Commodore just announced the C64C Ultimate, a remake of the 1986 microcomputer that looks more like an Amiga. Yes, that does mean that upon seeing the latest FPGA remake, my heart skipped at the thought of a proper re-do of the more advanced "PC", but seeing as the C64C originally lasted well into the '90s, I can see why it's next in line.
The good news is that while the C64C is technically the same Commodore 64 Ultimate guts hiding in a different shell, it's practically getting the same case produced back in the 1980s. Rather than making a copy, the microcomputer makers have instead acquired the "original injection tooling" used to mold the case 40 years ago.
It's easy to assume parts of making the best retro consoles and microcomputers are kept safe in storage after use, but that's not always the case. The C64C injection spent years on the production line in Japan before making its way to Commodore's HQ in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It was then bought by enthusiast Dallas Moore at auction before surviving a factory fire in 2015 at German accessory maker Individual Computers.
Simply put, it's a miracle that the C64C mold is still around, but Commodore has managed to purchase the tool from Individual Computers. Now that the revived PC giant has the part in hand, it says the case can be recreated, "complete with the original 1986 imperfections."
“The C64C molding was created using a 2-point flow pattern that resulted in the plastic cooling unevenly in the original production run, creating feint, semi-circular, flow marks that have largely gone unnoticed,” explains Peri Fractic, Commodore's new CEO and well-known retro YouTuber. “By using the original tooling, we’re even bringing these back. Today these newly formed marks are a seal of authenticity – the unmistakable signature of genuine Commodore parts born from original molds.”
Even by my standards, that's a pretty nerdy reason to hunt down an original mold of a machine only a specific era of '80s players would have owned. It does underline the fact that Commodore's new mission is to preserve the exact look and feel of the historic company's original systems while infusing them with new tech that can replicate the internals with cycle accuracy.
Just like the "breadbin" version, the C64C is now available to pre-order in BASIC beige, Starlight, and Founder's Edition flavors at Commodore. You'll want to stick with the off-white version for $299.99 if you want something that looks exactly like your '80s slab, but the latter two translucent and gold models for $349.99 and $499.99 can put on a full RGB lightshow that weirdly still ties in with the aesthetic.
I'll admit, the C64 Ultimate's price tag is hard to swallow, especially if you're not fussed about extremely accurate FPGA hardware armed with a keyboard that feels almost exactly like the original and options for HDMI output or original AV for a CRT. If you're shrugging at all of that, you'd be better off just grabbing the C64 Mini at Amazon for a quick 8-bit fix.
Even if you are convinced FPGA is the future of retro gaming hardware, you might be too busy waiting for other microcomputer remakes (I'll let you tell me what those are below). Luckily, Commodore says that the C64C is just the "first of several new products planned" for 2026, and it says to expect everything from "platforms to accessories that tap into both the 'retro' and 'futurism' pillars"
I don't know about you, but it sounds like an Amiga Ultimate is actually on the table. If that's the case, we'll be treated to an FPGA vs emulation showdown since Retro Games Ltd is set to release an Amiga Mini dubbed THEA1200 this June, and while I love tiny recreations, I don't think it'll be much of a fight.
If you prefer to play on the go, you'll want to peek at the best retro handhelds for emulation machines.
