The Commodore 64 is officially making a comeback, and this time, it’s dressed to impress. Set to launch later this year, the newly unveiled Commodore 64 Ultimate blends retro charm with modern enhancements, tapping into the ongoing wave of nostalgia surrounding vintage computing and retro gaming.
This revival follows the acquisition of the Commodore brand and its associated trademarks by YouTuber and retro tech enthusiast Christian Simpson, also known as Peri Fractic. Having reportedly paid a “low seven-figure” sum for the rights, Simpson is wasting no time putting the brand back into play. The C64 Ultimate is the first release from the newly reformed Commodore company—and it’s already available for preorder.
The new C64 comes in three distinct models: Basic Beige, Starlight Edition, and a highly limited Founders Edition. All three offer the same internal specs, but each is dressed with unique aesthetic choices. The Basic Beige version pays tribute to the original 1980s design. The Starlight Edition features a transparent case with customizable LED lighting. Meanwhile, the Founders Edition, limited to just 6,400 units, glows gold, includes 24k gold badges, and ships with a holographic serial number—clearly aimed at collectors.
Under the hood, all models are identical, and importantly, fully compatible with the entire C64 game library—over 10,000 titles. Thanks to modern internals, the system features expanded RAM and an optional 48MHz turbo mode, giving it a significant performance bump over the original. Games can be loaded from vintage media formats or USB, and each machine comes with a retro cassette-style USB drive preloaded with over 50 games. A brand-new title, Jupiter Lander: Ascension, will debut with the launch—a modern sequel to Commodore’s first-ever game.
Modern connectivity options bring the C64 into the 2020s without sacrificing its old-school feel. You’ll find HDMI output supporting 1080p, three USB-A 2.0 ports, one USB-C, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a microSD card slot for easy storage expansion.
Pricing starts at $299.99 for the Basic Beige model, with the Starlight Edition going for $349.99, and the premium Founders Edition priced at $499.99. Availability is already limited, with early batches selling fast ahead of the expected October–November shipping window.
This isn’t the first attempt to repackage the C64 for modern audiences—Retro Games’ TheC64 launched back in 2022—but the Commodore 64 Ultimate arrives with the added weight of official branding and a stronger emphasis on customization and collector appeal.
It’s a calculated blend of nostalgia and novelty: retro hardware with updated capabilities, wrapped in designs that range from understated to extravagant. For longtime fans of the C64—or newcomers curious about what made it a legend—this new lineup offers a chance to experience a pivotal piece of computing history through a modern lens.
