Back in the 1980s, a home computer came along that became the best-selling computer in the world.
Not Apple. Not IBM. Not Dell.
The Guinness Book of World Records lists the Commodore C64 as the best-selling single computer model of all time. Sales were conservatively estimated about 12.5 million between 1982 and 1993.
It was a game machine, to be sure: Games could be loaded from cartridges, floppy disks or cassette tapes. (We’re talking old days here, kids.) But there were also programs that allowed the Commodore to run spreadsheets, word processors, and other business-oriented programs. One of the features that made it attractive: It could be hooked up to a regular television; no expensive computer monitor needed.
The games, although primitive by today’s standards, had far better graphics than other competing consoles offered. They were easy to learn, difficult to master, and also had decent sound tracks.
But to stay on top of things, computers have to keep evolving. And by the mid-1990s, Commodore was being outpaced by the aforementioned big names of today.
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Today’s young gameplayers can experience the nostalgia of their parents through The C64 Mini. It is a smaller replica of the original C64 keyboard (with nonfunctioning keys). It’s about half the length and width of the original C64, is the same beige color, and comes preloaded with 64 of the computer’s best-selling games.
To touch on a few: Boulder Dash; Jumpman; California Games; Pitstop II; Speedball II; Street Sports Baseball; Summer Games; Winter Games and Temple of Apshai Trilogy.
The Mini can be found at Amazon for $50, and possibly at brick-and-mortar stores that deal in electronic gaming.
Like the old computer, this one hooks to the television, but through an HDMI cable (supplied). It also includes a joy stick. Power comes through a micro-USB a cable. The cable is included, but the adapter that plugs into the wall isn’t – the little brick smartphone charger will fill in without a problem.
One new feature that old Commodore players will appreciate: There is a way to stop and save games in progress.
While there are 64 games included, there are no game manuals. That may leave some users wondering how to get started or make progress, but that usually comes with trial and error.
Besides the power input and HDMI port, there are two USB ports on the console. One is for the joystick connection; the other can be used for plugging in a regular keyboard or plugging in a flash drive so other games can be used that aren’t included originally.
Running those extra games on the computer isn’t easy. Many YouTube videos are available about where to find them and how to make them compatible with the C64 Mini.
Summing up: The C64 Mini is a good way to remember where today’s gaming started. The hand-held controller is a bit awkward, but it’s responsive like the older model was. The lack of instructions might deter some players.
As more than one review has pointed out: Will the interest still be there when the nostalgia wears thin? The C64 Mini is a well-done look back at gaming history.
Lonnie Brown can be reached at LedgerDatabase@aol.com.
