The Commodore 64 Mini is a 50% scale replica of the original 1980s Commodore 64 home computer, manufactured by Retro Games Ltd and now selling for $69 with a 42% discount on the black edition. This compact emulation machine delivers pixel-perfect C64 gaming and BASIC programming on modern televisions via HDMI, and crucially, it lets you load your own games and software from USB—something Nintendo’s locked-down NES and SNES Classics refuse to do.
Key Takeaways
- Commodore 64 Mini includes 64 preloaded classic games plus modern homebrew titles like Sam’s Journey and Steel Ranger
- Runs on Allwinner A20 ARM processor with VICE 2.3 emulator, outputting pixel-perfect 720p graphics with CRT filters
- USB ports let you load legally owned C64 programs, demos, and homebrew directly onto the device
- Measures 250 x 50 x 200mm and weighs 372g—genuinely portable unlike full-size retro machines
- Joystick is Competition Pro style with microswitch buttons; external USB keyboard required for BASIC programming mode
What You Get Inside the Box
Open the packaging and you find the Commodore 64 Mini unit itself, one USB joystick with Competition Pro-style buttons, a 1.2-meter HDMI cable, a 1.2-meter USB power cable, and a manual in five languages. , there is no power adapter included—you need to supply your own USB power source or use an existing phone charger. The joystick cord runs 1.2 to 5 feet depending on the model, and the unit supports a second joystick for two-player games.
Dimensions matter for portability. At 250 x 50 x 200mm and just 372g, this console fits easily in a hand or bag, making it genuinely portable in ways that full-size retro machines are not. The black edition aesthetic matches modern living rooms better than the original beige plastic.
Commodore 64 Mini Game Library and Expandability
The Commodore 64 Mini ships with 64 preloaded classic Commodore 64 titles, plus modern homebrew games developed specifically for the platform, including Sam’s Journey, Steel Ranger, A Pig Quest, and Yeti Mountain. Unlike Nintendo’s NES Classic or SNES Classic, which lock you into their curated library, the C64 Mini lets you load additional legally owned C64 programs, demos, utilities, and homebrew directly from a USB stick. This expandability is the device’s secret weapon for retro enthusiasts who want to explore beyond the factory selection.
The emulation uses VICE 2.3, a mature open-source Commodore 64 emulator, and delivers instant loading for single-disk games. Multi-disk games require community workarounds, but the flexibility to load any C64 software you own is a massive advantage over competitors. The device also supports save states—up to four per game—so you can freeze progress mid-level and resume later, a feature that adds modern convenience to 1980s games that were notoriously unforgiving.
Display, Sound, and Controller Experience
Connect the Commodore 64 Mini to any HDMI television and you get 720p output at 50Hz or 60Hz, supporting both PAL and NTSC modes. The graphics rendering includes pixel-perfect 4:3 aspect ratio with optional CRT scanline filters, so games look either authentically blocky or smoothed depending on your preference. This is vastly superior to blown-up, filtered emulation on generic Android boxes.
The included Competition Pro joystick features microswitch buttons rated for durability, though some users report build quality concerns despite the microswitch specification. The device has two USB ports on the front, so you can connect the joystick, an external keyboard, a second joystick for multiplayer, or a USB stick with additional software. Compatibility with third-party USB controllers exists but is limited—not all gamepads work reliably, so checking community wikis before purchasing a specific controller is wise.
The keyboard included with the full-size THEC64 is functional and programmable, but the Mini’s keyboard is purely decorative and non-functional. To use C64 BASIC programming mode, you need an external USB keyboard, which adds cost and complexity. Alternatively, you can use an on-screen virtual keyboard, though it is slow and tedious for serious programming.
Commodore 64 Mini vs. NES Classic and SNES Classic
The Commodore 64 Mini occupies a different niche than Nintendo’s retro offerings. While the NES Classic and SNES Classic deliver curated libraries of the most iconic games from each system, they are locked down—you cannot add new games or load your own software. The C64 Mini trades some convenience for flexibility. You get a smaller preloaded selection, but you also get USB loading, save states, and the ability to explore the vast C64 homebrew scene. If you want a plug-and-play experience with zero setup, the NES Classic wins. If you want to tinker, load your own disks, and discover obscure gems, the C64 Mini is the better choice.
The C64 Mini also stands apart because it emulates a computer, not just a console. That means BASIC programming is possible (with an external keyboard), and you can load utilities, demos, and educational software alongside games. This educational angle appeals to programmers and retro computing enthusiasts in ways that a pure gaming device cannot.
Is the $69 Deal Worth It?
At full price, the Commodore 64 Mini typically retails for around $80 USD or £69 GBP. The 42% discount brings it to $69, making it roughly equivalent to the original MSRP of the NES Classic when that launched. For anyone nostalgic for 1980s Commodore computing, curious about C64 game history, or interested in retro programming, this price point is competitive. The USB loading feature alone justifies the purchase over competitors, as it transforms the device from a static museum piece into a living platform for C64 software exploration.
The main caveats: you need a separate power adapter, the included joystick has reported durability issues, and programming requires an external USB keyboard. If you can work around these limitations, the Commodore 64 Mini is one of the few retro consoles that respects your ownership of classic software and lets you expand beyond the factory library.
Does the Commodore 64 Mini come with a power adapter?
No. The device ships with a 1.2-meter USB power cable but no power adapter. You must supply your own USB power source, such as a phone charger rated for at least 2 amps, or use an existing wall adapter. This omission cuts costs but adds a hidden expense if you do not already own a compatible charger.
Can you add more games to the Commodore 64 Mini?
Yes. The Commodore 64 Mini has two USB ports that accept USB sticks, allowing you to load legally owned C64 programs, demos, homebrew, and utilities directly onto the device. This is a major advantage over locked-down retro consoles like the NES Classic. Single-disk games load instantly, though multi-disk games require community workarounds.
What joystick should you use with the Commodore 64 Mini?
The device includes a Competition Pro-style USB joystick with microswitch buttons. You can also connect a second joystick for two-player games, or use compatible USB gamepads, though compatibility is limited and not all controllers work reliably. Check online community wikis before purchasing a third-party controller to verify compatibility.
The Commodore 64 Mini at $69 is a rare retro device that treats you like an adult—it trusts you to load your own software, expand the library, and explore beyond the factory selection. That flexibility, combined with authentic emulation and portability, makes it stand out in a market crowded with locked-down nostalgia boxes. If you own or can legally obtain C64 software, this console transforms from a curiosity into a genuine platform.
Where to Buy
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Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Tom's Hardware
