C64 Mini review - the 50% sized Commodore 64

This is a review of the C64 Mini home computer, the first in a new line of re-releases for the classic machine. This version is 50% size and features 64 built-in games. Find out what I thought of the final, boxed version here, which comes with one joystick.

[majkskys]

I grew up in the 80's too! And I think I would return that system. 😂 The joystick might be useful for a ms. Pacman game if you have one but you're right! Sadly a joystick never follows proper command to where you want it to go. 😜 Nice review! ✨😎

[jeffschaap]

A good review in many way but a couple of counterpoints:

"The key don't do anything. You can't even press them." Yes but that's why this is $80 (and now $57 on Amazon) and not $135-$150. Probably they wanted to keep the cost down. Adding a custom mechanical keyboard, I imagine would have been quite expensive. There are rumors that they are working on a full size version with a working keyboard but you can bet it will cost more.

I also think reviewer's lamenting that you have to use an external keyboard is sort of unfair criticism. Are most people going to want sit two feet away from their LED and press the keys on the actual console? I don't think so. That's how we did it in the old schools days but now people game from their couch 8-10 feet away. An external keyboard solution is the perfect fit. I think the developers made a really intelligent choice on that issue

"Quarter of it's original size..." It's actually nearly exactly half the original size (half the length and half the width). Saying it's a quarter of the size makes it seem like it's REALLY tiny.
You got it correct in the video title however...

"It's only 720p... most modern TV's have to upscale the picture...." Up-scaling has to happen at some point in the chain between the hardware and the display. The Commodore was never a 1920x1080 device (nothing was in that era) so this comment feels unnecessarily critical. 720P is the lowest HDMI standard that most modern LED's are going to accept. It makes sense to hand off to the display at that point to handle the inevitable up-scaling.

As others have said comparing this to a retro gaming experience on the Switch is just a on sequitur. They are two entirely different scenarios. Of course a modern game is going to be more engaging on many levels than something created 30+ years ago. But nostalgia is a huge reason why people want the C64 mini and it delivers on that front.

Overall, excellent review though and thanks for posting it.

[robertmoran]

"It's no where near as good as playing a modern retro inspired indie game on something like a Nintendo switch" - Not sure why this comment is relevant to the C64 Mini.

The C64 Mini contains classic games from the C64 era that many fans of this era will remember with great fondness. I know the games look basic, but this is a snapshot of how the games were 'in the day'. Doesn't make sense to compare it to modern retro indie games.

[playmad]

The C64 Mini is a 8-bit machine not a 16-bit machine so change your info.

[christophercoey]

Nonsense.
A Joystick is a superior control method over and above pads for the right/relevant game.
a) Fighting games are much more suited to a fighting stick for instance. b) Flight simulators are more suited to a joystick. c) There are many games that are an uncontrollable mess when trying to play with a game pad/controller, this is true in many systems. Emlyn Hughes International Soccer on the C64 is a prime example. Another great example would be Kick Off 2 on the Amiga.
Certain games require a manual dexterity that only a quality joystick can provide.
One of the problems with the C64 mini is that the Joystick is a cheap imitation of the Competition Pro. The competition pro like the Zipstick was a micro switch joystick, this is a dirt cheap metal contacts joystick.
As for the games and being primitive, again - Nonsense.
It might be that you simply do not get on with the game selection included with the mini, but there are many C64 games that are complex and superior to many indie games.
Emlyn HughesIK+Last Ninja 2SilkwormBoxing ManagerHead Over HeelsWorld Class LeaderboardWay of the Exploding FistSport of KingsAce of AcesParadroidLast NinjaSWIVRainbow IslandsTracksuit ManagerMicroprose SoccerSpeedball 2

and many, many more that can be loaded onto the system via USB.