The Commodore 64, the iconic 8-bit home computer that defined a generation, is making a triumphant return in 2025, thanks to the passionate efforts of Christian “Perifractic” Simpson and his team at Retro Recipes.
This revival, marked by the pre-sale of the Commodore 64 Ultimate on commodore.net, is a love letter to retro enthusiasts and a gateway for new fans—like my grandkids—who are discovering the magic of the C64 through modern emulation. While some purists may cling to their original hardware, the C64 Ultimate offers a vibrant, accessible way to experience Commodore’s legacy, blending nostalgia with modern convenience.
Why Commodore Enthusiast Should Be Excited
Here’s why this comeback is something to celebrate, especially for those ready to share a Commodore Christmas with the next generation.
A Faithful Revival with Modern Flair: The Commodore 64 Ultimate isn’t just a nostalgic cash grab—it’s a carefully crafted homage to the original C64, which sold between 17 and 30 million units and remains the best-selling single computer model of all time. Powered by an AMD Artix 7 FPGA, this new machine delivers a “faithful recreation of the original motherboard” that’s over 99% compatible with 80s and 90s games, cartridges, and peripherals. Unlike software emulation, the FPGA-based hardware ensures a near-perfect, lag-free experience that captures the essence of the original C64’s charm. But it doesn’t stop there—modern touches like HDMI output for crisp 1080p visuals, Wi-Fi for easy game transfers, and a USB drive loaded with over 50 licensed games and demos make it user-friendly for today’s audiences.
For those of us who’ve been using emulators like VICE or C64 Forever to relive the glory days, the C64 Ultimate feels like a dream come true. It’s a physical, tangible piece of hardware that doesn’t require scouring eBay for aging breadbox models or troubleshooting failing chips. The BASIC Beige edition, priced at $299 during pre-sale, offers an affordable entry point, while the Starlight and Founders Editions add cosmetic flair for collectors. This is Commodore reimagined for 2025—accessible, reliable, and ready to spark joy.
From Commodore.net, as of July 2025
A Commodore Christmas for the Grandkids
When my grandkids visit, their eyes light up as they dive into classics like Boulder Dash or Jupiter Lander on my C64 emulator. They love the simplicity, the chiptune sounds, and the quirky charm of games from an era before their time. I can already picture their excitement unwrapping a Commodore 64 Ultimate this Christmas 2025, just like I did in 1985 when I got my C128. The thought of them plugging in a machine that’s both a piece of my past and a bridge to their future is pure magic. With its compatibility with over 10,000 original C64 games and modern connectivity options, the C64 Ultimate is perfect for sharing retro gaming with a new generation. It’s not about handing over my emulator setup on a Maxi C64—it’s about giving my grandkids a tactile, authentic experience they can call their own. I really like the thought of that, big time.
Honoring the Past, Innovating the Future
Christian Simpson (also known as Peri Fractic on his Retro Recipes YouTube channel), the acting CEO of the newly revived Commodore International, brings a fan’s heart to this project. Simpson has assembled a dream team of Commodore legends, including Bill Herd (C128 designer), Albert Charpentier (C64 pioneer), and Jeri Ellsworth (C64 Direct-to-TV creator), to ensure the brand’s legacy is respected. His vision—“honoring our past, innovating the future”—shines through in the C64 Ultimate’s blend of authenticity and modern enhancements. The retro community has responded enthusiastically, with nearly 1,000 pre-orders in the first day, proving there’s still love for Commodore’s iconic brand. (I ordered mine, in the classic beige).
Simpson’s approach goes beyond hardware. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Commodore is planning charity initiatives like Commodore Cares and a commitment to ethical tech practices, showing a dedication to community and purpose that resonates with fans. This isn’t the Commodore of the pre-bankruptcy era, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s a Commodore for today—built for fans, by fans.
Embracing the Future of Retro
While some purists argue that only original hardware captures the true C64 experience, the reality is that vintage machines are increasingly fragile, with chips that “will all eventually fail” and replacements that are sometimes hard to come by. For those of us who’ve embraced emulation, the C64 Ultimate is a perfect middle ground. It offers the authenticity of FPGA-based hardware—closer to a simulation than traditional emulation—without the maintenance headaches of 40-year-old tech. It’s a practical solution for fans who want to keep the C64 spirit alive without breaking the bank on eBay or becoming electronics repair experts (I wish I could be that person, but I’m just not).
The C64 Ultimate is also a collector’s dream, with etched motherboards featuring autographs of C64 creators and limited-edition models like the Founders Edition, capped at 6,400 units. For those worried about the project’s legitimacy, Commodore’s transparent pre-order process, cancellable at any time, and a one-year warranty add peace of mind. This isn’t a fly-by-night operation—it’s a passionate revival backed by a team that lives and breathes retro computing.
A New Chapter for Commodore
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is more than a product; it’s a celebration of a cultural touchstone that shaped millions of lives. For those of us who’ve spent years enjoying C64 emulators, it’s a chance to own a modern, reliable machine that stays true to the original’s spirit. For my grandkids, it’s an invitation to discover the joy of retro gaming in a way that feels fresh and exciting. This Christmas 2025, I can’t wait to share the Commodore legacy with them, creating new memories that echo my own from 1985. The C64 Ultimate may not satisfy every purist, but for emulator fans and new generations alike, it’s a brilliant way to keep Commodore’s heart beating strong.
Pre-orders are open now at commodore.net, with shipping expected in October or November 2025. Join the retro revolution and let’s make this Commodore comeback a holiday to remember!