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{{Infobox computer
{{Infobox computer
| name         = Commodore 65
| name = Commodore 65
| Photo        = [[File:C65alleine (no bg) (balance).jpg|300px|A Commodore 65 prototype]]
| photo = [[File:C65alleine (no bg) (balance).jpg|300px|Prototype Commodore 65]]
| Type        = [[Home computer]]
| type = [[Home computer]]
| Released    = Never officially released
| released = Never officially released
| Discontinued = 1991 (cancelled prototype)
| discontinued = 1991 (project cancelled)
| Processor    = [[MOS Technology|CSG]] [[MOS Technology 4510|4510 R3]]
| processor = [[MOS Technology|CSG]] CSG 4510 R3
| Memory      = 128 KB (expandable to 8 MB)
| memory = 128 KB (expandable to 8 MB)
| OS          = Commodore BASIC 10.0
| os = Commodore BASIC 10.0
| graphics     = VIC-III (CSG 4567 R5)
| graphics = VIC‑III (CSG 4567 R5)
| display     = 320×200×256; 640×200×16; 640×400×16; 1280×200×4; 1280×400×4; palette of 4096 colors
| display = 320×200×256; 640×200×16; 640×400×16; 1280×200×4; 1280×400×4; palette of 4096 colors
| sound       = 2× [[MOS Technology SID|CSG 8580R5 SID]], stereo output
| sound = Dual CSG 8580 SID chips, stereo output
| storage     = Internal 3½" DSDD floppy disk drive (880 KB)
| storage = Internal 3½″ DSDD floppy (880 KB)
| CPUspeed    = 3.54 MHz
| cpuspeed = 3.54 MHz
| predecessor = [[Commodore 64]]
| predecessor = [[Commodore 64]]
| units shipped= Estimated 200–250 prototypes
| units shipped= Estimated fewer than 200 prototypes
| website     = N/A
| website = N/A
}}
}}


The '''Commodore 65''' (also known as '''C64DX''') was a prototype 8-bit computer developed by [[Commodore Business Machines]] in 1990–1991. It was intended to be a successor to the aging but immensely popular [[Commodore 64]], offering improved graphics, sound, and BASIC capabilities, while maintaining backward compatibility.
The '''Commodore 65''' (C65, also marketed as the C64DX) was a prototype 8-bit personal computer developed by Commodore Business Machines between 1990 and 1991. Intended as a successor to the [[Commodore 64]], it was designed to offer improved graphics, sound, and storage capabilities while maintaining backward compatibility with C64 software.<ref name="floodgap">Kaiser, Cameron. "Secret Weapons of Commodore: The Commodore 65". Floodgap.com. Accessed 2024. [https://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/65.html]</ref>


== History ==
== History ==


Originally envisioned as a bridge between the C64 and Commodore’s [[Amiga]] line, the C65 featured a significantly enhanced chipset, a built-in 3.5" floppy disk drive, and a new BASIC 10.0. Development began around 1990 under the direction of engineers such as Fred Bowen and Bill Gardei. Prototypes were produced in small quantities through 1991 before the project was abruptly cancelled by Commodore chairman [[Irving Gould]].<ref name="kaiser_secret">{{cite web|title=Secret Weapons of Commodore: The Commodore 65|url=http://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/65.html|access-date=2024-07-26|last=Kaiser|first=Cameron}}</ref>
Development of the C65 began around 1989–1990, under the guidance of engineers including Fred Bowen, Bill Gardei, Paul Lassa, and Victor Andrade. The project aimed to revitalize the Commodore 64 product line before Commodore redirected its focus to the Amiga series.<ref name="zimmers">Zimmers, Bo. "Commodore 65 Computer". zimmers.net. Accessed 2024. [http://www.zimmers.net/cbmpics/c65/index.html]</ref> Full development commenced in late 1990, but internal disputes and financial pressures led Commodore chairman Irving Gould to cancel the project in 1991.<ref name="bagnall">Bagnall, Brian. ''On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore''. Variant Press, 2005. ISBN 0‑9738649‑0‑7.</ref>


Following Commodore’s bankruptcy in 1994, remaining prototype units—estimated between 200 and 250—entered the collector market. Today, working examples routinely sell for over US$20,000 at auction due to their rarity and historical significance.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rare Commodore C65 Hits eBay With Bidding Over $30,000|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/rare-commodore-c65-on-ebay|date=2022-01-14|access-date=2024-07-26}}</ref>
Following Commodore's liquidation in 1994, an estimated 200 prototype units were released onto the collector market.<ref name="floodgap" /> Several units have since been sold at auction, occasionally reaching prices above €20,000.<ref name="slashdot">"The MEGA65: A Modernization of a Classic Commodore Computer". Slashdot, 2021. [https://slashdot.org/story/21/03/01/1529246/the-mega65-a-modernization-of-a-classic-commodore-computer]</ref>


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical specifications ==


* **CPU**: CSG 4510 R3 (an enhanced 65CE02 derivative) at 3.54 MHz
'''CPU''': CSG 4510 R3 (based on the 65CE02), running at 3.54 MHz
* **Memory**: 128 KB onboard RAM (expandable to 8 MB); 128 KB ROM
* **Graphics**: CSG 4567 VIC-III graphics chip with:
  * 320×200 with 256 colors
  * 640×200 or 640×400 with 16 colors
  * 1280×200 or 1280×400 with 4 colors
  * 4096-color palette, hardware bit blitter, genlock support
* **Sound**: Dual 8580 SIDs for stereo audio
* **Storage**: Internal double-sided double-density 3.5" floppy (880 KB capacity)
* **OS**: Commodore BASIC 10.0 with full support for graphics, sound, and disk access


== Ports and I/O ==
'''Memory''': 128 KB onboard RAM, expandable to approximately 8 MB via a RAM expansion port on the underside of the case<ref name="zimmers" />
* 2× DE9 joystick ports
* Expansion port (50-pin)
* Serial IEC (for external Commodore drives)
* RAM expansion flap (Amiga 500-style)
* User port (parallel 24-pin)
* Composite, RF, RGB, and stereo audio output
* DMA expansion and floppy interface


== Legacy and Influence ==
'''Graphics''': VIC-III (CSG 4567) chip supporting:


The Commodore 65 was never publicly released, yet it inspired future projects and garnered a cult following. The prototypes are now among the most collectible vintage computers.
320×200 with 256 colors


=== https://retrowikipedia.com/wiki/Mega65 ===
640×200 or 640×400 with 16 colors


In 2015, the Museum of Electronic Games & Art (MEGA) announced the '''MEGA65''', a modern open-source recreation of the C65 using [[FPGA]] technology. It is C65-compatible, C64-compatible, and expands upon the original's vision with new features like:
1280×200 or 1280×400 with 4 colors
* HDMI output
* MicroSD storage
* Ethernet and USB support
* Modern peripherals
* Integrated development tools


After years of development, MEGA65 entered production in 2021, with batches distributed by [https://trenz-electronic.de Trenz Electronic]. As of 2024, the MEGA65 is available year-round without waiting for batch preorders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mega65.org|title=MEGA65 Official Site|access-date=2024-07-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m65digest.substack.com|title=Dan's MEGA65 Digest|access-date=2024-07-26}}</ref>
Hardware blitter, DMA, and genlock support


== Further Reading ==
'''Sound''': Dual CSG 8580 SID chips for stereo audio<ref name="floodgap" />
* [https://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/65.html Secret Weapons of Commodore – C65 Overview]
 
* [https://mega65.org MEGA65 Official Site]
'''Storage''': Integrated 3½″ double-sided double-density floppy drive (880 KB), compatible with the Commodore 1581 format
* [https://www.zock.com/8-Bit/D_C65.HTML 8-Bit Nirvana: C65]
 
* [https://devilmaster.altervista.org/hi65.html Hi65 – High-level C65 Emulator]
'''Operating system''': Commodore BASIC 10.0, including extended graphics and disk commands
* Bagnall, Brian. ''On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore''. Variant Press, 2005. {{ISBN|0-9738649-0-7}}
 
== Ports and expansion ==
 
The Commodore 65 included several ports and interfaces:
 
Two DE-9 joystick ports
 
50-pin expansion connector and Amiga-style RAM expansion flap
 
IEC serial port for disk drives
 
RGB (DE-9F), composite video, RF modulator, and stereo audio outputs
 
User port (parallel), DMA expansion bus, and built-in floppy controller<ref name="zimmers" />
 
== Legacy ==
 
Despite never reaching the market, the Commodore 65 gained near-mythical status among retro computing enthusiasts. Its extreme rarity—fewer than 200 working units are known—has made it one of the most collectible Commodore prototypes ever produced.<ref name="floodgap" />
 
=== MEGA65 ===
 
In 2015, the non-profit Museum of Electronic Games & Art (MEGA) launched the '''[[MEGA65]]''', a modern open-source re-implementation of the C65 using FPGA technology.<ref name="slashdot" /> The system builds upon the C65 architecture while adding features for modern usability:
 
HDMI and composite video output
 
microSD card storage, Ethernet, USB, and real-time clock
 
A 45GS02 FPGA-based CPU core clocked at up to 40.5 MHz
 
Optional 8 MB RAM expansion and accelerated DMA
 
Full-size mechanical keyboard and functioning floppy drive in a replica Commodore case
 
Developer preview models shipped in late 2020, followed by retail production units in 2021. As of 2024, the MEGA65 remains in production and is available through official channels.<ref name="slashdot" />
 
== References ==
 
{{reflist}}
 
== Further reading ==
 
Kaiser, Cameron. "Secret Weapons of Commodore: The Commodore 65". Floodgap.com. [https://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/65.html]
 
Bagnall, Brian. ''On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore''. Variant Press, 2005. ISBN 0‑9738649‑0‑7
 
Zimmers, Bo. "Commodore 65 Computer". zimmers.net. [http://www.zimmers.net/cbmpics/c65/index.html]
 
"The MEGA65: A Modernization of a Classic Commodore Computer". Slashdot, 2021. [https://slashdot.org/story/21/03/01/1529246/the-mega65-a-modernization-of-a-classic-commodore-computer]
 
== External links ==


== External Links ==
{{commons category|Commodore 65}}
{{commons category|Commodore 65}}
* [https://www.retrothing.com/2008/08/commodore-65-it.html Commodore 65 at RetroThing]
 
* [https://www.theoldcomputer.com/roms/index.php?folder=Commodore/C65 ROMs and Utilities (The Old Computer)]
[https://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/65.html Secret Weapons of Commodore – C65 overview]
 
[https://mega65.org Official MEGA65 site]
 
[https://www.zock.com/8-Bit/D_C65.HTML 8‑Bit Nirvana – Commodore 65]
 
[https://devilmaster.altervista.org/hi65.html Hi65 emulator]


[[Category:Commodore computers]]
[[Category:Commodore computers]]

Latest revision as of 01:43, 26 July 2025

Commodore 65
Prototype Commodore 65
TypeHome computer
Discontinued1991 (project cancelled)
Units shippedEstimated fewer than 200 prototypes
Operating systemCommodore BASIC 10.0
CPUCSG CSG 4510 R3
Memory128 KB (expandable to 8 MB)
StorageInternal 3½″ DSDD floppy (880 KB)
Display320×200×256; 640×200×16; 640×400×16; 1280×200×4; 1280×400×4; palette of 4096 colors
GraphicsVIC‑III (CSG 4567 R5)
SoundDual CSG 8580 SID chips, stereo output
PredecessorCommodore 64
WebsiteN/A

The Commodore 65 (C65, also marketed as the C64DX) was a prototype 8-bit personal computer developed by Commodore Business Machines between 1990 and 1991. Intended as a successor to the Commodore 64, it was designed to offer improved graphics, sound, and storage capabilities while maintaining backward compatibility with C64 software.[1]

History

Development of the C65 began around 1989–1990, under the guidance of engineers including Fred Bowen, Bill Gardei, Paul Lassa, and Victor Andrade. The project aimed to revitalize the Commodore 64 product line before Commodore redirected its focus to the Amiga series.[2] Full development commenced in late 1990, but internal disputes and financial pressures led Commodore chairman Irving Gould to cancel the project in 1991.[3]

Following Commodore's liquidation in 1994, an estimated 200 prototype units were released onto the collector market.[1] Several units have since been sold at auction, occasionally reaching prices above €20,000.[4]

Technical specifications

CPU: CSG 4510 R3 (based on the 65CE02), running at 3.54 MHz

Memory: 128 KB onboard RAM, expandable to approximately 8 MB via a RAM expansion port on the underside of the case[2]

Graphics: VIC-III (CSG 4567) chip supporting:

320×200 with 256 colors

640×200 or 640×400 with 16 colors

1280×200 or 1280×400 with 4 colors

Hardware blitter, DMA, and genlock support

Sound: Dual CSG 8580 SID chips for stereo audio[1]

Storage: Integrated 3½″ double-sided double-density floppy drive (880 KB), compatible with the Commodore 1581 format

Operating system: Commodore BASIC 10.0, including extended graphics and disk commands

Ports and expansion

The Commodore 65 included several ports and interfaces:

Two DE-9 joystick ports

50-pin expansion connector and Amiga-style RAM expansion flap

IEC serial port for disk drives

RGB (DE-9F), composite video, RF modulator, and stereo audio outputs

User port (parallel), DMA expansion bus, and built-in floppy controller[2]

Legacy

Despite never reaching the market, the Commodore 65 gained near-mythical status among retro computing enthusiasts. Its extreme rarity—fewer than 200 working units are known—has made it one of the most collectible Commodore prototypes ever produced.[1]

MEGA65

In 2015, the non-profit Museum of Electronic Games & Art (MEGA) launched the MEGA65, a modern open-source re-implementation of the C65 using FPGA technology.[4] The system builds upon the C65 architecture while adding features for modern usability:

HDMI and composite video output

microSD card storage, Ethernet, USB, and real-time clock

A 45GS02 FPGA-based CPU core clocked at up to 40.5 MHz

Optional 8 MB RAM expansion and accelerated DMA

Full-size mechanical keyboard and functioning floppy drive in a replica Commodore case

Developer preview models shipped in late 2020, followed by retail production units in 2021. As of 2024, the MEGA65 remains in production and is available through official channels.[4]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Kaiser, Cameron. "Secret Weapons of Commodore: The Commodore 65". Floodgap.com. Accessed 2024. [1]
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Zimmers, Bo. "Commodore 65 Computer". zimmers.net. Accessed 2024. [2]
  3. ↑ Bagnall, Brian. On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore. Variant Press, 2005. ISBN 0‑9738649‑0‑7.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "The MEGA65: A Modernization of a Classic Commodore Computer". Slashdot, 2021. [3]

Further reading

Kaiser, Cameron. "Secret Weapons of Commodore: The Commodore 65". Floodgap.com. [4]

Bagnall, Brian. On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore. Variant Press, 2005. ISBN 0‑9738649‑0‑7

Zimmers, Bo. "Commodore 65 Computer". zimmers.net. [5]

"The MEGA65: A Modernization of a Classic Commodore Computer". Slashdot, 2021. [6]

External links

Secret Weapons of Commodore – C65 overview

Official MEGA65 site

8‑Bit Nirvana – Commodore 65

Hi65 emulator

Retrieved from "https://retrowikipedia.com/index.php?title=Commodore_65&oldid=4815"