The 1982 Commodore 64 is back – and it’s just as you remember it

Plenty of plugins have attempted to recapture the timeless 8-bit sound of the Commodore 64’s SID chip – but now music fans can experience the retro magic of the Commodore 64 all over again.

While YouTuber Christian Simpson (AKA Retro Recipes) originally purchased the Commodore licence to create yet another emulation the nostalgic home computer, he’s gone a step further. Simpson has entirely revived the C64 computer, complete with its era-defining MOS Technology 6581 Sound Interface Device.

Newly marketed as a “digital detox brand”, the Commodore website explains: “Let’s be honest – today’s tech too often feels toxic, bloated, addictive. We wake to algorithmic noise, endless notifications, and devices that demand more than they give. Somewhere along the way, the magic disappeared.”

To bring back the joy of video gaming tech, the company is now “rooted in retro values and nostalgia” and “grounded in digital minimalism”. The revival of the Commodore 64 stays true to this notion of “minimalism”, recreating the 1982 original with minimal tweaks to keep things simple and authentic.

The rebirth of the C64 now features a more modern processor, boasting an AMD Xilinx Artix-7, as well as an amped up 128MB of DDR2 RAM. There’s also an understandable increase on the 1982 original’s 64KB of flash memory, amping it up to 16MB.

A new HDMI output has also been added for modern convenience, as well as USB ports A and C for the connection of keyboards and other modern controllers. It can also be hooked up to your Wi-Fi.

However, the C64 is otherwise a complete replica of the original computer. The programmable FPGA circuit is fully compatible with the original peripherals, cartridges and floppy disks, meaning any vintage ‘80s C64 games and components can still be utilised with the 2025 edition.

In fact, Commodore have quoted a 99% compatibility across the C64’s 10,000+ game library. It even comes with a USB stick containing 50 retro games and demos to start you off – including a brand new Jupiter Lander game.

Back in the ‘80s, the SID chip’s three-voice synthesis and four waveform capabilities were ground-breaking. While that sounds limited by modern standards, its polyphonic potential birthed plenty of iconic video game soundtracks.

For those keen to get your hands on some retro nostalgia, the C64 is available in a classic Basic design, as well as Starlight and Ultimate Founders Edition versions. The Ultimate Founders Edition is limited to a rather fitting 6,400, which is inspired by Commodore’s own Golden Anniversary Edition, which boasts an amber-tinted design and gold-plated keys.

The C64 is available to order now. The Basic model is $299, while the Starlight C64 costs $349. The limitedFounders Edition will set you back by $499. Shipping kick off in October.