Editorial by: Arton Demaku
Lead DevOps Engineer, QUAD A Development
Anyone who grew up in the 1980s or early 1990s likely remembers the iconic beige keyboard, the satisfying click of a mechanical key, and the thrill of loading up a game using a cassette or floppy disk. The Commodore 64 is the beloved home computer that sparked a generation of curious minds, young programmers, and eager gamers.
Commodore is back. Yes, the Commodore. The legendary name in personal computing has reclaimed the rights to the original Commodore 64 and is planning a modern reboot of the iconic system, which retains the heart and soul of the original system, while powering it with today’s technology. While our blog posts dive into modern frameworks, cloud solutions, and emerging tech, we’re stepping back in time, with one eye still on the future, to take a moment to celebrate this exciting return.
Launched in 1982, the Commodore 64 was a revolution. It wasn’t just a computer. For many, it was their first introduction to coding, creativity, and computing fun. With over 17 million units sold, it is still the Guinness World Record holder for the best-selling single computer model of all time.
What made the C64 so special was that it was affordable and approachable. With a TV for a monitor and a BASIC prompt, the C64 invited users to experiment. Many of today’s developers got their start typing 10 PRINT “HELLO WORLD”. It had a library of unforgettable titles: The Last Ninja, Maniac Mansion, Summer Games, and Impossible Mission, to name just a few. Games were iconic, and the SID sound chip delivered music that still echoes in retro playlists today. Long before the days of open-source platforms, there were floppy disks passed between friends, handwritten code in magazines, and coders customized and pushed the limits of the system just for the thrill of it. It was a system that made computing feel fun, personal, and even magical.
Now, in an endeavor spearheaded by Co-Founder and CEO Christian ‘Peri Fractic’ Simpson, Commodore International Corporation is planning to bring that magic back. Commodore envisions the return not as a museum piece, but as a modern, reimagined platform. While still early in its reboot journey, their plans hint at a blend of retro charm and modern engagement.
So, what can be expected? Rather than competing with high-end modern PCs or mobile devices, the new Commodore seems poised to revive the idea of computing as a hobby. Whether it’s tinkering with BASIC coding, exploring new programming tools, or just playing retro-styled games, this reboot seems to aim at recapturing the joy of discovery. With modern hardware and vintage vibes, the new system will contain modern elements such as SSD storage, HDMI output, and wireless connectivity, while contained in a nostalgic exterior. The perfect mix of old and new. Much like the original inspired a wave of young programmers, the idea is that the reboot can do the same. Whether you’re Gen Z or a Boomer, it’s about creating, learning, and exploring technology with the spark of curiosity that made the C64 so popular.
In an era dominated by complex systems, cloud services, and ever-expanding software stacks, something is refreshing about a machine that encourages you to just do. No massive setup. No time-consuming bug tests. Just you, a keyboard, and your imagination.
Like many similar machines of its time, the Commodore 64 was a home computer, but it was also a launchpad. For many in tech today, it was the first time they felt they could really create something and not just use it.
We can’t wait to see what the new Commodore brings. Whether it’s a tool for education, a platform for games, or just a delightful piece of nostalgia for retro enthusiasts, it’s heartening to see a company lean into its roots and reintroduce computing as something fun, exploratory, and inspirational.
In a world that has progressed lightyears ahead of where we once were when the C64 was in its glory years, where our knowledge of programming has grown beyond what we once thought possible, and a world where we can type a prompt to our virtual research assistant and receive lines of usable code instantly, a return to a time of exploration and trial and error tinkering may be just what we need. So here’s to the return of the C64, the blinking cursor, the anticipation of the unknown, and the excitement of learning not because you have to, but because you want to.
