Bread and games: The ultimate C64 with AMD FPGA and 128 MB main memory?
The new old Commodore 64 Ultimate can be pre-ordered from 255 euros and, thanks to its programmable circuits, is said to work without software emulation.
(Image: Commodore International Corporation)
The Commodore International Corporation presents the Commodore 64 Ultimate on its website. According to the company, which was recently acquired by YouTuber Christian Simpson, almost all hardware and software developed for the original C64 will be compatible. This is made possible by Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) with low latency, i.e., programmable switching structures that replicate the hardware of the original chips of the popular original home computer. Under the beige hood is the AMD Xilinx Artix-7, manufactured in 28-nanometer technology. 128 MByte DDR2 RAM are at its side.
According to the company, the Ultimate should be able to control the old VC1541 floppy drive without any problems – provided that the drive has survived over 30 years of storage.
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In addition to the floppy connection, the Commodore 64 Ultimate also has two joystick ports. Good if you still have a Competition Pro in the cellar. But the hardware should also be able to play old cartridges. The company guarantees compatibility with 99 percent of all games and peripherals released in the 1980s/1990s. This also includes old RGB monitors that are connected via a DIN-8 connection.
Modern times
The reminiscence of the children's rooms of the 1980s does have three USB ports (two type A and one type C). Commodore provides over 50 titles on the USB stick included in the package. These include games, music, demos and the sequel to Jupiter Lander, which was released in 1982. You can load your programs onto the stick or transfer them via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Modern monitors are connected via HDMI.
The 66-key keyboard looks like the original. Gateron Pro 3.0 switches with a trigger force of 55 grams should ensure that it feels the same when typing.
(Image:Â Commodore International Corporation)
Interested parties can pre-order the Commodore 64 Ultimate in the “Basic Edition” for 250 euros.
The “Starlight Edition” has a transparent cover. It provides a clear view of the interior illuminated by RGB LEDs and the names of the developers immortalized on the circuit board in all editions.
The “Founders Edition,” which is limited to 6400 units, currently costs 425 euros. It is based on the gold model, which was the one millionth unit to roll off the production line. The cover is also transparent but amber-colored.
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