The Commodore 64 is back, and you can buy one right now

If you’re of a certain age – ie. your knees and back hurt, there’s more than a few grey hairs appearing, well, everywhere, and you tut more than is probably healthy – you can rejoice with the news that the Commodore 64 is returning. From today you can purchase a brand new, incredibly iconic Commodore C64 Ultimate, ready to relive a heady supply of games from yesteryear. Fortunately, all without a tape deck, or having to go and make a cup of tea while it loads.

The C64 was the best-selling home computer of all time, so it’s little surprise that the Ultimate’s preorders had intially sold out. While the 64C Ultimate has begun arriving at doorstops ahead of Christmas, if you didn’t pre-order, you don’t need to worry, as the Commodore 64C Ultimate is available for general purchase today.

The second act in Commodore’s 64 Ultimate story, the new Commodore 64C Ultimate once again honours the past while looking to the future, faithfully reproducing the much requested ‘Slimline’ edition of the original Commodore 64C, first released in 1986 while incorporating much-needed modern conveniences, including HDMI and USB support.

The original Commodore 64C delivered a refresh to the aesthetics of the machine, ditching the original ‘breadbin’ design and delivering a sleeker, slicker computer that was significantly more contemporary in form. Doubling down on their commitment to authenticity, Commodore re-acquired the tooling that was used for the original 64C to create the cases for the Ultimate version.“While more advanced Commodore machines in 1986 were being embraced by those looking towards the next generation, the 64C was able to stand port-to-port with its newer siblings to show that there was plenty of life left in the 8-bit generation”, said Peri Fractic, President & CEO, Commodore International. “The same can be said for the 8-bit generation in 2026. New software is in development from our incredible community every day, creating a thriving ecosystem for gamers, musicians, programmers and more. This truly is our Ultimate era.”

Released in 2025, the debut of the Commodore 64 Ultimate was rapturously received by the Commodore community, with the hardware hailed a “10/10 masterpiece” by IGN and others, impressing users by forgoing software emulation and instead offering a true cycle-accurate, high-performance recreation of the original hardware thanks to the implementation of FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology. All hardware in the Commodore 64 Ultimate line-up offers up to 99% compatibility with all original software and peripherals including monitors, printers, joysticks and game cartridges.

A fitting celebration for the 40th anniversary of its initial debut, the Commodore 64C Ultimate retains the same superlative performance of last year’s Commodore 64 Ultimate, but with a few tweaks, including the latest version of firmware and of course the slimline footprint sought after by the community. More than just a games machine or emulated micro console, the Commodore 64 Ultimate is endlessly practical, offering a perfect introduction to BASIC coding, reflecting a time when home computing was friendlier and far less distracting. Also new to the Commodore 64C Ultimate is compatibility with a regular USB mouse. Shipping with a full GEOS Suite, users can use a USB mouse should they wish, and instantly access a variety of tools and creative software covering word processing, spreadsheets, file managers, paint programs and so much more.

The drive for authenticity continues through its comprehensive User Guide, designed to match the original 64C as well as Quick Start instructions that ship with the hardware. And for those wishing to forgo the need to trawl through their attic to find old software, gamers will be pleased to hear that every Ultimate ships with a newly-updated USB Cassette that offers quick access to over 100 games, demos, and more.

Commodore had previously stated that the Commodore 64C Ultimate would arrive with fans who pre-ordered prior to Christmas, and is delighted that some enthusiasts have already started receiving their computers to much excitement. For those who didn’t pre-order, the Commodore 64C Ultimate is available today in three eye-catching editions:

● BASIC Beige ($299.99) – A flawless replica of the original
● Starlight Edition ($349.99) – Translucent case with game-reactive LED case & keyboard lighting
● Founder’s Edition ($499.99) – PVD gold keycaps, real 24k gold-plated Commodore and Power badges, and a gently translucent white case

Exclusive to the Founders Edition, gamers will also receive the following (sent separately / not included in box):

● Gold Seal commemorative Commodore ‘Share’ Certificate
● Commodore Flag
● 24k Gold ‘Dog Tags’ Commodore 64 & Power Badge Necklace

The Commodore 64C Ultimate is available to purchase today. For more information, please visit commodore.net.