A trip down memory lane with every pixel in place is exactly what many tech enthusiasts have been craving for years - a faithful reproduction of Commodore's legendary 8-bit computer, the Commodore 64 Ultimate, has finally arrived.
The Ultimate comes in a box that eerily resembles its original packaging from 1982. Upon opening it, you're met with an uncannily accurate replica of the iconic chunky Commodore 64, complete with all its signature colors and even the red LED above the function keys. It's a nostalgic powerhouse that will transport you back to a bygone era.
For those who grew up in the 80s, like our journalist, the C64 was more than just a computer - it was an obsession. The Ultimate's FPGA technology ensures that every detail is preserved, from the sound effects and speech samples to the graphics. You can even plug in your original Datasette or disk drive and run original software.
The machine's design is a masterclass in integration of modern tech with retro flair. It seamlessly switches between old-school menus and inputs and modern conveniences like HDMI connectivity and internet access via USB. The only caveat? Users will need to dig deep into the world of BASIC programming and Assembly language, just as they did back in the day.
At $349.99/AU$524, the Commodore 64 Ultimate won't come cheaply, but for those willing to invest, it offers a unique experience that's hard to put a price on. This living historical relic is more than just a nostalgic novelty - it's an opportunity to reconnect with the fundamental concept of a desktop home computer and understand computers at a deeper level.
It's also an excellent way to introduce younger generations to the joys of coding, game development, and good old-fashioned design. As our journalist so eloquently put it, "Exploring the C64 these last few weeks has given me more pleasure than downloading an app on to my phone ever has."
The question remains: is there value in this machine beyond its appeal to original owners? Absolutely. The Commodore 64 Ultimate is a testament to the enduring power of great design and clever programming, a lesson that's just as relevant today as it was back in the 80s.
As one can only assume will be a huge hit with gamers of all ages - and not just those who grew up with it, will have an entirely new appreciation for retro gaming.
The Ultimate comes in a box that eerily resembles its original packaging from 1982. Upon opening it, you're met with an uncannily accurate replica of the iconic chunky Commodore 64, complete with all its signature colors and even the red LED above the function keys. It's a nostalgic powerhouse that will transport you back to a bygone era.
For those who grew up in the 80s, like our journalist, the C64 was more than just a computer - it was an obsession. The Ultimate's FPGA technology ensures that every detail is preserved, from the sound effects and speech samples to the graphics. You can even plug in your original Datasette or disk drive and run original software.
The machine's design is a masterclass in integration of modern tech with retro flair. It seamlessly switches between old-school menus and inputs and modern conveniences like HDMI connectivity and internet access via USB. The only caveat? Users will need to dig deep into the world of BASIC programming and Assembly language, just as they did back in the day.
At $349.99/AU$524, the Commodore 64 Ultimate won't come cheaply, but for those willing to invest, it offers a unique experience that's hard to put a price on. This living historical relic is more than just a nostalgic novelty - it's an opportunity to reconnect with the fundamental concept of a desktop home computer and understand computers at a deeper level.
It's also an excellent way to introduce younger generations to the joys of coding, game development, and good old-fashioned design. As our journalist so eloquently put it, "Exploring the C64 these last few weeks has given me more pleasure than downloading an app on to my phone ever has."
The question remains: is there value in this machine beyond its appeal to original owners? Absolutely. The Commodore 64 Ultimate is a testament to the enduring power of great design and clever programming, a lesson that's just as relevant today as it was back in the 80s.
As one can only assume will be a huge hit with gamers of all ages - and not just those who grew up with it, will have an entirely new appreciation for retro gaming.
but like how much do we need to learn basic programming again tho? 
can't we just play some sick games on it already? $349.99 is kinda steep for a machine that's mostly nostalgic value tho... maybe i'll just stick to playing oldschool emulators on my gaming PC 
i mean think bout it, its like steppin back in time to when computers were actually cool 
349 aussie bucks may seem steep but trust me its worth it u wont regret the nostalgia kick 
plus its a great way 2 introduce ur kiddos 2 coding and game dev 
. Who thought that was a good idea? And don't even get me started on the BASIC programming requirements... 
I mean, I get it, it's nostalgic and all, but can't they just make it user-friendly for once? 
The fact that you have to go back to writing code in Assembly language is just too much. And what about people who didn't even grow up with the Commodore 64? Are they expected to just magically know how to program in BASIC? 
It's like they're trying to make a profit off of us old-school gamers instead of giving us something that's actually fun and accessible. 
