Commodore 64 Mini Lands October 9

Growing up all I really wanted each Christmas was a Commodore 64, but they were crazy expensive at the time. If you never got to own a Commodore 64 and still want one a mini version is coming to stoke the nostalgia that Nintendo has hit so hard with its own mini game consoles. The little console is called THEC64 Mini and it will land on October 9.

The little machine is a 50% size replica of the Commodore 64 computer and comes loaded with 64 classic games and a Joystick that is a replica of the controller the original Commodore 64 offered. THEC64 is a plug and play device that is very easy to connect to the TV. Like many computers of the early ’80s there were games on disc for the Commodore 64 and one of the cool things was that you could program the machine to play your own games.

THEC64 Mini will offer that same capability if you connect a real keyboard to the device it become a fully functional home computer with C64 BASIC. “We are delighted to be able to bring back some of the most loved retro games ever, on one of the most successful formats of all time”, said Paul Andrews, Retro Games Managing Director. “The North American release of THEC64 mini is a reimagining of the classic C64 computer and one of a series of products we have on the way.”

A few of the 64 games that come with the machine include 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, and Uridium. The game I wanted most was the flight simulator, I hope it is available. Other features include two USB ports for joysticks or keyboards. THEC64 Mini also allows you to save game progress, something you couldnt do on the original Commodore 64. Pricing and retailers in the US are unknown currently. It sells for 69.99 in the UK, which is about $92 here.