Commodore 64 Ultimate Computer Marks the Company's Initial Hardware Launch in Decades; Pre-orders Available at $299

The Commodore 64 Ultimate, a new piece of hardware that harks back to the golden age of computing, is now available for pre-order. This device, however, is not an emulator but a meticulous recreation of the original Commodore 64, built around an AMD Artix 7 FPGA.

The Commodore 64 Ultimate boasts several modern upgrades, including 128MB DDR2 RAM, 16MB NOR flash, and support for USB thumb drives. It is compatible with various file formats and storage devices, making it a versatile tool for both retro gaming enthusiasts and developers.

The device comes in three different models, each cosmetically unique. The cheapest edition, the BASIC Beige, priced at $299, offers a classic look. For those seeking a more distinctive design, the Starlight Edition, priced at $349, features a translucent case and a translucent mechanical keyboard PCB with reactive lighting. The most expensive edition, the Founders Edition, priced at $499, includes exclusive accessories such as a 24k gold Commodore badges 'dog tag' necklace, a gold label holographic serial number sticker, an "I Rebooted C=" t-shirt, and a commemorative Commodore gold seal 'share' certificate.

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The project comes with a money-back guarantee, allowing for a full refund at any time before shipping. A one-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and artistry is also promised upon delivery.

It's important to note that the release of the Commodore 64 Ultimate hardware is not contingent on the success of the Commodore Corp buyout. The acquisition seems to be in the works, but funding doesn't seem to be complete yet, for the "low seven-figure" deal to be finalized.

The Commodore 64 Ultimate is the first new hardware released under the new management, led by Christian 'Peri Fractic' Simpson as the acting CEO of Commodore Corporation.

For those who prefer to wait for reviews from retro tech publications, shipping for the Commodore 64 Ultimate won't happen until October at the earliest. Some may choose to pay a $50 premium for the assurance of reviews, a finished manufacturing phase, and shipping from stock.

The crowdfunding for the Commodore 64 Ultimate is being conducted through a platform other than Kickstarter or Indiegogo. If you're a fan of the original Commodore 64 or just interested in retro gaming, the Commodore 64 Ultimate is a must-have. It's claimed to be compatible with "10,000+ original games, cartridges, and peripherals," making it a versatile tool for both gaming and development.

For those who want to stay updated on the latest news, analysis, and reviews, Tom's Hardware can be followed on Google News. The Commodore 64 Ultimate is set to bring back the magic of the 80s, offering a faithful recreation of a classic in a modern package.

Commodore 64 Ultimate Computer Marks the Company's Initial Hardware Launch in Decades; Pre-orders Available at $299