The Commodore 64 is getting a full-sized reboot

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The Commodore 64 is set to receive another reboot later this year, with a full-sized replica arriving at the end of this year.

Unlike the 2018 THEC64MINI, which was a mini version of the Commodore 64, this one is the same size as the original.

This replica, like the MINI, comes courtesy of Koch Media and Retro Games and is known formally as the THEC64. THEC64 has a working keyboard, and is fully updated to be in tune with the modern era, by which we mean it now works with HDMI television sets.

Okay, okay, it’s been updated a bit more than that. In fact, THEC64 comes with three switchable modes – C64 Basic, VIC20, and Games Carousel.

You can plug THEC64 into any TV or monitor using the HDMI cable for 720p visuals, working at either 60 Hz in USA or 50 Hz in Europe.

There’s also an updated and fancier joystick, which now features micro switches!

The Games Carousel has 64 games pre-installed, including classics such as Paradroid, Boulder Dash, and California Games. There’s also some new additions such as Iridis Alpha, Gridrunner, Hover Bovver, and Attack of the mutant Camels.

As a nice bonus, THEC64 comes with the recently released shoot ’em up Galencia and the text adventure Planet of Death.

You can also load and save your own files and games using a USB stick and program in both C64 or VIC20 BASIC.

THEC64 is due out on December 5th 2019 and it’ll retail at $119.99/£109.99. You can check out the official website here for full details, including a complete list of pre-installed games.

More about the topics: Commodore 64, Koch Media, Retro Games, THEC64