with it being USB I cannot see it posing too much of a problem.
Really cool for what it is.
I am giving it 4 out of 5 Stars for the box being damaged when it arrived. Other than that it is a great addition to the The C64 family of consoles. The game selection leans more towards Vic-20 this time around which is great. The only downside is that there isn’t many more well known titles included. Leans more towards the indy releases.
Better than the original micro joystick
Good solid joystick for The C64. Clicky microswitches and feels better than the original sticks released for the micro.
Looks good
It looks like a vic 20, comes in a well designed box and the keyboard is responsive. It is basically thec64 in a vic 20 case although it is nice to own one of these as well. The negatives are the joystick seems to stick going down on games that require a lot of movement, though this may have a knack to stop it doing this. The choice of vic 20 games is only 28, the rest of the 64 games are c64. Compare this to thec64 which has 62 c64 games and 2 vic 20 games. You can add more games via usb, but more should have been included on the carousel.
Just as great as ‘TheC64’ but with VIC20 case and additional VIC20 games on the Carousel
Preorder arrived a day early.
Can easily load your own Downloaded games from a thumb drive.
If it’s the VIC20 rather than the Commodore64 that you remember as a kid then this works nostalgia wise.
Not sure about the joystick colour but intended to get a separate CompetitionPro anyways.
Retro box branding looks great too.
A brilliant nostalgia trip!
This is just great fun and a fantastic nostalgia trip.
It worked flawlessly for me, right out of the box.
I’d forgotten how much effort a microswitch joystick was, and how difficult some of the games were. All in all, just fantastic fun.
I had a Commodore 64 when I was a kid in the 80’s. Played on it non-stop for 5 years! This is practically the same machine with the added bonus of HDMI, USB and 64 pre-loaded games. Paradroid is and was one of my favourite games ever!
I love, love, love this! Well done Retro Games! I can’t find words to express how happy I am to have a C64 again! Thank you! : )
Buy it:)
Everything’s just perfect.
Really REALLY hope the amiga gets the same treatment:)
Great successful replica
A journey back to the past!!!
Very well made replica easy to setup and use. Kudos to the developers!
Good, but room for improveme
Overall very good . I’m glad I bought the full size keyboard. The user guide is very basic. The original Commodore 64 can with a programming guide with some type in code, and it would have been nice if this had been included, as this was part of fun of computing in the 80s.
Better than stock
As described and this micro switch version is more robust and better than the one that comes with the C64 Mini
Like: Great replica or should I say new version of our beloved C64. You can use it to write programs or play games just like in the 80s / 90s.
Dislike: Unit came in a box and looked like new however it has a black scuff mark on the front and small scratch on a plastic case where the inside hinges are. It was either a used unit opened and repaired or those cosmetic issues happened on a production line.
Overall I’m very happy with the purchase however due to above faults taking away one star.
Pretty good for what it is, but it could've been bette
This product is amazing for C64 fans and the keyboard feels amazing. I like the fact that you can put your own games on here which I plan to do in the upcoming week. The only things which are kind of a downside is that there isn’t any option for AV output which is kind of a shame because the Commodore 64 looks awesome on a CRT, and the other thing is the joystick’s range of movement seems a bit small and the button placement is kinda awkward. Nevertheless this is a great remake of the Commodore 64 and I’d love to see more things like it (preferably a Commodore 128 Maxi).
Relive Your 8-bit Glosy Days!
Super-easy to set up and no datasette loading times – every game loaded in seconds. The quality of the joystick is awesome – just the feel of using it took me back. Loved it. Great product.
Great modern version of a classic compute
This is a great representation of the original hardware. Easy to add your own games and a lot less hassle than loading tapes (I also have the real thing) The joystick isn’t the best but it does the job well enough. If you just want to play games and don’t want to risk the cost of an original machine failing at any time then its well worth the money. Vic 20 mode is a bonus.
Great fun, well worth the purchase
Talk about bringing back old memories! The C64 is fantastic, especially with a fully working keyboard, super simple to set up and get running and with a pretty good selection of games, well worth the money if you fancy some retro gaming
HDMI and USB just like in ‘84 :)
i am loving it, though some games are somehow running too fast and requires controller breaking speeds.
also : started laughing when i saw that there is a software update available for the c64… i mean just sooo 21st century… 🙂
the box was slightly damaged upon arrival, but the c64 is in tip top shape and quite a few people in the office were jealous… which made me feel special 🙂
i had no chance to work on it yet, but i am sure it will be fun. it is just a shame that i can not use the old cartridges – i am fully aware of the reasons, so no complaints here, but that would have been the cherry on the top:)
anyway – i felt 6 years old again while opening the box and plugging it in and …. well then i was not 6years old… waiting for it to load… but then… straight back and it felt just so so good.
🙂
Great product brings back memories
Works great, the keyboard makes a huge difference and makes the product feel more authentic to the original…
I can only give this product top marks
Great addition to the C64
Just the same as the original joystick so if you have both plugged in it saves the hassle with the swapping of ports.
C64 mini compatible.
Works well with the C64 mini. Once upgraded to the new firmware.
Excellent for certain games.
Retro gaming at its bes
This brings back so many child good memories and works amazingly
Great to be able to re-live the nostalgia of the golden era of 8 bit gaming. A great selection of games built in and the added bonus of both a working keyboard and the VIC 20 make it a great product. The included joystick however is really not very good, the microswitches stick a bit and the shape (while emulating an old style joystick) is uncomfortable to use. However that is a relatively minor annoyance.
Great service... fantastic product!
I was sceptical about TheC64 full sized modern build of the classic Commodore 64. I mean, it’s emulation to start with, how good can it be?
Well, I had to wait for stock to come in, that suggested it might be a good product, bad products don’t sell out so quickly. So, as soon as I saw there was stock I ordered one. It arrived, taking a little longer than normal but that was OK, Amazon had told me it would.
I eagerly opened the Amazon brown cardboard box to discover the TheC64 box, complete with beautiful graphics. Opening that box I saw TheC64 in all its glory. It looked just like the original C64, minus a few ports and adding a few modern conveniences (like HDMI and USB). It looked great, with a satisfying weight, even though the case is mostly empty (as seen on numerous YouTube videos).
Unpacking everything else, I couldn’t wait to hook it up and get back to the 1980s. Setup was easy, plug in the enclosed joystick and go through a couple of setup screens and you’re all done. There are two default modes, the Carousel (where you can access the 64 built in games) and Classic mode (where you choose to go to the classic C64 or Vic 20 programming environment. I am not that interested in playing games, I got the machine to relive my early programming days.
I’d completed the setup and was looking at the blue on blue screen that looked just like the old C64, except it was on a big, modern, smart tv. I pressed a key on the keyboard… nothing. I tried a few more keys… a lot more nothing. None of the keys worked. I tried the old ‘turn it off and on again’ routine but no joy, which was ironic because the joystick worked fine.
I called Amazon support and spent 10 minutes trying to explain that it wasn’t a usb or Bluetooth keyboard, finally they put me in touch with the manufacturer, Retro Games Ltd., unfortunately it was the sales department. Although the guy was brilliant, he first checked everything and then said it did sound like a problem, but being in sales he’d have to get a tech guy to contact me. He then promised a tech guy would call me later that day. The sales guy called back and said that as the keyboard wasn’t working at all it was a faulty unit, so I should contact Amazon and arrange to return it and get a replacement (if a replacement was available, as stock was limited again!)
My call to Amazon, sales not tech, went much better. They reordered a unit and gave me the instructions to return the faulty one. Three days later I had the replacement and it works just perfectly.
I was hugely impressed by the Retro Games Ltd. sales team, very professional and sympathetic. It’s a true measure of a company, how they deal with problems, and Retro Games Ltd. were fantastic.
As for TheC64, it really does give the same experience as the original, with the bonus of USB support. Looking at that blue in blue screen you really feel as if your programming an original C64. There are emulators available for both PC and Mac, but TheC64 is a complete package, with a pretty good, retro feeling, keyboard, and the real clincher, the PETSCII characters printed on the front of the keys (just like the original). Not only that, you get 2 retro computer experiences, a C64 and Vic-20… plus 64 games! A truly fantastic product!
C64 retro adventure
Excellent piece of kit and with the addition of a SD card the number of games is limitless. Anyone interested in retro computers, this is a must buy.
Husband loved i
He was so happy to get this on Christmas Day. Works fine and no issues
[FIXED] Runs at wrong speed
[ORIGINAL REVIEW]
You might think this review is a bit harsh, and a firmware update may yet make things perfect, but at the moment the machine has a fatal flaw which means it’s back in its box. Yes, it looks like a near-identical copy of the original and the output, complete with fake scanlines, looks great on a modern TV, but … it runs 20% too fast. The BASIC variable TI$ advances 1 minute 12 seconds in 1 actual minute and whilst that doesn’t sound like too much of a problem it means the the keyboard responds in a peculiar way, games don’t behave as they should, and music sounds all wrong. At the moment you’re probably still better off with an emulator on a PC, even though that means the keyboard layout is all wrong and so on. I do hope they fix it – it is otherwise a lovely thing.
[UPDATE]
Thanks to the comment from Nick, below, I have reconfigured the machine and now it works perfectly – thanks for the tip! Re-rated from 3 to 5 stars accordingly.
Exactly what we were looking for!
My husband loved this gift, arrived on time, in perfect condition, we spent fun and a little nostalgic evenings.
Our child appreciates it very much, it is customizable and all three of us enjoyed playing the game of bowling.
Highly recommended for those looking for a product that is not only aesthetically beautiful but also functional.
8 stars, but the voting system reaches a maximum of 5.
🙂
A happier 2020 at all! ^ _ ^
A brilliant re-creation of a great retro compute
It’s easy to set up and use. You get everything you need to connect it to a TV and get started. It has built in games covering a range of styles, shooting, platform, puzzles, RPGs and a text adventure. You can freeze a game at any time and you can save up to four frozen positions for each game and reload them later. If you want more you can download games from retro sites on the internet and put them on a memory stick. It can play Commodore 64 and VIC-20 games.
In classic mode it works like a real Commodore 64. You can type in Basic programs and run them. If you plug in a memory stick you get a virtual disc drive. Each virtual floppy disc is stored as a file on the memory stick. You can use them to save your Basic programs and you can get Commodore 64 applications from the internet and run them. I’ve used an assembler I downloaded to write machine code routines and called them from Basic, it works just like I’d expect it to on an original Commodore 64.
In classic mode it also works as a VIC-20, but I never had a VIC-20 in the old days so I haven’t tried that.
My only criticism is that I find the joystick a bit stiff for long gaming sessions.
If you want the Commodore 64 experience or if you just want to play Commodore 64 games this device will do it.
Great versio
If you liked the original Commodore 64, you’ll be happy with this version. The 8 bit guy does a good review on you tube, which is worth a watch. My 11 year old son loves coding on it but he finds the joystick a little stiff at the moment.
A very nice way to relive retro era - bad quality control in packaging !
I will try to be as brief as possible.
Advantages :
You get a 1:1 reproduction that matches the first version of the Commodore 64 case which had the size of the VIC.
The color matches the original.
The only difference i can see is :
1. the letters on the upper part reading “C64” and “power” are not embossed. In the original the corresponding labels were embossed.
2. the key ‘0’ is centered and not aligned with the other numbers as in the original.
My opinion? These details are negligible.
The packaging quality is superb. They included all necessary padding for extra protection plus a plastic case
which can be used as a dust cover. BUT ! -> see disadvantages.
You have the full package where you are able to play and program in basic like the good old times by plugging to the TV/Monitor.
Games are represented faithfully by the Vice emulator. What i did not like with the current state is the
ability to customize (see disadvantages)
Ability to load your own games by inserting a USB. This is a big plus for the C64 here, and its main selling point, as the prexisting list of 64 games does not depict the actual capabilities of the machine.
Disadvantages :
My main complain has to do with the person who is responsible for the packaging of the contents.
How on earth is possible to put a plastic case that covers the keyboard that is BROKEN ?
See attached pictures : picture 1 : the box is in excellent condition, so there was no foul play while in transportation.
picture 2,3 : the plastic that covers the keyboard is broken.
One could say that this is minor but i say that this is unacceptable, because there is no way that the person could do a mistake while doing the packaging.
So the QUALITY CONTROL of packaging is not acceptable ; at least in my case.
Other than that, I got a hardware that works as expected, and without marks or damage on the hardware itself.
Secondly, the other disadvantage has to do with the customization of the emulatorfor each game or list of games.
In order to assign specific buttons for each game you have to do a cumbersome process which is the following:
remove the USB, and insert to a PC, and create a text file, comma separated
with the assignments. A slow process, as you have to remove and insert each time you find out that you have to configure a new game, and it is also easy to miss a comma in the file and get all your key mapping wrong!
The best choice would be to implement a simple menu as in the MAME case that you are able to assign buttons with the joystick directly by having a manu
asking : press key for UP, press for DOWN etc and then internally the VICE generates the CJM file which is associated ith the game. This is not hard to implement. Unfortunately the current way for configuration, is an afterthought at its best.
Last, while the joystick is upgraded with microswitches, it did not come with suction cups.
What is weird is that youtube reviewers received a version with suction cups. I am not sure
if we have another case of bad quality control in packaging or the company decided not to provide suction cups.
Apart from the shortcomings, I suggest getting one especially if you owned the original, and it does not work, or it is lost. This machine is not for everyone, only for those who worked this machine back in the day. Current generation of players will be extremely annoyed if they use this 😉
What can I say?
Growing up I was the proud owner of a ZX Spectrum, but I always wanted to own a C64.
Well In 2018 I bought the C64 mini and I was totally hooked!
And when they said this was coming out I pre-ordered and have been busy playing, programming, and generally having loads of fun on my lovely C64 or as some have called it the C64 maxi.
It has more than enough USB ports for joysticks, USB Memory sticks etc and you can download extra games to supplement the 64 that come with it and loads them via a USB stick.
Any negatives? Erm, not really, although I think some people are working on getting old peripherals to work with the Maxi. Would be fun to be able to source old tapes and load them via the USB ports or the lovely 5.25″ discs and see what we can do with those.
Otherwise, just buy it, the price is great, the product is great, and well you’ll be great for buying one as well. 🙂
Great item, silly oversized packaging by Amazo
I pre-ordered two of these in the one transaction to go with The C64 and have a few multiplayer games with the lads. I had to wait a few months before they were released and the excitement was building. Finally, both arrived at the same time in two separate vastly oversized boxes. At least 3 of these joysticks, perhaps 4, could have fitted in one box but for Amazon to send them in them fashion they did is taking the Michael. Can’t fault the joysticks though, they are fantastic and worth every penny.
Works perfect & I love it.
Very nice piece of retro computer heaven. I love it.
Amazing retro computer with advantage of usb & HDMI
I didn’t buy this cause I thought it was a real C64, I new it was an emulator with games included and that I could add more games. I love it, it looks so much like the original and works surprisingly well.
Sound and game play are spot on and it’s so easy to use.
Plugs straight in the HDMI port at 720 P no need for 1080, as blocky graphics are blocky at any resolution. I never had an 64 but had the similar Atari 800, which had many of the same games, the C64 had better support so I can now look at games the Atari missed out on.
My most played Atari game Goonies was easy to add and play just the same.
This is a BIG improvement over the frankly awful joystick provided with the c64-mini (they should offer to recall those for recycling). It is not up to the quality of the competition pro stick but does have all the handy navigation buttons and a decent micro-switched (clicky) feel.
Please be aware it will not work out of the box without updating the c64-mini firmware to version 1.3.1 (retrogames.biz website) – this is not indicated anywhere by the manufacturer and I’m sure will lead to people returning the stick thinking it’s faulty! It works natively in windows as an 8 button joystick. It really does make the C64-mini a much better product overall for anyone after some C64 nostalgia but it won’t make you any better at those punishing games !
C64 nostalgia has never been so good.
Like having a real C64 without the issues and worries of the old hardware.
I got my ‘The C64’ from Game on launch day. Right from the start you can tell this is a quality product. The box is actually very similar to the original Commodore 64 when it was released in 1982! The machine is extremely well built and doesn’t feel cheap. The keyboard isn’t quite the same as the original, more like a high quality PC keyboard. The connectivity is excellent, with four USB ports and a micro USB for power.
The built in games are okay, with some classics, but the real beauty is the ability to play your own via ROM images on a Flash drive. You can play disk, tape and cartridge ROMs. Most disk ROMS will only work with True Drive Emulation, but this can be fixed by making CJM files. The excellent on-line manual on the website explains all of this in great detail. Highly recommended retro replica computer.
Complete trip down (64K) memory lane 😆
Nothing to dislike, loved it took me right back. Instantly got a .D64 file of a game I played on it a lot; Paperboy. Even done some programming on it.
Bought as a gift to an older brother who remembers this from when a child so it’s good for nostalgia. Comes with a lot of games some are hard to figure out lol
After a few days using this system I feel a have to put digital pen to paper. I think the first thing people will want to know is, “Is it better than the C64 Mini?”. Well the answer is yes! Absolutely and here is why.
1. Hardware.
a. Nothing can beat having the real feel of the C64 keyboard for the nostalgia experience. Having proper function keys allows certain games to be played that were not practical before, Eddie Kid’s Jump Challenge for instance. The keys have the right amount of bounce and the whole package feels right.
b. The new microswitched joystick is excellent with the emulator functions on buttons that very quickly become second nature. The ‘click’ feels right and every game is now playable no matter how delicate the use of the joystick is needed.
c. The system has 4 USB ports allowing you to attach two joysticks and a USB stick to load up those all-important games.
d. You get the complete package: Unit, power supply, HDMI cable, Joystick so you can get going straight away
2. Software
a. The emulation of the C64 is near perfect. I have played games on this system that do not work well on any other emulator, this includes on my high-end PC. Two such games are Ballblazer and Bounces. These two games have never run well, but on this system, they run without any glitches at all.
b. The C64 is perfectly emulated so you can type in BASIC programs and save them to disc. Exactly the same way as on a real C64 (save “program”,8). This adds a lot to the experience.
c. The Carousel works well for selecting the 64 games included. Little touches like being about to sort the list and being able to switch off the background music for good show that care and attention has been paid to this system. Of course, all the games play flawlessly too.
It all feels like it was made by people who are real C64 fans. For the cost (109.99) I feel this is really good value. I don’t think you can beat this hardware and software combination for creating the C64 experience.
If you were a C64 fan in days gone by, you must get this!
Real nostalgia from the best selling home computer of all time
Fantastic product. I really like the way I can download more games etc from my pc to update the C64. It was great in the 80’s and still is now.
Better than the mini in every aspect.
Much better than the mini with tighter emulation. The terrible audio lag of the mini is gone and for those who like basic, having a proper 64 keyboard with all the correct keys and symbols is fantastic. My only wish for this was that it could have had original joystick ports as well rather than just USB. Plenty of room inside for mods though, so could be an option for aftermarket stuff.
Opened boxes, all looking good, turns on, everything setup, start to play, some game I know, many I do not. But then, the joystick when moving right would stick, tried other games, same. Not all the time but annoying. Its also very stiff, so may loosen up, which also may mean it stops sticking. Apart from that all good. As I never had one at the time, I started with a TRS-80, Spectrum, Atari 400, 800, ST then PC. So all is new to me… But will come back and update when I have used it a bit more….
Superb! quality case, and a full size fully functioning keyboard. Exactly the same size as the original Commodore C64 (breadbin type) Computer. 64 games built in, but you can also copy other games to a USB stick. Very impressive quality HDMI video out, quality micro switch joystick, and the Computer can also be programmed in VIC 20 or C64 Basic, which can be saved and loaded back, from a USB stick. Almost like owning an original Commodore 64, but with modern features. A must! for all Retro Computer fans. Review by Ian Priddey, Retro Computer Shack.
Although I never had the Commodore 64 when I was a kid (having started on the Spectrum, Amstrad and Atari ST), I have been very impressed with what Retro Games have produced.
The keyboard is great. Although Commodore basic wasn’t as good as other micros, it’s been great fun working through the original Commodore user manual and trying out various BASIC programs.
I recognise some of the games from the Spectrum and Amstrad. You can also track down other games from across the internet and load them through the USB port. The Infocom text adventures, for example, somehow feel more authentic when you are typing instructions on the C64 keyboard.
Overall, I loved it. Now excuse me while I get back to The Leather Goddesses of Phobos….
I grew up with a C64 and like an idiot sold it some years ago. This computer-remake has made my life complete. The new micro-switch joystick is a major improvement over the previous joystick shipped with the mini c64. I’ve paired my C64 with an 8BitDo Megadrive controller, which when the usb receiver is on firmware 3.07 works perfectly with this item.
These retro games are just as much fun to play now as ever. But now you don’t have to worry about load times, adapters blowing or having to find an old flickering CRT tv. Everything about the attention to detail here is splendid – you can enjoy having a commodore 64 again and it’s just as good, if not better than it was before for a couple of reasons: this is like a real 64, you can boot from BASIC, save and load programs. It’s also a VIC20, the predecessor to the 64 which although appears less powerful had better arcade style higher speed games. But for me, the main thing is that it is a real computer that you can program. If Retrogames get the marketing right (and they have so far) then this needs to get out there into the hands of a new generation of kids who can use it to figure out how computers work and get coding, just as we, now in our 40s, did back in the day. At this price it’s such good value for money. Get it for you kids and download the books on programming (all freely available online).
I grew up with a C64 and like an idiot sold it some years ago. This computer-remake has made my life complete. The new micro-switch joystick is a major improvement over the previous joystick shipped with the mini c64. I’ve paired my C64 with an 8BitDo Megadrive controller, which when the usb receiver is on firmware 3.07 works perfectly with this item.
Excellent piece of kit. Just like my original C64. I’ve added a few hundred extra games and they all work perfectly. I recommend updating the firmware to the latest version which is really easy.
10/10 from me
With a fully working, accurately laid out keyboard, The C64 is a step up from all the mini-consoles released in the last couple of years. The built in games play just like you remember them. The Joystick is microswitched which is very responsive and your own games can be loaded up on it via a USB stick. The jewel is it also works as a Vic 20 so two computers for the price of one. Overall the build quality feels good, the menus easy to navigate and games loading almost instantly. Start in games carousel mode or boot directly to the Ready prompt for either the 64 or Vic 20 for some programming fun. Highly recommended!
I have been looking forward to the release of THE C64 for some time and the company behind this classic piece of retro gaming have really delivered. The keyboard and joysticks are both high quality and very responsive. There are also some great C64 games included on the carousal. This really takes me back to my childhood. A big thumbs up from me.
Especially If your a Commodore 64 fan then this is for you. An accurate visual reproduction with fully working keyboard and Microswitch Joystick.
64 games included on the carousel and fully open for any C64 game via a USB stick. Give it an hour and you will be forgiven for thinking your on the real thing .. Even if you own and use a real C64 this is a must 🙂
Little update to my original review
—————————————
The only thing wrong with THEC64 is I have had to order another one more for the rest of the family.
THEY WOULDNT LEAVE MINE ALONE !!
Been in the C64 scene for years, also small parts of Gamebase64, so have run all the emulators on anything you can think, (phones, nvidia’s, gamepads, PC’s and Laptops), but nothing beats this machine. Buy it period, its better than the original where the screwdriver was your best mate on that data cassette!! Now if they can make the carousel unlimited, that would be perfect.
Been in the C64 scene for years, also small parts of Gamebase64, so have run all the emulators on anything you can think, (phones, nvidia’s, gamepads, PC’s and Laptops), but nothing beats this machine. Buy it period, its better than the original where the screwdriver was your best mate on that data cassette!! Now if they can make the carousel unlimited, that would be perfect.
I bought the C64 mini earlier this year but when I found out the full size size version was due for release; just had to order one. It didn’t disappoint! The working keyboard looks, feels and sounds like the original Commodore 64 from the eighties. Setup was very easy. I’ve added some images which show sides of the computer which some may find useful. It made programming simpler as I had to use a standard PC usb keybourd with the mini. I loved playing the game Boulder Dash and was pleased they kept it on this model. Some of the games, I’ve never played before so I’ll go through them once I stop the addiction to Boulder Dash. Just a 50 year old child!
Only had it a day, so first impressions:
1. Quality of manufacture looks pretty good, with the exception that one of the joystick buttons sticks a bit (might loosen off with time and use). Haven’t had a chance yet to compare it side by side with my original C64, but looks identical to my rusty memory – with the obvious exception that it doesn’t have the same ports as the original. Keyboard feel is fine, not quite as good as I remember the original one as but not bad. The joystick isn’t as good as an original Zipstick, but it is OK.
2. Included games are pretty good for the most part. Some all time classics in the list. Haven’t tried adding my own games yet, will update review once I have.
3. I had some initial issues – turns out the NTSC/PAL options in the menu don’t actually change the screen refresh rate, so even though I had picked PAL the games were running at 60Hz meaning they were running slightly too fast. A quick factory reset and I was able to choose 50Hz and all was good. Initially I thought the emulation was a bit clunky – at times it was jerky and sometimes butter smooth – but turns out this was the fault of my TV. I had to choose Game Mode on the TV menu and then all was fine. I never had to do that with my PS4, so it didn’t occur to me to try this at first.
So overall impression: I love it 🙂
Great memories come flooding back … Works a treat, nice piece of retro kit …