Commodore 64 Games System
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Commodore 64 Games System (C64GS)
“The C64GS was Commodore’s attempt to extend the life of the C64 by turning it into a game console. It was a clever idea—take the world’s best-selling computer, remove the computer parts, and sell it as a console. Unfortunately, it was too little, too late, and the market had moved on to 16-bit systems.” - Bil Herd, Commodore Engineer
The Commodore 64 Games System (C64GS) was a cartridge-based video game console released by Commodore in late 1990. Based on the hardware of the popular Commodore 64 home computer, the C64GS removed the keyboard and tape/disk drives to create a dedicated gaming machine that competed with consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Master System. Despite its technical capabilities, the C64GS was a commercial failure, with limited game support and poor market timing contributing to its quick demise.
The C64’s Final Form
The C64GS was essentially a repackaged Commodore 64 in a smaller case without a keyboard or data storage devices. It was designed to boot directly into games from cartridges, with a simplified user interface and lower price point than the full computer.
Key Features
- Full C64 Compatibility: Played most C64 cartridge games
- Improved Video Output: Cleaner signal than original C64
- Simple Interface: Power on and play
- Lower Price: More affordable than full computer
- Cartridge-Based: Instant loading, no tapes or disks
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
- CPU
- MOS 6510 @ 0.985 MHz (PAL) / 1.023 MHz (NTSC)
- Memory
- 64 KB RAM + 20 KB ROM (KERNAL/BASIC)
- Graphics
- VIC-II - 320×200, 16 colors, 8 sprites, smooth scrolling
- Sound
- SID 6581 - 3 channels, 4 waveforms, filter, ADSR
- Storage
- Cartridge only (no tape or disk)
- Ports
- Cartridge, 2× joystick, TV/RF, power
- Operating System
- Minimal OS with game launcher
Design and Features
Console Design
- Case: Sleek black plastic
- Dimensions: 32 × 20 × 6 cm (12.6 × 7.9 × 2.4 in)
- Weight: 1.2 kg (2.6 lb)
- LED Indicator: Red power light
- Reset Button: For returning to menu
Controller
- Included: Standard digital joystick
- Ports: 2× DE-9 controller ports
- Compatibility: Works with all C64 joysticks
- Buttons: Single fire button
Media
- Cartridge Slot: Standard C64 cartridge port
- Cartridge Size: Up to 16KB ROM
- Save Games: Battery backup not supported
The C64GS Experience
Game Library
- Official Titles: ~30 games released
- Genres: Platformers, shooters, sports, puzzle
- Exclusives: Few true exclusives
- Compatibility: Most C64 cartridges work
User Interface
- Boot Screen: Simple game selection
- No BASIC: Computer functions removed
- Reset Function: Returns to menu
For Gamers
- Quick Start: Instant loading
- No Configuration: Plug and play
- Reliable: No tapes or disks to fail
- Affordable: Cheaper than full computer
Technical Deep Dive
Hardware Architecture
- Motherboard: Based on C64C revision
- Chips: Same as C64 (VIC-II, SID, etc.)
- Power Supply: External 9V AC adapter
- Video Output: RF and composite video
Differences from C64
- No Keyboard: Computer functions removed
- No I/O Ports: Only controller ports remain
- Smaller Case: Redesigned housing
- Simplified BIOS: Boots directly to game
Video System
- Chip: MOS 6569 (PAL) / 6567 (NTSC)
- Resolutions: 160×200, 320×200
- Colors: 16 (from palette of 16)
- Sprites: 8 per scanline
- Scrolling: Smooth hardware scrolling
The C64GS Legacy
Commercial Performance
- Release: December 1990 (Europe only)
- Discontinuation: 1991
- Price: £99.99 (UK)
- Units Sold: Estimated 20,000-50,000
Why It Failed
- Late to Market: 8-bit was fading
- Limited Games: Few exclusive titles
- Competition: 16-bit consoles emerging
- No Keyboard: Limited appeal
Collector’s Item
- Rarity: Uncommon but not extremely rare
- Price Range: $100-$500
- Sought-After Items:
- Boxed systems
- Complete game sets
- Prototype hardware
Notable Games
Official Releases
- Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top O’Fun: Puzzle
- Flimbo’s Quest: Platformer
- International Basketball: Sports
- Myth: History in the Making: Platformer
- Robocop 2: Action
- The Untouchables: Beat ‘em up
Compatible Cartridges
- Most C64 Cartridges: Work without issues
- Action Replay: For cheat codes
- EasyFlash: Modern flash cartridges
Technical Notes for Enthusiasts
Common Issues
- Power Supply: Original PSUs can fail
- Video Output: May need adjustment
- Cartridge Port: Can become loose
- Chips: Same failure points as C64
Modern Upgrades
- AV Mod: Better video output
- Power LED: Brighter replacement
- SD Card: Modern storage solutions
- HDMI: Digital video output
The C64GS Today
Emulation
- VICE: Accurate C64GS emulation
- RetroArch: With C64 core
- MEGA65: FPGA implementation
Homebrew Scene
- New Games: Still being developed
- Demos: Showcasing the hardware
- Tools: Development tools available
Community
- Forums: Lemon64, C64-Wiki
- Preservation: ROM archiving
- Documentation: Technical references
Did You Know?
- The C64GS was only officially released in Europe
- Some units were converted from unsold C64C stock
- The C64GS can be converted back to a full C64 with a keyboard
- A prototype C64GS II was planned but never released
- The C64GS was used in some arcade machines
The C64GS in Popular Culture
- Featured in retro computing magazines
- Appeared in the documentary “From Bedrooms to Billions”
- The subject of YouTube restoration videos
- Mentioned in books about Commodore history