Gideon Zweijtzer: Difference between revisions
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Latest revision as of 18:52, 26 July 2025
Gideon Zweijtzer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1970 (estimate) Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Occupation(s) | Electronics engineer, computer hardware developer |
| Known for | Creator of the Ultimate 64 and C64 Ultimate |
| Website | ultimate64 |
Gideon Zweijtzer is a Dutch electronics engineer, computer hardware developer, and retro computing enthusiast best known for creating the Ultimate 64, a modern FPGA-based recreation of the classic Commodore 64 computer. His work has been widely praised for its technical precision, attention to legacy compatibility, and contributions to the preservation and modernization of 8-bit computing.
Career
Zweijtzer gained international recognition in the retro computing community with the release of the 1541 Ultimate—a cartridge and disk drive emulator for the Commodore 64. This device replicated the Commodore 1541 floppy drive in hardware and introduced features such as SD card storage, fast loaders, and USB support.
Building on the success of the 1541 Ultimate, he developed the Ultimate 64, a fully FPGA-based motherboard that replicated the C64 at the hardware level. It offered HDMI output, dual SID audio support, real-time file loading, and seamless compatibility with vintage software and peripherals.
In 2024, Zweijtzer partnered with the newly revived Commodore International, Inc. to adapt the Ultimate 64 into the officially branded Commodore 64 Ultimate. Released in 2025, the new machine brought the legacy of the C64 into the modern era, combining Zweijtzer’s engineering work with official Commodore branding and expanded support.
Contributions
- 1541 Ultimate: SD-based Commodore 1541 drive emulator
- Ultimate 64: FPGA-based Commodore 64 replacement motherboard
- Commodore 64 Ultimate: Official modern C64 system using Ultimate 64 architecture
Legacy
Zweijtzer is regarded as one of the most technically accomplished developers in the retro computing hardware scene. His work has helped ensure the continued viability and accessibility of the Commodore 64 platform for future generations, and his devices are widely used by enthusiasts, developers, and preservationists worldwide.