Review: TheC64 Mini. Is it worth buying?

My review of TheC64 Mini. Is it worth picking up in 2023? I take a look at the miniaturised beige wonder and give it The Retro Dandy review treatment. Expect grainy video, a deep voice, and some footage of me playing games badly. If that doesn't sell it to ya, I don't know what will.

Outro music: Stardust (From Lazy Jones) - Composer: David Whittaker

#c64 #retrogaming #retrogames #commodore64 #commodore #speedball

[robertarnold]

I bought one years ago and immediately started tearing it down, added new ports, keyboard, mouse, extra storage, etc. and then re-cased it with LED indicator and reset/power button moved to the front of the new case.

I’m currently looking at a rebuild that will improve on the initial layout, switching all the corded stuff to wireless, and going into the firmware to add sideloaded games directly to the "carrousel" and making the other modes so it can easily run Geos and implementing the virtual REU options. One odd thing is I'll be adding additional weight in the case to keep it from sliding around so much.

Yes, all rather silly since I can just emulate it in a modern PC with VICE but I’m retired at 64 and other than golfing/mowing the lawn I need something to putter around with.

[DR]

I bought it as a gag gift for my dad - his first PC was C64 and he loved it.

[skRapKlan]

The good old Commodore64 was my first experience with a home computer, and the first gaming machine in our household. Still to this day one of my top favorites! Amazing to see there are still games being made for it, and these mini consoles is a great way to play them! Thanks for the great review - Keep up the good work!

[EnjoySynthSounds]

I've had the mini and maxi. I was having some issues with the mini not booting after firmware updates using the C64 maxi tool, which worked flawlessly on the maxi, a great product. Maybe I had a dodgy unit.

I'd like to try again with the mini, but it's not a patch on the maxi tbhonest.

I used the Amiga mini joypad on both the mini and maxi without fuss. Not great for diagonals on Barbarian and Fist.

Both models had limited joypad compatibilities, unlike the Amiga.

With the upcoming Spectrum, November 2024, I hope joypad compatibility is much improved.

It's definitely worth upgrading the carousel to your own games list. That's a must for me, as there's so many modern homebrews, including Sonic C64!

[ryanmillar]

I actually just grabbed a loose one of these today for $30 Canadian from a 2nd hand store (no cables but did have the controller). I've been intrigued by them since it was first announced but seemed a little pricy at launch, but for what I paid it was worth playing. I'm sure I can get most that back if I loose interest

[EnjoySynthSounds]

Even if just using a phone, you can make good videos.

I can recommend inshot for video editing. Video overlay for laying video on top of a background is great, and video compressor to reduce video size.

[patkelley]

You can use a PS4 controller or even better a Fight Stick. I use a Mayflash. Hook the USB Joystick to the Mayflash and you should be able to map the buttons. I tried to type in a program with USB keyboard but certain required Commadore key commands to program are not possible with a non Commadore key board. Favorite games on the Mini would be Temple of Apshi, Sword of Fargoal. I wish they would have made it possible to play games or ROMs with "multiple disks" I haven't figured it out.

[SonicusZ]

Still love my C64. Been wanting my GF to check out some of the games I played as a kid like Law of the west, Project Firestart, airborne ranger, Rastan, and so many more!

[synchro]

Hell Ye especially on Ebay for used about £15 ..Know what your looking for ..
The UK version has the Green 7 Pegi logo on the box .. If not its the European which runs to fast in the UK.
Over 10, 000 games to play how could it not be worth buying :)

[thedarkside]

I git it and loved it now im looking at retro computers

[mortimore]

I prefer the Atari 400 mini, but the C64 mini is still good.

[cecilm]

Having been there the 1st time around (true 80s teenager) I'm intrigued... mainly because my ZX Spectrum, C64, C128, Amiga 500, and Amiga 1000 are in a basement in another country. ;)
Just having Paradroid would make it quite worthwhile.
Did you review the US or EU version? (There seem to be differences in which games are preinstalled.)
But the bad controller is a let-down. (Even though I've read somewhere that the controller is supposed to be with micro switches.)
Regards.

[Michael.Talbot]

But can it run Crysis?. Love the C64 👍

[EnjoySynthSounds]

The keyboard overlay could have been better implemented- only essential keys on it and been bigger. Most emulators don't have it shoved to the side. Also swap out the crappy joystick, with a gamepad.

[justbenelson]

Question is, is the Commodore 64 worth buying in 2024?

[steveelston]

Hi I am having trouble updating the firmware. I have tried half a dozen flash drives and it will not read any of them. Any suggestions ?.

[SamsungGalaxy-jyq]

Literally had to come and comment. Is it worth buying in 2023? It's a console from 1982 it's not that it's going to get out of date.😊

[anthonytt]

Can you type on it? Or is it made for ants?