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{{Infobox computer
{{Infobox computer
| name         = Commodore 65
| name = Commodore 65
| photo       = [[File:C65alleine (no bg) (balance).jpg|300px|Prototype Commodore 65]]
| 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 (project cancelled)
| discontinued = 1991 (project cancelled)
| processor   = [[MOS Technology|CSG]] CSG 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       = Dual CSG 8580 SID chips, stereo output
| sound = Dual CSG 8580 SID chips, stereo output
| storage     = Internal 3½″ DSDD floppy (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 fewer than 200 prototypes
| units shipped= Estimated fewer than 200 prototypes
| website     = N/A
| website = N/A
}}
}}


The '''Commodore 65''' (C65, aka C64DX) was a prototype 8-bit personal computer developed by Commodore Business Machines in 1990–1991. Intended as a successor to the immensely popular [[Commodore 64]], it sought to combine enhanced graphics, sound, and disk functionality with full backward compatibility.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
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 ==


The project began in 1989–1990 under the leadership of Fred Bowen, Bill Gardei, Paul Lassa, Victor Andrade, and others, aiming to revive the C64 line with modernized capabilities before the company shifted focus to the Amiga. In late 1990 the C65 entered full development, but Commodore chairman Irving Gould cancelled the project in 1991 amid internal conflict and financial pressure.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
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>


After Commodore's liquidation in 1994, a small number of prototype units—estimated at fewer than 200—were sold to collectors.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} These rare machines have auctioned for tens of thousands of dollars, with documented sales exceeding €20,000.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
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 (65CE02-based) running at 3.54 MHz 
'''CPU''': CSG 4510 R3 (based on the 65CE02), running at 3.54 MHz
* **Memory**: 128 KB onboard RAM; expansion to ~8 MB possible via bottom flap (similar to Amiga expansion):contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} 
 
* **Graphics**: CSG 4567 VIC‑III chip offering:
'''Memory''': 128 KB onboard RAM, expandable to approximately 8 MB via a RAM expansion port on the underside of the case<ref name="zimmers" />
  * 320×200 with 256 colors
 
  * 640×200 or 640×400 with 16 colors
'''Graphics''': VIC-III (CSG 4567) chip supporting:
  * 1280×200 or 1280×400 with 4 colors
 
  * Hardware blitter, DMA, and genlock support:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} 
320×200 with 256 colors
* **Sound**: Dual CSG 8580 SID chips for stereo audio:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} 
 
* **Storage**: Built-in 3½″ DSDD floppy drive (880 KB) compatible with Commodore 1581 formatting:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} 
640×200 or 640×400 with 16 colors
* **OS/BASIC**: Commodore BASIC 10.0 with full disk and graphics support
 
1280×200 or 1280×400 with 4 colors
 
Hardware blitter, DMA, and genlock support
 
'''Sound''': Dual CSG 8580 SID chips for stereo audio<ref name="floodgap" />
 
'''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 ==
== Ports and expansion ==


* Two DE‑9 joystick ports
The Commodore 65 included several ports and interfaces:
* 50‑pin expansion connector and Amiga-style RAM flap
 
* IEC serial port for external Commodore drives
Two DE-9 joystick ports
* RGB (DE‑9F), composite video, RF, stereo audio outputs
 
* User port (parallel), DMA expansion, and built‑in floppy interface:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
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 ==
== Legacy ==


The Commodore 65 remained a fascinating “what-could-have-been,” gaining legendary status among retro-computing enthusiasts. With fewer than 200 known working examples, it's one of the rarest Commodore prototypes.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
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 ===
=== MEGA65 ===


In 2015, the non‑profit Museum of Electronic Games & Art announced the '''MEGA65''' project: an open-source, FPGA-based re‑creation of the C65 and its intended enhancements.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
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


Key modern features include:
Optional 8 MB RAM expansion and accelerated DMA
* HDMI video output and modern composite video support 
* microSD storage, Ethernet networking, USB (keyboard/mouse), and real‑time clock 
* FPGA‑implemented "45GS02" CPU core capable of up to 40.5 MHz 
* Optional “attic” RAM expansion up to 8 MB and accelerated DMA controller 
* Mechanical keyboard in authentic Commodore layout, functioning built-in floppy drive, and injection‑molded retro chassis:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}


Initial developer kits (R3) shipped to early backers in late 2020, followed by production-ready machines in 2021. Early batches quickly sold out; as of 2024, the MEGA65 is available continuously.:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
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 ==
== References ==
Line 72: Line 90:
== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==


* Kaiser, Cameron. “Secret Weapons of Commodore: The Commodore 65.” floodgap.com, accessed 2024.:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14} 
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, accessed 2024.:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} 
Bagnall, Brian. ''On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore''. Variant Press, 2005. ISBN 0‑9738649‑0‑7
* “The MEGA65: A Modernization…” Slashdot, 2021.:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
 
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.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/65.html Secret Weapons of Commodore – C65 overview]
 
* [https://mega65.org Official MEGA65 site]
[https://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/65.html Secret Weapons of Commodore – C65 overview]
* [https://www.zock.com/8-Bit/D_C65.HTML 8‑Bit Nirvana – Commodore 65]
 
* [https://devilmaster.altervista.org/hi65.html Hi65 emulator]
[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]]
[[Category:Home computers]]
[[Category:Home computers]]
[[Category:Prototype computers]]
[[Category:Prototype computers]]
[[Category:Commodore 64]]
[[Category:Commodore 64]]

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"