THEC64 Mini is out now, in case you forgot that was happening. And yes, "THE" is part of the official name. It's the first of the "mini consoles" I've actually cared about—and I still forgot it was happening. So, for $79.99 at GameStop, Walmart, Amazon, and Costco, I can relive having my dad bring home a Commodore 64 8-bit home computer in 1982. Except this time I don't have to do an hour's worth of programming before I'm allowed to play any games. Thanks for trying, Dad. You knew that being a programmer would be important in my lifetime, but I only stuck harder to the video gamer side of things. But look at me now, I think!
THEC64 Mini comes with 64 games (get it?) which is far more games than I ever had on the original. Also comes with a joystick. California Games, Summer Games, and Winter Games beat the stuffing out of my joysticks—the act of sprinting alone was brutal—so hopefully this included joystick is up to the task. There's also Mission Impossible and Mission Impossible II in there. Those were the Dark Souls of PC platformers back in the day. Just brutal. And I'm pretty sure I never figured out what I was supposed to spell with those outrageously obscure puzzle pieces. Those things never fit together into anything meaningful. Boulder Dash was my jam, though. That was everybody's jam.
Anyway. You can plug a USB keyboard into it and use it as a fully function PC with C64 BASIC. Wow. Perhaps I can finally fulfill the potential my dad always saw in me. LOAD "therapy",8,1. (That's a Commodore 64 joke, in case that idea wasn't catching on.)
Also, the soundtrack on this video is the best. Not just from the deep-fried synthesizer and the saxophone solo, but—I'm kidding. That's exactly why it's the best soundtrack.
PARTY LIKE IT’S 1982 AS THEC64 MINI IS AVAILABLE NOW IN NORTH AMERICA
Comes with 64 Retro Favorites Including California Games, Winter Games, Jumpman and More!
Ontario, Canada – October 9, 2018 – Retro Games Ltd. and Solutions 2 GO announced today that THEC64 Mini is available now at retailers in North America.
THEC64 Mini, a 50% replica of the world’s bestselling home computer that launched in 1982, comes pre-loaded with 64 classic games and THEC64 Joystick. Originally designed for fans of the original personal computer, THEC64 Mini brings kids and families together to play some of the best games of the neon decade with simple plug and play action. Aspiring gamers of yesteryear can revisit the past or even program their own games – just add a keyboard, and THEC64 Mini becomes a fully functional home computer complete with C64 BASIC.
THEC64 Mini is available in The United States at GameStop, Wal Mart, Amazon and Costco for $79.99 (USD) and in Canada at, BestBuy, London Drugs, EB Games, and Costco for $99.99 (CAD).
“THEC64 Mini is a complete revival of one of the most influential computer and gaming systems, and we are eager to see parents reminisce about their childhood as they share the experience with their kids this holiday season,” said Paul Andrews, Retro Games’ Managing Director. “We brought back a mini version of the classic C64 computer as we think gamers of all ages are going to want this reimagined piece of video game and tech history.”
THEC64 Mini includes the following:
Pre-loaded with all the Retro Faves: THEC64 Mini comes with 64 classic titles already installed, including: California Games, Winter Games, Impossible Mission II, Boulder Dash, Jumpman, Pitstop II, Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe, Street Sports Baseball, Summer Games II, Temple of Apshai Trilogy, Uridium and more.
USB Ports: The unit comes equipped with two USB ports – perfect for adding an extra joystick for multiplayer games or plugging in a keyboard to create your own programming masterpieces.
Customized Visuals: The unit features high definition output at 720p and 60Hz via HDMI, 4:3 ratio, US/Europe display mode options, and a CRT filter for that classic look.
Back to the Basics: Plug in a USB keyboard and use as a fully functional home computer with C64 BASIC.
Don’t Forget to Save: For the first time, THEC64 Mini allows you to easily save your progress in games.
Always Optimized: THEC64 Mini supports software updates via USB flash drive so players have continued access to improved and enhanced programming.
