C64 Mini coming to retail on October 9th

Retro gaming consoles are starting to go even further into the history of the medium. The C64 Mini is coming home this October.

64 before 64

No, not 1964, I’m talking about a console called “64” way before the 64bit era of vide gaming came about. And that’d be the Commodore 64 by the way. A very early home video gaming console, the Commodore 64 was a contemporary of the earliest Atari consoles and the Intellivision, back in the early 80s.

It wasn’t strictly a video game machine either, as Commodore labeled it something of a computer as well. And it actually kind of was, as crazy as that might sound given the time period. Since that heyday, the 64 has become a collector’s item, and enjoys a bit of high regard in the retro gaming niche. And now it’s back.

In much the way that Nintendo and companies like AtGames have been pumping out the “Classic” consoles, so too comes the C64 Mini.

The good stuff

Created by Solutions 2 GO Inc. and Retro Games Ltd, the C64 Mini is preloaded with 64 games. Those include some of the best known titles from the original platform’s library and will include games like:

• California Games
• Winter Games
• Impossible Mission II
• Boulder Dash
• Jumpman
• Pitstop II
• Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe
• Street Sports Baseball
• Summer Games II
• Temple of Apshai Trilogy
• Uridium

As far as specifics on the console itself, it will be updated with all the modern bells and whistles. Well, most of them anyway.

• USB Ports: The unit comes equipped with two USB ports – perfect for adding an extra joystick for multiplayer games or plugging in a keyboard to create your own programming masterpieces.
• Customized Visuals: The unit features high definition output at 720p and 60Hz via HDMI, 4:3 ratio, US/Europe display mode options, and a CRT filter for that classic look.
• Back to the Basics: Plug in a USB keyboard and use as a fully functional home computer with C64 BASIC.
• Don’t Forget to Save: For the first time, THEC64® Mini allows you to easily save your progress in games.
• Always Optimized: THEC64® Mini supports software updates via USB flash drive so players have continued access to improved and enhanced programming.

Pretty slick sounding stuff honestly. And if you’re a fan of retro gaming or just love the original Commodore, it seems like something to seriously look forward to. You’ll be able to pick one up at retail on October the 9th.