With Nintendo’s hugely popular NES and SNES mini console bundles, it’s no surprise that other companies would take advantage of nostalgic audiences. Retro Games and Solutions 2 GO have announced The C64 Mini, an officially licensed miniature replica of 1982’s beloved proto-PC, the Commodore 64. It’s coming to retail stores on October 9.
The C64 Mini is a 50% replica of the original Commodore 64, and comes with the (non-functional) keyboard and joystick. It’s pre-installed with 64 games, including Boulder Dash, Jumpman, Pitstop II, and an endless supply of sports games.
The C64 Mini includes two USB ports. You can use the extra port to add another joystick for multiplayer games. Alternatively you can plug in a modern keyboard to program and run your own games. Like the original, the C64 Mini is also a fully functional computer loaded with the C64 BASIC programming language.
Future firmware updates can be applied via USB flash drives (since the console doesn’t connect online). The mini console also features save states similar to the NES and SNES mini consoles, allowing you to save your progress anywhere.
According to Retro Games, other older console and PC releases will see future releases. “We are delighted to be able to bring back some of the most loved retro games ever, on one of the most successful formats of all time”, said Paul Andrews, managing director at Retro Games. “The North American release of The C64 mini is a reimagining of the classic C64 computer and one of a series of products we have on the way.”
The bundle includes an HDMI cable and a “USB power lead” but NOT an AC Adapter. Final price has not yet been announced. The C64 Mini will be available October 9.
