I think I owe the Commodore 64 for being in love with technology, and for having tech as work all my professional career. This computer has a special place in my heart, and I have two originals in mint condition.
A while ago I was thinking about how cool it would be to be able to purchase a brand new C64. There is very few new old stock on the market, and they are incredibly expensive. But how cool would it be if they still were produced today ?
In April 2016 I came across an crowdfunding project at Indiegogo where my dream appeared to come true. An emulator with working keyboard with close resemblance to the original.
Waiting game…
Months and years went by and even when the guys behind the project was giving regular updates, I must admit I had my doubts. Then in 2018 they released THEC64 Mini which was sent to all backers and sold in retail. It is a decent product with the the exact breadbin design, only half the size in length compared to the real thing. Also the mini has a dummy keyboard off-course. It’s cute, but it takes some of the “retro” feeling away when fiddling with modern USB/- or onscreen keyboard.
The big day!
Not only is the full size breadbin a reality. It looks, feels and weighs almost exactly like the original. Much better than the early mockups.
THEC64 is the true recreation of the iconic breadbin
Emulator
Yes, this product is emulating Commodore 64 thru a modified version of VICE. To me that is perfectly OK. That means flexibility to easily run any game, or even cartridges like Action Replay and Final Catridge.
A great feature is that it can boot directly to BASIC after power-on. This is off course my preferred choice.
THEC64 allows me to enjoy the Commodore 64 as if it was new, not having to worrying about my precious ones to burn out.
Conclusion
There has been a boom now on mini retro replicas, but I think It’s a rare occasion to be able to buy a 1:1 replica of an fully working 8-bit computer. Even the outer box is true to the original box design (used in Europe at least). The company even threw in a dust cover for free, one I recently purchased for my original ones.
If you are a true Commodore 64 fan you should not hesitate to get this product. At the moment of writing it is not easy to get one. There is a shortage as demand is increasing.
I’m glad I backed this product and contributed a little bit for this product to become a reality.
Retro Games LTD, you have delivered in style! 10/10
