The C64 review: An epic dose of Commodore nostalgia (if you can get one)

The C64 Source: Windows Central

Retro 'mini' consoles are big business, only they're also a chance for gamers of all ages to experience a fairly authentic blast from the past. There have been some truly epic releases, like those from Nintendo, but in almost every case, they're just a pocket-sized plastic box with minimal electronics inside.

The C64 isn't a pocket-sized plastic box. This is a faithful recreation of the Commodore 64, first launched in 1982, and it even has a working keyboard. And it's really rather proficient.

Premium beige

C64

The C64

Bottom line: If y'all can get hold of one, this is as close equally y'all'll ever become to a modernistic-24-hour interval C64, correct down to the working keyboard.

Pros:

Information technology looks just like the real thing
The keyboard actually works
Aplenty USB connections for additional joysticks
Tin can sideload your own games
Classic interface options

Cons:

Non bachelor (officially) in the U.S. notwithstanding
Hard to actually get hold of
Joystick is frustrating

When 1982 meets 2022

Commodore 64 Source: Evan-Amos (Public domain)The existent deal c. 1982.

The Commodore 64 is one of the all-time acknowledged domicile computers, having sold over 12 million units from its launch in 1982. Before this fifty-fifty, in that location was the Commodore VIC-xx. Both have been brought back to life for 2022 in the aptly named, "The C64." Available in Europe for £110, The C64 is more than just another retro "mini-console" — though there is already one of those on sale — this is a true-blue recreation of the erstwhile calculator.

That ways a lifesize, premium beige-colored box that houses the goodness. This modernistic incarnation, of course, is ready for electric current technology, and so it's powered over micro USB, outputs at 720 at up to 60hz over HDMI, and has USB ports available to hook upwards the included joystick.

At that place's absolutely no behemothic disk drive, though. The USB ports actually supplant this, since you're able to sideload your ain boosted games onto The C64 without any hacking. That's pretty smashing, and even though I don't accept whatever C64 games to load upwards onto information technology, having the pick to is pretty crawly. In that location are 64 titles pre-installed, including California Games, Paradroid, and the incredible Assault of the Mutant Camels.

The C64 Source: Windows Primal

What'south every bit interesting is the fact yous're non just limited to games, nor are you lot limited to some modern interface. You're able to kick into both the VIC-xx and C64 classic interfaces as well equally plow your hand to a little Bones programming. No prevarication, the C64 has all the bells and whistles of the 1982 original for you to enjoy on a mod Television receiver.

But even that can be tweaked, with a filter on hand to add a footling CRT look and experience to your 720p HD output. In as many ways as humanly possible, The C64 is faithful to the existent thing. And that's worth huge praise.

The manufacturer has an extensive resource pool for buyers, including tips on how to get started with programming, updating the firmware over USB, and loading up your own games. Every aspect of the C64 has been well thought out to give not but an authentic experience but an enjoyable 1.

Some balmy frustrations

The C64 Source: Windows Central

Correct now, the biggest trouble with The C64 is nothing to do with its hardware or software. It's the fact it'south seemingly incommunicable to get hold of. At the time of writing, it'southward completely out of stock in the UK, and officially information technology isn't even sold in North America or indeed any other non-European markets.

Yous can pre-club one in Italy, and Amazon'due south French store is saying that it volition exist stocked again on January 31. On the one hand, information technology's fantastic news because lots of people clearly want one, but it's ever incredibly frustrating to see this crawly matter you desire and not be able to get it. In the UK, there's currently no date listed for beingness back in stock, only I'll update this when I hear back from the company's PR representatives.

Away from availability issues though in that location's only really one thing, I don't similar about the C64, and that'south the joystick. At least in my easily, it doesn't feel specially comfortable to hold, and the stick is so stiff that information technology's really awkward. At that place'southward nothing on the bottom to actually keep it still on a flat surface either, so while a joystick is definitely the way to go for that former schoolhouse experience, I feel like there could take been a ameliorate effort on this front.

What's erstwhile is new once again

The C64 Source: Windows Central

Ultimately The C64 is a lot of fun, and as well a heavy dose of nostalgia, information technology feels like a better quality product than a lot of these retro re-releases. The attention to detail is unmatched, and the fact you lot're getting a full-sized motorcar with a working keyboard sets it autonomously from the C64 Mini, too.

The Commodore 64 is a little before my fourth dimension, just information technology's piece of cake to appreciate this recreation for what it is. For many, information technology's a take chances to relive their youth, for many others a chance to cheque out a piece of computing history without needing to deal with ancient hardware. Hopefully, it comes back in stock pretty soon, because information technology's definitely worth buying.

80'due south kid

C64

The C64

The best beige box effectually

Keep an middle out for these coming back in stock, it'south an awesome dose of computing nostalgia for all ages

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