Christian Simpson has officially revived the Commodore 64, bringing this iconic 1982 computer back in a modernized but faithful form. The new version retains the original MOS Technology 6581 SID sound chip for authentic chiptune audio, while adding contemporary internals including an AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, 128 MB of DDR2 RAM, 16 MB flash storage, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI, USB-A and USB-C ports. It retains over 99% compatibility with original software and peripherals, meaning that classic cartridges, games, and hardware are usable just as they were decades ago. Three editions are being produced: a basic model in the classic beige, the “Starlight” version with a transparent RGB-lit case, and a limited “Founders” edition featuring gold accents. Preorders are open, with official shipping expected around October 2025. For enthusiasts of retro computing and electronic music, especially those seeking genuine hardware authenticity rather than just emulation, this relaunch presents a strong return.
This piece is something that caught my attention, so I thought I’d capture it as a tidbit. The OpenAI synopsis above is as of 9/22/2025 and may have an errant AI hallucination or two. Please support the original author(s) and visit their site for the whole story and accurate information:
https://musictech.com/news/gear/commodore-64-revival