Commodore 65
_(balance).jpg) | |
| Type | Home computer |
|---|---|
| Release date | Never officially released |
| Discontinued | 1991 (cancelled prototype) |
| Units shipped | Estimated 200–250 prototypes |
| Operating system | Commodore BASIC 10.0 |
| CPU | CSG 4510 R3 @ 3.54 MHz |
| Memory | 128 KB (expandable to 8 MB) |
| Storage | Internal 3½" DSDD floppy disk drive (880 KB) |
| Display | 320×200×256; 640×200×16; 640×400×16; 1280×200×4; 1280×400×4; palette of 4096 colors |
| Graphics | VIC-III (CSG 4567 R5) |
| Sound | 2× CSG 8580R5 SID, stereo output |
| Predecessor | Commodore 64 |
| 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.
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.[1]
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.[2]
Technical Specifications
- CPU: CSG 4510 R3 (an enhanced 65CE02 derivative) 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
- 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
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.
MEGA65
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:
- 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 Trenz Electronic. As of 2024, the MEGA65 is available year-round without waiting for batch preorders.[3][4]
Further Reading
- Secret Weapons of Commodore – C65 Overview
- MEGA65 Official Site
- 8-Bit Nirvana: C65
- Hi65 – High-level C65 Emulator
- Bagnall, Brian. On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore. Variant Press, 2005. ISBN 0-9738649-0-7
External Links
- ↑ Kaiser, Cameron. "Secret Weapons of Commodore: The Commodore 65". Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ↑ "Rare Commodore C65 Hits eBay With Bidding Over $30,000". 2022-01-14. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ↑ "MEGA65 Official Site". Retrieved 2024-07-26.
- ↑ "Dan's MEGA65 Digest". Retrieved 2024-07-26.