The Commodore 64, an 8-bit personal computer that originally launched in 1982, has been resurrected by retro gaming YouTuber Christian Peri Fractic Simpson, who purchased the rights to Commodore International after the company folded in 1994. This new iteration, dubbed the Commodore 64 Ultimate, aims to be an authentic re-creation of the original hardware.
The Commodore 64 Ultimate maintains compatibility with classic peripherals, offering users the experience of the original machine while incorporating some modern concessions. According to early reviews, the re-creation is extraordinarily faithful to the original, though its authenticity also means it retains the slowness of the 1980s technology.
The original Commodore 64 became the best-selling personal computer of all time, largely due to its affordability and versatility. It allowed users to play games, learn programming, and perform basic productivity tasks. Its beige plastic shell and integrated keyboard became iconic symbols of the early home computing era.
While not the first attempt to revive the Commodore 64, this particular effort stands out for its commitment to replicating the original hardware experience. However, its appeal is likely limited to those with a strong sense of nostalgia or a deep curiosity about retro computing, as it may not be intuitive for newcomers accustomed to modern computing interfaces.
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is currently available for purchase at Commodore, with the beige model priced at $350 (originally $300) and the starlight version at $400 (originally $350). The future impact of this revival remains to be seen, but it represents a significant effort to preserve and celebrate a pivotal piece of computing history.
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