Loads of plugins have tried to recapture the timeless 8-bit sound of the Commodore 64’s SID chip – however now music followers can expertise the retro magic of the Commodore 64 once more.
Whereas YouTuber Christian Simpson (AKA Retro Recipes) initially bought the Commodore licence to create yet one more emulation the nostalgic dwelling laptop, he’s gone a step additional. Simpson has totally revived the C64 laptop, full with its era-defining MOS Expertise 6581 Sound Interface Machine.
Newly marketed as a “digital detox model”, the Commodore web site explains: “Let’s be trustworthy – immediately’s tech too usually feels poisonous, bloated, addictive. We wake to algorithmic noise, limitless notifications, and units that demand greater than they offer. Someplace alongside the way in which, the magic disappeared.”
To deliver again the enjoyment of video gaming tech, the corporate 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 authentic with minimal tweaks to maintain issues easy and genuine.
The rebirth of the C64 now encompasses a extra trendy processor, boasting an AMD Xilinx Artix-7, in addition to an amped up 128MB of DDR2 RAM. There’s additionally an comprehensible enhance on the 1982 authentic’s 64KB of flash reminiscence, amping it as much as 16MB.
A brand new HDMI output has additionally been added for contemporary comfort, in addition to USB ports A and C for the connection of keyboards and different trendy controllers. It may also be hooked as much as your Wi-Fi.
Nevertheless, the C64 is in any other case an entire reproduction of the unique laptop. The programmable FPGA circuit is absolutely appropriate with the unique peripherals, cartridges and floppy disks, which means any classic ‘80s C64 video games and parts can nonetheless be utilised with the 2025 version.
Actually, Commodore have quoted a 99% compatibility throughout the C64’s 10,000+ recreation library. It even comes with a USB stick containing 50 retro video games and demos to start out you off – together with a model new Jupiter Lander recreation.
Again within the ‘80s, the SID chip’s three-voice synthesis and 4 waveform capabilities have been ground-breaking. Whereas that sounds restricted by trendy requirements, its polyphonic potential birthed loads of iconic online game soundtracks.
For these eager to get your palms on some retro nostalgia, the C64 is offered in a traditional Primary design, in addition to Starlight and Final Founders Version variations. The Final Founders Version is proscribed to a moderately becoming 6,400, which is impressed by Commodore’s personal Golden Anniversary Version, which boasts an amber-tinted design and gold-plated keys.
The C64 is offered to order now. The Primary mannequin is $299, whereas the Starlight C64 prices $349. The limitedFounders Version will set you again by $499. Delivery kick off in October.
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