Commodore 64 Ultimate: Founders Edition

Your childhood just leveled up.
The first official Commodore 64 in over 30 years is here - a faithful recreation of the original motherboard on FPGA hardware, housed in a glowing translucent case - or classic beige, of course.
 
And here is something even rarer and more collectible. Only 6400 will ever be made. Inspired by the famous 1 millionth gold C64, this Gold Founders Edition adds to the default hardware: 24k gold-plated badges, satin gold keys, a translucent amber case, commemorative Commodore gold seal 'share' certificate, "I Rebooted C=" tee, 24k gold Commodore badges 'dog tag' necklace, and a gold label holographic serial number sticker starting at 00000001 - that boosts the mission to reboot Commodore.
 
Play 10,000+ original games.
Plug in dusty old cartridges, CRT TVs, datasettes, or disk drives - it all works.‡
Light up the room with a game sound-reactive hidden-LED color-changing case† and the world’s first translucent mechanical keyboard PCB.†
Includes a cassette-style USB packed with 50+ titles - full games, licensed classics, music, demos, and Commodore's exclusive new sequel to our first ever game - Jupiter Lander: Ascension.
Get lost in the spiral-bound manual with BASIC coding adventures, and ogle the glossy original-style box.
Enjoy HDMI clarity, Wi-Fi game transfer, USB convenience.
Hidden inside: the autographs/names of C64 creators past and present, etched forever in the motherboard copper.*
 
This isn’t tech that controls you. It invites you to play, learn, and create - just like it used to. 
C64U. Retro gaming. Modern power.
 
† LED case and keyboard lighting not on BASIC Beige model.
‡ At least 99% compatible with all 80s/90s games, cartridges, and peripherals.
* Simulated render shown. Final product may vary. Autograph placeholders shown; names may replace some or all.

Preorder FAQ

Is this a Kickstarter?

Not quite - this is an official Commodore® preorder with a money-back guarantee. Similar to crowdfunding, every penny goes into manufacturing plus the mission to reboot Commodore itself. By skipping Kickstarter, we avoid big platform fees and pass the savings on to you - just like our founder Jack Tramiel would’ve wanted. 

Am I charged now or at shipping, and what currency?

You’re charged now, in USD (though to be helpful we display your local currency until checkout). Just like on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Backerkit, Crowd Supply, and the rest, your support helps fund production at the factory in advance. Our factories are already making all of the parts that comprise this machine from case to motherboard to keycaps and beyond. But you make this possible. It also helps power the full reboot of the Commodore brand. Tl;dr Your preorder goes straight into building your product and bringing Commodore back to life.

Can I get a refund?

Absolutely. You’re in control. Cancel anytime before shipping with our no quibble money-back guarantee for a full refund - no questions asked. Have an account? Cancel there with one click. No account? Use our support form and we’ll sort it fast.

Isn't this just a rebadged something-or-other?

No, this is a thoughtfully integrated new Commodore 64. From the SID chip-reactive LEDs in the case, keyboard, even power light, to the world's first transparent keyboard PCB that lets the tech shine through, to the original and modern creators autographs etched in the motherboard copper - and much more - this is in every way a brand new creation. Only from Commodore ...who else?

Will Commodore 64 Ultimate units still ship if the acquisition doesn’t complete?

Yes. We have an unequivocal understanding with the previous IP owner to ensure that, regardless of the final acquisition outcome, these machines will be delivered as promised. Your preorders are 100% safe, and production is secured.

Is there a warranty?

Yes. Our products include a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. For customers in the EU or UK, your purchase also complies with local consumer protection laws, including the EU Consumer Rights Directive and UK Consumer Rights Act, which provide additional rights. You can also add an extended warranty here.

What about tariffs?

If your country charges tariffs on imports from other countries, you may see a “Tariff Tax” at checkout. That covers everything upfront - so there’s nothing more to pay when your order arrives. Sorry, we don’t control these fees, but we make sure there are no surprises later. If that tariff changes after you pay, we'll process a refund at shipping. If it increases significantly before shipping, we may need to adjust – but only if absolutely necessary to protect Commodore’s future.

How does shipping work?

We ship worldwide from Commodore hubs in the USA, UK, and EU - in fact one of our hubs is the original one we built and used in the 1980s (in Corby, UK). If you live further out, your product beams in from the nearest hub or gets sent by trusted couriers like DHL, FedEx, Commodore Chickenlips Express, or UPS. Just a heads-up: your country may charge extra customs fees when your product lands. Unlike tariffs these aren’t part of checkout and, like final boss battles, they’re yours to handle.

Can I email/DM you to suggest a feature change?

We’re not planning hardware changes right now. Chances are we already debated it over chickenlips snacks. We’re reviewing ideas from our launch form and will reach out if your Commodore 256 Ultra-Turbo-CD-Lightgun-Keyring makes the cut.