Commodore 65: Difference between revisions

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| manufacturer      = Commodore
| manufacturer      = Commodore
| type              = [[Home computer]]
| type              = [[Home computer]]
| release_date      = Unreleased (prototype developed in 1990–1991)
| release_date      = Unreleased (prototype developed 1990–1991)
| discontinued      = 1991
| discontinued      = 1991
| cpu              = [[MOS Technology 4510]] @ 3.54 MHz (65CE02-based)
| cpu              = [[MOS Technology 4510]] @ 3.54 MHz (based on the 65CE02)
| memory            = 128 KB – 1 MB RAM (expandable to 8 MB)
| memory            = 128 KB – 1 MB RAM (expandable to 8 MB)
| storage          = Internal 3.5" floppy disk drive, cartridge port
| storage          = Internal 3.5″ floppy disk drive, cartridge slot
| os                = [[Commodore BASIC]] 10.0
| os                = [[Commodore BASIC]] 10.0
| graphics          = VIC-III graphics chip
| graphics          = VIC-III graphics chip
| display          = 320×200, 640×200, 640×400, 256 colors (12-bit RGB palette)
| display          = 320×200, 640×200, 640×400; 256 colors from 4096
| sound            = 2× [[MOS Technology 8580]] SID chips (stereo)
| sound            = 2× [[MOS Technology 8580]] SID chips (stereo output)
| compatibility    = Partial [[Commodore 64]] software compatibility
| compatibility    = Partial [[Commodore 64]] software compatibility
| predecessor      = [[Commodore 64]], [[Commodore 128]]
| predecessor      = [[Commodore 64]], [[Commodore 128]]
| successor        = [[Amiga series]] (unofficial)
| successor        = Unofficially succeeded by the [[Amiga]] series
| website          = <!-- None; unreleased product -->
| website          = <!-- No official website -->
}}
}}


The '''Commodore 65''' (also known as '''C65''') was a prototype [[8-bit]] [[home computer]] developed by [[Commodore International]] in the early 1990s as a successor to the [[Commodore 64]]. It was intended to bridge the gap between the aging C64 platform and the more powerful [[Commodore Amiga]] series. Although the C65 was never commercially released, it remains one of the most advanced 8-bit systems ever designed and is notable among computer collectors and retrocomputing enthusiasts.
The '''Commodore 65''' (also known as the '''C65''' or "C64DX") was a prototype [[8-bit]] [[home computer]] developed by [[Commodore International]] in the early 1990s. Designed as an enhanced successor to the [[Commodore 64]], it combined backward compatibility with new hardware capabilities such as improved graphics, expanded memory, and a built-in 3.5″ floppy drive. Although the system never reached commercial release, it is considered one of the most advanced 8-bit computers ever created.


== History ==
== History ==
The Commodore 65 project began around 1990 under the internal name "C64DX," with the goal of offering a more powerful 8-bit machine that remained largely compatible with Commodore 64 software. It was envisioned as a stopgap product that would offer C64 users enhanced capabilities—including better graphics, faster processing, a more capable BASIC interpreter, and internal floppy disk storage.
The Commodore 65 project began internally at Commodore around 1990, under the name "C64DX." The goal was to provide a high-end 8-bit system for home users—retaining C64 compatibility while offering features comparable to early 16-bit systems. At the time, Commodore's more powerful [[Amiga]] series had already been released, but management hoped the C65 could fill a transitional role for existing 8-bit users.


Development was led by Commodore’s West Chester, Pennsylvania office. However, the C65 faced competition from Commodore’s own Amiga line and internal disagreements about product direction. After the departure of CEO Irving Gould and the company’s ongoing financial difficulties, the project was cancelled in 1991 before mass production began.
The C65 featured a redesigned motherboard, new video and sound chips, and the advanced [[Commodore BASIC]] 10.0. Despite nearing completion, the project was discontinued in 1991 as Commodore faced worsening financial problems and shifted focus entirely to the Amiga product line.


== Specifications ==
== Specifications ==
The Commodore 65 combined legacy 8-bit architecture with significant improvements over the C64:


=== Processor ===
=== CPU ===
* **MOS 4510 (65CE02 core)**: An enhanced 8-bit processor running at 3.54 MHz, significantly faster than the 1 MHz CPU in the C64.
The C65 used the **MOS 4510**, a custom chip based on the enhanced **65CE02** core, running at 3.54 MHz—more than three times faster than the 1.02 MHz **MOS 6510** used in the C64.


=== Memory ===
=== Memory ===
* 128 KB to 1 MB of RAM on board (expandable to 8 MB)
* 128 KB to 1 MB RAM (expandable up to 8 MB via memory banking)
* 128 KB ROM containing Commodore BASIC 10.0 and KERNAL
* 128 KB ROM containing BASIC 10.0 and KERNAL
* 8 KB character ROM


=== Storage ===
=== Storage ===
* Built-in 3.5" double-density floppy disk drive (Commodore 1581-compatible)
* Built-in 3.5″ double-density floppy drive (Commodore 1581-compatible, ~800 KB capacity)
* C64-compatible cartridge expansion port
* Commodore 64-compatible cartridge port
* Serial IEC port for external drives


=== Graphics ===
=== Display and Graphics ===
* **VIC-III graphics chip**
Graphics were handled by the **VIC-III** chip, offering significant improvements over the C64’s VIC-II:
* Display modes up to 640×400 resolution
* 256 on-screen colors selected from a 4096-color palette
* Enhanced text modes with 80-column support
* Hardware scrolling, blitting, and split-screen features


=== Sound ===
* Resolutions: 320×200, 640×200, 640×400 (interlaced)
* Two **MOS 8580 SID** sound chips for stereo output
* Colors: Up to 256 simultaneous colors from a 4096-color palette
* FM synthesis capabilities similar to the C64, but improved voice panning and output
* Text modes: 40 and 80 columns
* Enhanced scrolling, hardware sprites, and split-screen features
 
=== Audio ===
The C65 included support for **two** MOS 8580 SID chips, enabling stereo sound output. Each chip provided:
* 3 voices with multiple waveforms
* Filters, modulation, and envelope controls
* Compatibility with C64 SID-based software


== Software ==
== Software ==
The C65 featured **Commodore BASIC 10.0**, a major update from BASIC 2.0 used in the C64. The new version introduced structured programming constructs, advanced graphics commands, and enhanced disk access.


It retained partial backward compatibility with Commodore 64 software, although the VIC-III’s different memory layout and additional instructions sometimes caused incompatibilities.
=== Commodore BASIC 10.0 ===
The C65 shipped with **BASIC 10.0**, a major upgrade from the BASIC 2.0 used in the Commodore 64. It introduced:
* Structured programming (IF...THEN...ELSE, DO...LOOP)
* Advanced file handling and graphics commands
* Disk directory access and floppy formatting from BASIC
 
BASIC 10.0 was stored in ROM alongside an updated KERNAL. While the system retained some backward compatibility, software relying on specific memory addresses, timing, or the VIC-II graphics were often incompatible.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy and Collectibility ==
Although the Commodore 65 never saw commercial release, around 50 to 200 prototypes were built before the project was terminated. Some of these units were later sold as surplus when Commodore was liquidated in the mid-1990s. Due to their rarity and significance, C65s are highly sought after by collectors, often fetching prices over US$30,000 at auction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commodore 65 prototype sells for $30,000 |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2026818/rare-commodore-65-fetches-30000-on-ebay.html |date=2013-01-08 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=PCWorld}}</ref>
Although the Commodore 65 was never released commercially, an estimated **50 to 200 prototype units** were manufactured before the project was cancelled. In the mid-1990s, these were sold off as surplus during Commodore’s liquidation. Due to their rarity, C65 units have become highly valuable collector's items, with some selling for over **$30,000 USD** at auction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rare Commodore 65 fetches $30,000 on eBay |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2026818/rare-commodore-65-fetches-30000-on-ebay.html |date=2013-01-08 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=PCWorld}}</ref>


The system became a subject of fascination in the retrocomputing world, inspiring various efforts to emulate or recreate its architecture. The most prominent of these is the **MEGA65**, an open-source FPGA-based recreation of the Commodore 65 developed by the Museum of Electronic Games & Art (MEGA) in Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MEGA65 Official Website |url=https://www.mega65.org/ |access-date=2024-06-01}}</ref>
== Emulation and Successors ==
The C65 is supported in modern emulators such as [[VICE (emulator)|VICE]], and ROMs have been preserved for archival purposes. Due to the system’s unfinished status, emulation is incomplete but usable for testing.


== Emulation and Preservation ==
The most notable legacy of the C65 is the creation of the [[MEGA65]]—a modern, open-source recreation of the Commodore 65 developed by the German non-profit [[Museum of Electronic Games & Art|MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art]]. Released in the 2020s, the [[MEGA65]] uses FPGA hardware to replicate and extend the C65’s architecture, and includes modern I/O such as HDMI, Ethernet, and SD card support.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MEGA65 Official Website |url=https://www.mega65.org/ |access-date=2024-06-01}}</ref>
C65 emulation has been integrated into [[VICE (emulator)]], a widely used Commodore emulator suite, and several ROM dumps are available for archival and testing purposes. The MEGA65 platform provides near-complete emulation and extension of the original C65 design.


== See also ==
== See also ==
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* [[Commodore 128]]
* [[Commodore 128]]
* [[MEGA65]]
* [[MEGA65]]
* [[Amiga 500]]
* [[Amiga]]
* [[VICE (emulator)]]
* [[Retrocomputing]]
* [[Retrocomputing]]


Line 82: Line 92:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://www.mega65.org/ MEGA65 official site]
* [https://www.mega65.org/ Official MEGA65 website]
* [https://vice-emu.sourceforge.io/ VICE emulator supporting C65]
* [https://vice-emu.sourceforge.io/ VICE emulator homepage]
* [https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/Commodore_65 C65 article on C64-Wiki]
* [https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/Commodore_65 C65 article on C64-Wiki]
* [https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=954&st=1 Commodore 65 at Old-Computers.com]
* [https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=954&st=1 Commodore 65 on Old-Computers.com]

Latest revision as of 18:03, 14 August 2025

Commodore 65
File:Commodore logo 1980s.svg
DeveloperCommodore International
ManufacturerCommodore
TypeHome computer
Discontinued1991
Operating systemCommodore BASIC 10.0
CPUMOS Technology 4510 @ 3.54 MHz (based on the 65CE02)
Memory128 KB – 1 MB RAM (expandable to 8 MB)
StorageInternal 3.5″ floppy disk drive, cartridge slot
Display320×200, 640×200, 640×400; 256 colors from 4096
GraphicsVIC-III graphics chip
Sound2× MOS Technology 8580 SID chips (stereo output)
Backward
compatibility		Partial Commodore 64 software compatibility
PredecessorCommodore 64, Commodore 128
SuccessorUnofficially succeeded by the Amiga series

The Commodore 65 (also known as the C65 or "C64DX") was a prototype 8-bit home computer developed by Commodore International in the early 1990s. Designed as an enhanced successor to the Commodore 64, it combined backward compatibility with new hardware capabilities such as improved graphics, expanded memory, and a built-in 3.5″ floppy drive. Although the system never reached commercial release, it is considered one of the most advanced 8-bit computers ever created.

History

The Commodore 65 project began internally at Commodore around 1990, under the name "C64DX." The goal was to provide a high-end 8-bit system for home users—retaining C64 compatibility while offering features comparable to early 16-bit systems. At the time, Commodore's more powerful Amiga series had already been released, but management hoped the C65 could fill a transitional role for existing 8-bit users.

The C65 featured a redesigned motherboard, new video and sound chips, and the advanced Commodore BASIC 10.0. Despite nearing completion, the project was discontinued in 1991 as Commodore faced worsening financial problems and shifted focus entirely to the Amiga product line.

Specifications

CPU

The C65 used the **MOS 4510**, a custom chip based on the enhanced **65CE02** core, running at 3.54 MHz—more than three times faster than the 1.02 MHz **MOS 6510** used in the C64.

Memory

  • 128 KB to 1 MB RAM (expandable up to 8 MB via memory banking)
  • 128 KB ROM containing BASIC 10.0 and KERNAL
  • 8 KB character ROM

Storage

  • Built-in 3.5″ double-density floppy drive (Commodore 1581-compatible, ~800 KB capacity)
  • Commodore 64-compatible cartridge port
  • Serial IEC port for external drives

Display and Graphics

Graphics were handled by the **VIC-III** chip, offering significant improvements over the C64’s VIC-II:

  • Resolutions: 320×200, 640×200, 640×400 (interlaced)
  • Colors: Up to 256 simultaneous colors from a 4096-color palette
  • Text modes: 40 and 80 columns
  • Enhanced scrolling, hardware sprites, and split-screen features

Audio

The C65 included support for **two** MOS 8580 SID chips, enabling stereo sound output. Each chip provided:

  • 3 voices with multiple waveforms
  • Filters, modulation, and envelope controls
  • Compatibility with C64 SID-based software

Software

Commodore BASIC 10.0

The C65 shipped with **BASIC 10.0**, a major upgrade from the BASIC 2.0 used in the Commodore 64. It introduced:

  • Structured programming (IF...THEN...ELSE, DO...LOOP)
  • Advanced file handling and graphics commands
  • Disk directory access and floppy formatting from BASIC

BASIC 10.0 was stored in ROM alongside an updated KERNAL. While the system retained some backward compatibility, software relying on specific memory addresses, timing, or the VIC-II graphics were often incompatible.

Legacy and Collectibility

Although the Commodore 65 was never released commercially, an estimated **50 to 200 prototype units** were manufactured before the project was cancelled. In the mid-1990s, these were sold off as surplus during Commodore’s liquidation. Due to their rarity, C65 units have become highly valuable collector's items, with some selling for over **$30,000 USD** at auction.[1]

Emulation and Successors

The C65 is supported in modern emulators such as VICE, and ROMs have been preserved for archival purposes. Due to the system’s unfinished status, emulation is incomplete but usable for testing.

The most notable legacy of the C65 is the creation of the MEGA65—a modern, open-source recreation of the Commodore 65 developed by the German non-profit MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art. Released in the 2020s, the MEGA65 uses FPGA hardware to replicate and extend the C65’s architecture, and includes modern I/O such as HDMI, Ethernet, and SD card support.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Rare Commodore 65 fetches $30,000 on eBay". PCWorld. January 8, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  2. ↑ "MEGA65 Official Website". Retrieved June 1, 2024.

External links

Retrieved from "https://retrowikipedia.com/index.php?title=Commodore_65&oldid=15447"