Submission + - SPAM: The Mega65: A Modernization of the Cancelled Commodore 65 Computer From 1991
TommyROM writes: The Commodore 65 was a never-released computer slated to follow the fabled Commodore 64 from 1982. Developed in 1990 & 1991, It would have been the most powerful 8-bit computer on the market with 128K RAM, high resolution graphics (up to 1280×400), and stereo sound. A few prototypes were made before Commodore canceled the project in 1991.
Now an updated version of the Commodore 65 has been realized. Project founder Paul Gardner-Stephen began working on recreating the C65 in 2014, and eventually teamed up with the non-profit Museum of Electronic Games & Art to create the FPGA-based Mega65, a modernization of the original Commodore 65 featuring a custom main board, mechanical keyboard, and injection molded case. It uses the original C65 ROMs but improves on the design with SD card support, Ethernet, and HD output. It is about 40 times faster than a C64 and backward compatible including cartridge port and joystick ports. The design is open-sourced for long-term compatibility. Additionally, there is a hand-held version in the works that is also a cell phone. They are currently taking pre-orders for the Mega65 at a price of 666.66 € (793.33 € including shipping and VAT).
The Retro Hour podcast has an interview with founder Paul Gardner-Stephen where he discusses the impetus of the project and goes into more details of the design.
Now an updated version of the Commodore 65 has been realized. Project founder Paul Gardner-Stephen began working on recreating the C65 in 2014, and eventually teamed up with the non-profit Museum of Electronic Games & Art to create the FPGA-based Mega65, a modernization of the original Commodore 65 featuring a custom main board, mechanical keyboard, and injection molded case. It uses the original C65 ROMs but improves on the design with SD card support, Ethernet, and HD output. It is about 40 times faster than a C64 and backward compatible including cartridge port and joystick ports. The design is open-sourced for long-term compatibility. Additionally, there is a hand-held version in the works that is also a cell phone. They are currently taking pre-orders for the Mega65 at a price of 666.66 € (793.33 € including shipping and VAT).
The Retro Hour podcast has an interview with founder Paul Gardner-Stephen where he discusses the impetus of the project and goes into more details of the design.
