THEC64 Mini, a retro gaming console based on the Commodore 64 and announced late last year, has finally secured a release date of October 9, 2018, according to a press release from the manufacturer.
Younger gamers are likely not all that familiar with the Commodore 64; it was an interesting computer setup that mixed a bunch of different technologies in a way that might seem strange to us today. To start, it was a home PC that made use of a cartridge system that's more in line with gaming consoles. (Of course, the Commodore 64 also had support for floppy discs and the like.) The keyboard contained all of the Commodore 64's core electronics and a number of add-on peripherals were available to expand the system's capabilities. A trailer was released that shows off the console and some of the included games:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs2W_-R75Dk
Gaming on a PC was still pretty new at the time, and the Commodore 64 was one of the first systems to have a seriously robust library of titles for players to select from and play in their home. Now, a number of these classic titles will be made available again as part of the collected games in THEC64 Mini, a miniaturized version of one of the most popular home computers of all time.
THEC64 Mini will come pre-loaded with 64 games and include THEC64 Joystick for a controller. The package will also include an HDMI cable and USB cable for power, although a wall outlet adapter is not included as part of the package. One of the fun things to do with the device was programming new games with BASIC and this functionality is also set to return in a form. Updates for the device will be able to be loaded via a USB flash drive attached to THEC64 Mini, which will also let you add your own games to the device.
If you'd like to get your hands on THEC64 Mini, a number of retailers already have it for pre-order. Some regions (including the Americas) have not yet announced partnering retailers, but I'd wager that it will at least pop up on Gamestop and/or Amazon considering that they're carrying it in a few other regions already. A price for the Americas has not yet been announced. THEC64 Mini releases on October 9, 2018.
What do you think of THEC64 Mini? Does the idea of playing on this retro console/computer appeal to you or are you more interested in consoles you've actually owned? Let us know in the comments below!