Background information
Why your USB stick gets lighter when it’s full
by Dayan Pfammatter
Breadbox 2.0: This is the Commodore 64 Ultimate
14.7.2025
Translation: machine translated
The home computer with the characteristic breadbox housing is back. From autumn, the Commodore 64 Ultimate will be available with modern FPGA hardware and old connections.
Originally, Youtuber Christian Simpson aka «Peri Fractic» wanted to buy the exclusive rights to the Commodore brand. However, as colleague Debora reported, he then bought the entire company - the Commodore Corporation including all 47 brands that are still registered. His plan to revive the brand as a fan project gained momentum. He also announced that he wanted to introduce a new Commodore - and that is exactly what he has now done.
Classic design with modern technology
After more than 30 years, there is new hardware that works like the original. This means that the Commodore 64 Ultimate does not emulate old hardware, but instead uses a new FPGA chip from AMD (Xilinx Artix-7) to ensure that software is played back faithfully. It has 128 megabytes of DDR2 RAM and 16 megabytes of NOR flash memory at its disposal.
Source: Commodore International Corporation
Thanks to both old and modern connections, the new C64 should be compatible with 99 per cent of old games and peripherals. Of course, this also includes a Datasette interface, on which the tape drive of the same name can be used.
Source: Commodore International Corporation
If you don't own a datasette (or audio cassettes), the new C64 can also simulate this - for example from a USB stick. The same applies to floppy drives, modules, SID chips, memory expansions and network functions.
Source: Commodore International Corporation
Since you can also use modern screens thanks to the HDMI connection, the computer simulates PAL/NTSC timing (1080p @ 50 Hertz or 60 Hertz). Scanline effects can be switched on as an option. The other new connections are three USB-A 2.0, one USB-C, 3.5 mm jack connection, optical S/PDIF, MicroSD slot and Ethernet connection (100 Mbps). The Commodore 64 Ultimate can also connect to a WLAN (Wi-Fi version is not mentioned in the specs).
Source: Commodore International Corporation
The layout of the keyboard has not changed. However, the keystroke will feel different, as modern Gateron Pro 3.0 switches with RGB LEDs are installed (55 gram stroke force).
Also available in transparent and gold-transparent from autumn
The scope of delivery includes a «USB cassette» with over 50 licensed games, music and demos. This is a USB stick with an audio cassette design and 64 gigabytes of memory
Source: Commodore International Corporation
You can pre-order it at commodore.net. Delivery is planned for October/November 2025. The standard version is currently available from USD 299.99 excluding VAT and shipping. If you want a C64 with a modern touch, there is also a transparent Starlight Edition with LEDs from 349.99 USD and a gold-transparent Founders Edition from 499.99 USD. This also includes a 24-carat gold-plated badge and satin-finished gold keys.
Source: Commodore International Corporation
Header image: Commodore International Corporation
Martin Jud
Senior Editor
martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.chI find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.
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