The Commodore 64 Ultimate is a modern revival of the iconic 1980s home computer, marking Commodore’s first hardware release in over 30 years. Developed under the leadership of Christian ‘Peri Fractic’ Simpson, the system is engineered for over 99% compatibility with original C64 software and peripherals, thanks to its FPGA-based architecture.
At its core, the C64 Ultimate utilizes an AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, complemented by 128MB of DDR2 RAM and 16MB of NOR flash storage. It supports video output up to 1080p at 50Hz (PAL) or 60Hz (NTSC) via HDMI, with additional analog options through an 8-pin DIN connector. Audio is delivered through a 3.5mm headphone jack, optical S/PDIF, and dual SID sockets (6581/8580), featuring auto voltage and filter detection .
Connectivity options include three USB-A 2.0 ports, one USB-C port, a microSD card slot, 100Mbps Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. The system also retains legacy ports for cartridges, disk drives, and datasette devices. The 66-key mechanical keyboard features Gateron Pro 3.0 switches, full N-Key Rollover (NKRO), and 70 RGB LEDs for customizable lighting .
The C64 Ultimate is available in three editions: Basic Beige ($299), Starlight Edition with a translucent case and LED lighting ($349), and Founders Edition with gold-themed accessories ($499). Each unit includes a 64GB USB stick preloaded with over 50 classic games and demos .
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