Turns out there's an appetite for Commodore's Callback flip phone, and the so-called "dumbphone" has apparently matched the C64 Ultimate in first-month sales. That's quite the feat given that we're talking about a device that used to cost $500 before being reduced to $400, but the microcomputer lover in me has an eyebrow firmly raised at the company's reaction to the achievement.
In a post to X, the Callback 8020's pre-order stats are described as "The biggest moment in Commodore's modern history!" (thanks, Time Extension). Don't get me wrong, I actually think the flip-phone has the potential to help people avoid the horrors of social media while still being "connected", but I can't help but feel bad for the machine that marked the brand's resurrection.
Yes, you could argue that if it weren't for the Commodore 64 Ultimate, the brand would be stuck back in the '80s, serving as an immortalised alternative to the best retro consoles. At the same time, releasing things that aren't just microcomputers makes sense when it comes to the overarching "grow Commodore" battle plan.
In just three days, Callback matched the first month's sales of the Commodore 64 Ultimate. Our biggest launch. Our biggest week. The biggest moment in Commodore's modern history!This was always the plan: grow Commodore so we can build even more retro products the community… pic.twitter.com/DjdgU6X0dDJuly 3, 2026
Still, I am worried about the underlying taste the Callback 8020 is potentially leaving in the mouths of retro gaming fans. Again, I am looking forward to seeing what a flip-phone that's anti-doomscrolling can deliver to those of us looking to escape our aggressive social media rectangles, but at the same time, it's getting off on the wrong foot with some of its marketing tactics.
For starters, Commodore seems to have a nasty habit of using AI for its Callback 8020 promotional videos. That's certainly a guaranteed way to get my back up, even if it claims to use the tech "sparringly". It's also coming under fire for creating a garish crossbody holster for the flip-phone that feels more like a gag than something you'd pay $24 for, not to mention you can grab very similar accessories on AliExpress for half the price.
I'll still be looking to try out the Callback 8020 if I can, as I do think it's important to see if Commodore's additional tech boasts the same quality as its microcomputer range. Plus, while the brand is currently raving about its phone, I'm sure it's aware that most of its fan base is eagerly awaiting the C64C Ultimate variant, and maybe, just maybe we'll see something Amiga-shaped in the future too.
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