The official mini version of the Commodore 64 was awful. TheC64 hopes to correct that, reviving the classic computer with a full-sized keyboard, an improved micro-switch joystick, and the most important feature: the wanker’s cramp game from hell, Decathlon. What more could one want?
Shipping with 64 games, including some genuine classics (hello Summer Games 2, Speedball 2, Alleykat, California Games and Boulder Dash, THEC64 is a re-release of the classic computer with a full-size keyboard from British firm Retro Games. It’s currently only shipping directly to Germany, Italy and the UK, with an estimated release of December this year, although more retailers are yet to be announced.
Fixing the reportedly awful joystick from the C64 Mini console (which is still available in Australia), THEC64 ships with support for booting straight into the original C64 mode, VIC20 Basic or the Games Carousel UI. There’s HDMI support for 720p (50Hz or 60Hz) output to a TV, and the re-release has some new games from the C64 Mini, including the shmup Galencia, Grid Runner, Attack of the Mutan Camels, and Iridis Alpha. (Any owner of a C64 Mini, mind you, could add Galencia to their library through a firmware update.)
Users can also load their own games and files through a USB-A port. The unit runs off a 2 amp USB AC adapter, although the 1.2m USB power cable might be a bit short for most people’s needs.
No word on pricing or local availability at this stage (or what the cost of shipping to Australia would be!). But more info is available on the official website. Retro Games’ C64 Mini ended up being stocked in Australia, so there’s a chance the larger version might make its way down under. Aussies did love their C64’s and Amigas, after all.
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