Commodore C64 – The Facts!

Facts, facts, facts - that's everything you need to know about the Commodore C64! In this article you will learn everything about the technical ones data and facts about the Commodore 64.

Commodore C64 – The Facts!

The Commodore C64 is an 8-bit home computer developed by Commodore Business Machines (CBM) and released in 1982. He is considered one of the most successful Computers of all time and was sold worldwide in the 1980s. 

The Commodore C64 is an 8-bit home computer developed by Commodore Business Machines (CBM) and released in 1982. It is considered one of the most successful computers of all time and was sold worldwide in the 1980s. In Germany the C64 was known under the name “C64GS” (Games System) available. The computer had 64 KB of RAM and therefore could not keep up with today's computers. Nevertheless, he was way ahead of his time and muzzle a number of functions that are still available on today's PCs.

The history of the Commodore C64

It's incredible how much the Commodore C64 achieved in its short lifespan from 1982 to 1994. Considered one of the best-selling computer systems of all time, it has an enormous following of fans and enthusiasts who continue to uphold its legacy to this day.

The Commodore C64 was much more than just one Desktop – he was a phenomenon. In the 1980s he embodied the hope and potential of the young computer industry. Its $599 introduction brought personal computing into Reach to a broader public and helped lay the foundation for today's IT infrastructure.

Nowadays it's hard to imagine how exciting the arrival of the Commodore C64 was for the technology enthusiasts and early adopters of the time. The machine offered incredible value over the other computers of the time, including the Apple II, the IBM PC and the TRS-80. The C64 featured a built-in BASIC programming language, a powerful floppy drive, and an impressive 64 KB of memory - 16 times as much as its nearest competitor.

However, the Commodore C64's hardware wasn't its only unique selling point. The device shipped with Commodore BASIC, a rich programming language that allowed users to write and share their own games and applications. This was a huge innovation for the time - until then, users had to buy an external keyboard and monitor to even use their computer.

The Commodore C64 was so popular that it soon became a... synonym for the home computer itself. In the 1980s, “C64” was a common term for a computer, regardless of brand. Even today, more than 40 years after its introduction, the C64 still has a huge fan base that regularly meets and exchanges ideas online.

It's hard to imagine how the Commodore C64 will take over the world of Technology changed so permanently.

He was more than just one Products – he was a movement.

How does the Commodore C64 work?

The Commodore C64 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International in 1982. It is based on the MOS Technology 6502 processor and has 64 kilobytes of RAM. The C64 was very popular in the 1980s and was often used for gaming. Today there is a large community of fans who still use and develop the Commodore C64.

Commodore C64 – Specifications and Features

The Commodore C64 is an 8-bit home computer developed by Commodore Business Machines (CBM) and released in 1982. The machine is based on the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor and has 64 kilobytes of RAM. Other specifications and features include an ANTIC graphics processor, a POKEY sound chip, four joystick ports and a Datasette port.
The Commodore C64 is one of the best-selling computer models of all time. Production ceased in 1994, although some resellers continue to use the hardware for reproductions and retro gaming.

The original Commodore C64 model, introduced in 1982, had a gray keyboard and came with a power supply, a data set and the “Ocean software Ltd.” game. In 1983, Commodore released the C64C version, which differed from the previous version in aesthetics and size. The price of the computer had now dropped to $595. Commodore stopped production of the C1991C version in 64 and released the last model in 1992 - the Commodore SX-64, a portable model with a 5-inch screen.

The Commodore C64 was officially discontinued in 1994 after a total of around 30 million units had been sold. However, the rights to the Technology taken over by Tulip Computers in 2005, which has been offering replicas of the Commodore C64 ever since.

Connect Commodore C64, but how?

In this section erfahren How to connect the Commodore C64. First of all, you need to make sure that the Commodore C64 is connected to the power supply. Then connect the Commodore C64 to the monitor or television. Finally, connect the keyboard to the Commodore C64.

Step 1:

Connect the Commodore C64 to the power supply

The first step is to connect the Commodore C64 to the power supply. First of all, you need to make sure that the power supply plug fits into the socket on the Commodore C64. Then plug the power adapter into the socket. If you did everything correctly, you should now see a green light on the back of the Commodore. The green light is the power indicator light. It indicates that the Commodore C64 is on and receiving power.

Step 2:

Connect the Commodore C64 to the monitor or television

After the Commodore C64 is connected to the power supply, you can connect it to your monitor or TV. To do this you need to use a video cable. Which video cable you use depends on which connection your monitor or television has. Most monitors and televisions have an HDMI port. In this case you can use an HDMI cable. If your monitor or TV does not have an HDMI port, you can use a VGA cable or a SCART cable.

Step 3:

Connect the keyboard to the Commodore C64

To operate the Commodore C64 you also need a keyboard. The Commodore C64's keyboard is very similar to a PC keyboard. However, there are some differences you should be aware of. The keyboard of the Commodore C64 does not have a Num Lock key or a Scroll Lock key. Additionally, the Commodore C64's keyboard has some additional keys that you won't find on a PC keyboard. These include, for example, the function keys F1 to F12 and the cursor keys.

To connect the keyboard to the Commodore C64, you must first insert the plug into the socket on the back of the Commodore C64. Then you can turn on the keyboard.

Commodore C64 value?

Nowadays you can say that the Commodore C64 is a real treasure. Many people own a Commodore C64 these days and value it very much. But what is the Commodore C64 actually worth? In this blog article we will take a closer look at the value of the Commodore C64.

The Commodore C64 is an 8-bit home computer that was released in 1982. It was very popular back then and many people owned it. Nowadays, however, it is more of a collector's item and its value is correspondingly higher. Many people pay several hundred euros for a Commodore C64 these days, some even several thousand euros.

When looking at the value of the Commodore C64, you should also keep in mind that this is a very old device. Many Commodore C64s are several decades old and most of them are no longer in very good condition. It is therefore understandable that the value of the Commodore C64 has increased significantly in recent years.

The Commodore C64 is a very sought-after collector's item these days and its value is correspondingly high. However, if you don't plan on collecting it, you might want to consider selling it. Because if you sell it, you can go with it Safety get a good price.

Commodore C64 Emulator – The Best?

The Commodore C64 is a home computer developed by Commodore Business Machines (CBM) and introduced in January 1982. It was based on the Motorola MOS 6502 microprocessor and had 64 kilobytes of RAM. The C64 emulators are computer programs that recreate a C64 environment. This makes it possible to play or use C64 games and software on a modern computer. There are many different emulators for different operating systems.

COMMANDER X16

Commander X16 is a new open source emulator for the Commodore 64 released in October 2020. The emulator is designed using HDL/Synthesis coupled with an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) to closely replicate the hardware and get the most out of the original chips. The Developer have decided not to just create a simple emulation of the computer, but rather to build a fully functional construct capable of playing old games and writing new software.

VICE

VICE is a free and open source Commodore 64 emulator. VICE is available across platforms and can be accessed at Windows, MacOS, BeOS, QNX, NetBSD and many other operating systems.

VICE offers a freely editable code editor, a disk explorer and many other functions. VICE can emulate disks not only in D64 format but also in G64 (GeoRAM), FDI (FreezeFrame), F64 and D81 format. VICE also supports network functions (TCP / IP) which allows computers with the Commodore 64 to be connected via the Internet.

VICE is an emulator for the following computers:

CBM-II 6×0/7×0/8×0 (C610/C710/C720/C820)
CBM-II 5×0 (C520)
PET 2001-8296/8216 4032 Byte RAM Expansion Kit (for the 2001-8296N/8216N)
PET 3008 (Basic4)
PET 3016 (SuperPET)
Pet 2001-32N/40N/80N
Plus/4
C16 and Plus/4 (C232)
C116
C128DCR
VSX8000
VIC-1001
PAL/NTSC-C64 (C64P/C64PSE)
PAL/NTSC-C128
PAL/NTSC Plus/4 (C364)
SCPU64

Commodore C64 commands overview

Commodore C64 commands overview

RUN: This command starts a loaded Program.

LIST: This command shows you the contents of a loaded program.

LOAD”*”,8,1: This command is used to load a program stored on a floppy disk.

SAVE”*”,8,1: This command is used to save a program to a floppy disk.

NEW: This command clears the contents of memory and starts with an empty memory.

CONT: This command resumes the program after it was interrupted.

CALL: This command calls a subroutine.

GOSUB: This command calls a subroutine and returns where it was called.

RETURN: This command returns where it was called.

REM: This command is used to add comments in a program.

What hardware do you need to play with the Commodore C64?

First of all, you need the Commodore C64 itself. This can be bought “new” or used from various online retailers. You will also need a television or computer BILDscreen to display the C64 image. Some games also require a joystick or mouse.

Commodore C64 games

The Commodore C64 is with Safety one of the most popular gaming computers from the 1980s. Many great games were developed for this system and thanks to its strong hardware, the C64 was able to deliver some impressive gaming graphics. Some of the most popular Commodore C64 games are:

California Games – Commodore C64

California Games is a sports game for the Commodore C64, developed by Epyx in 1987. The game was very popular and was released in various versions, including a version for the Amiga. California Games contains six different sports played in California: surfing, skateboarding, BMX riding, footbag, frisbee and roller sports. Each sport has its own rules and goals.
The game can be played in two modes: Competitive and Free Play. In competitive mode you have to play against the clock and collect as many points as possible. In free spins mode you can play all sports as many times as you like. California Games is a fun game for the whole family.

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure

The classic adventure from Lucasfilm from 1989. Experience the History by Indiana Jones, the famous archaeologist and explorer, again - this time in atmospheric comics!
Follow Indy on his dangerous journey Search for the Holy Grail and experience first hand how he defends himself against the Nazis. Immerse yourself in a world full of action, dangers and exciting puzzles and experience an unforgettable adventure!
Welcome to the world of Indiana Jones!

Lazy Jones 2

“Lazy Jones 2” is the second part of a popular game series for the Commodore C64. In this game you have to get lazy Jones to leave his house and get some exercise. However, this time there are some obstacles to overcome. For example, he has to find a way to get past a huge beetle that is blocking his path.
The game is very entertaining and has a great graphics. The puzzles aren't too difficult either and can be solved by a wide audience.

Montezuma's Revenge - Commodore C64

Montezuma's Revenge is a platform game developed and released in 1984 for the Commodore C64. The game is named after the Aztec king Montezuma and is set in a Mayan pyramid. It was the first game to simulate a 3D effect by layering 2D graphics on top of each other. The game was very popular and was ported to many other platforms including Atari 8-bit, Apple II and MS-DOS.

Pinball Dreams Game

One of the most popular games for the C64 was Pinball Dreams. The game was developed by 1992st Century Entertainment in 21 and was a big one Success. Pinball Dreams is a pinball game in which the player must try to score as many points as possible by using the pinball machines to keep the ball in play for as long as possible.
The game is divided into four different tables, each offering different rules and challenges. Each table has its own graphics and music that make the gaming experience even more immersive. Pinball Dreams is a classic pinball game that never fails to provide players with fun.
If you haven't tried Pinball Dreams yet, you should definitely give it a try. It is a very entertaining and addictive game that will keep you coming back to the pinball tables.

Summer Games II – Commodore C64

Summer Games II is a sports video game developed by Epyx and published by Commodore 64. It is a sequel to the popular 1984 Summer Games game. The game was released on July 25, 1985 in the United States and on August 30, 1985 in Europe.

The game simulates the Summer Olympics and features eight disciplines: swimming, diving, cycling, high jump, triple jump, javelin, 400-meter run and long jump. Each discipline has two preliminary rounds and a final. In the first round, the player competes against three other computer-controlled athletes before competing against the best athletes from the other countries in the final.

Impossible Mission - Commodore C64

Impossible Mission is one of the most popular Commodore C64 games and was first released in 1984. In this game, the player has to find a secret elevator that leads to a spaceship with a bomb hidden inside. The player must defuse the bomb before it goes off and destroys the ship. To defuse the bomb, the player must solve puzzles and complete various tasks. Impossible Mission is a very entertaining and challenging game that will provide hours of fun.

Of course, this is just a small selection of the many great games developed for the Commodore C64.

Commodore C64 accessories

Commodore C64 accessories are a great addition to your repertoire of computing activities. These small devices expand the ways you can use and personalize your C64. With the Commodore C64 accessories you can:

Connect a printer and print
Connect a scanner and scan
Connect an external drive and data save or load
Connect your C64 to other MIDI devices via MIDI
And much more!

If you are looking for a way to personalize your Commodore C64 and expand its functionality, then you should check out the Commodore C64 accessories.

Commodore C64 replica

The Commodore C64 is a classic home computer model that was very popular in the 1980s. The calculator was manufactured by Commodore International and came onto the market in 1982. In Germany the Commodore C64 was also known as the “Bread Box”.

The Commodore C64 was one of the first home computers with a 64-bit CPU. This made it significantly more powerful than other computers of its time. The computer's hardware was also interesting for game developers because it offered good performance and a good price-performance ratio. In the 1980s, many games were created for the Commodore C64 that are still known today, for example “Monty Python's Flying Circus”, “Elite” or “The Great Giana Sisters”.

In the 1990s, the Commodore C64 became less important as more and more powerful computers came onto the market. Today the Commodore C64 is a popular collector's item and is considered a cult object by many people.

There are various replicas of the Commodore C64, for example the “TheC64” or the “C64 Mini”. These are smaller and lighter than the original and are designed for modern users. However, they have the same hardware and can therefore use the same games as the original.

TheC64

The “TheC64” is a fully programmable computer that is also suitable for professional applications. It costs around 120 euros.

C64 Mini

The “C64 Mini” is a smaller and lighter version of the Commodore C64. It costs around 80 euros and is equipped with 64 integrated games.

The C64 Maxi

The new maxi model of the Commodore C2019 came onto the market in July 64. This model is an evolution of the original Commodore 64 and features a higher resolution screen, a better keyboard and expanded memory. However, the Maxi model is not a completely new device, just an upgrade of the original Commodore 64.

Buy Commodore C64?

Do you want to buy a Commodore C64? In this blog section you will find all the important facts you need to know about buying a Commodore C64s!

The Commodore 64 is an incredibly popular computer that is very popular not only in the 1980s but also today. Many people love to relive their childhood memories with the C64 by using it as a retro gaming console. Others buy it because it is an incredibly powerful computer that offers many modern features.
If you want to buy a Commodore C64, you should first decide what purpose it will serve. Do you want to use it as a games console or as a fully functional computer? Both are possible, but it's important to be clear about what you want before you get started.

If you want to use the Commodore C64 as a gaming console, you have two options. The first option is to buy an original Commodore 64. However, these devices are very difficult to find and are usually very expensive. The second option is to purchase one of the many modern replicas of the Commodore 64. These replicas are usually much cheaper than an original Commodore 64 and usually offer more features. Both options have their own Advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately you have to decide which one is best for you.

If you want to use the Commodore C64 as a fully functional computer, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, you should make sure that your computer has the necessary ports. The Commodore 64 has a composite video output, an RF modulator port and an audio output. If your computer does not have these ports, you can upgrade them or purchase an adapter.

If you've decided to buy the Commodore C64, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, you should make sure that you choose a reputable company. There are many dubious dealers who try to scam people. So make sure that you only buy from reputable dealers.

The Commodore 64 today

The Commodore 64 is a popular home computer of the 1980s. It was manufactured by Commodore Business Machines and was widely used in the 1980s. The Commodore 64 had an 8-bit processor and therefore could only do 256 colors show. It also only had 64 kilobytes of RAM, which is very little these days.
Nowadays there are some people who collect the Commodore 64 as a vintage computer. Others still use it for specific tasks like creating music or playing old video games. Some companies have even released new versions of the Commodore 64 equipped with more modern technology.

Conclusion

The conclusion to the Commodore C64 is: a great device that is a lot of fun and easy to use. Of course there are some downsides, but overall the C64 is a great 8-bit computer that is very popular and has a lot to offer.
Advantages:

+ Very easy to use
+ Compatible with many software titles
+ Supports a variety of extensions
+ Provides an excellent gaming experience

Disadvantages:
– Purchase very high!
– The price of some of the best games is a bit high

Jan Domke

Prompt Engineer | Social Media Manager | Hosting Manager | Web administrator

I have been running the online magazine privately since the end of 2021 SEO4Business and thus turned my job into a hobby.
I have been working as a since 2019 Senior Hosting Manager, at one of the largest internet and marketing agencies in Germany and am constantly expanding my horizons.

Jan Domke