š¦ Commodore has begun shipping the 64C Ultimate to pre-order customers, and itās now on sale to everyone else
š® It recreates the 1986 slimline 64C using the original case tooling, with new USB mouse support, the GEOS suite and a USB Cassette packed with 100+ games and demos
š There are three editions to choose from, including a Starlight model with game-reactive LED lighting and a gold-trimmed Founderās Edition
š° Prices start at $299.99 for the BASIC Beige, rising to $499.99 for the Founderās Edition
Commodore has announced that its Commodore 64C Ultimate is shipping to pre-order customers, and that anyone who missed the campaign can now buy one outright.
In a press release, the iconic brand shared that the device will arrive ahead of the holiday season, as had been originally promised. Those who didnāt pre-order can grab one from Commodoreās website starting from today.
Its new machine is the latest in the 64 Ultimate line and recreates the slimline 64C that Commodore introduced in 1986. The original 64C notably ditched the breadbin case of the original model for something sleeker and more contemporary.
As with the original C64 Ultimate which the revitalized Commodore produces, it has re-acquired the tooling used to make the original C64 cases, so the shells for this new model come from the same molds.
Inside, it works the same way as last yearās C64 Ultimate. Rather than relying on software emulation, it uses FPGA technology to recreate the original hardware cycle-for-cycle, in the same vein as retro consoles such as the ModRetro M64 and ModRetro Chromatic Transparent.
Commodore claims up to 99% compatibility with original software and peripherals, including monitors, printers, joysticks and cartridges.
There are a few changes this time around. The 64C Ultimate runs the latest firmware and adds support for a standard USB mouse, which pairs with the bundled GEOS suite for word processing, spreadsheets, file management and paint programs.
Every unit also ships with an updated USB Cassette offering quick access to over 100 games and demos. The User Guide has been designed to match the original 64Cās, too.
The 64C Ultimate comes in three editions, with the BASIC Beige option at $299.99 billed as an ideal replica of the original, while the $349.99 Starlight Edition features a translucent case with game-reactive LED lighting in the case and keyboard.
At the top of the tree is the $499.99 Founderās Edition, which adds PVD gold keycaps and real 24K gold-plated Commodore and Power badges to the party, plus a translucent white case.
Founderās Edition buyers also get a gold seal commemorative Commodore āShareā certificate, a Commodore flag and a 24k gold ādog tagsā necklace. These are sent separately rather than in the box.
Up next: Best ModRetro Chromatic games: pick up these pocket-sized titles today
Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.