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 the Commodore International name after the company folded in 1994. This new iteration, dubbed the Commodore 64 Ultimate, aims to be an authentic recreation of the original hardware, maintaining compatibility with classic peripherals while incorporating a few modern concessions.

The Commodore 64's initial release saw it become the best-selling personal computer of all time, recognizable by its beige plastic shell and integrated keyboard. Simpson's effort isn't the first attempt to bring back the Commodore 64, but it is being lauded as a potentially superior recreation.

According to early reviews, the Commodore 64 Ultimate offers an extraordinarily authentic experience, appealing to those with a deep-seated nostalgia or curiosity for the original machine. However, its authenticity also translates to some drawbacks, including a lack of intuitiveness for newcomers and the inherent slowness of the original hardware.

The reborn rig is available for purchase through Commodore, with the beige model priced at $350 (originally $300) and the starlight version at $400 (originally $350). The re-release of the Commodore 64 comes at a time when retro gaming and digital detox approaches are gaining traction, potentially broadening its appeal beyond die-hard fans.