COMMODORE 64

SPECIFICATION CPU: MOS Technology 6510 @ 1MHz RAM: 64K GRAPHICS: 320x200 resolution, 16 colors SOUND: SID 6581 chip STORAGE: Cassette, 5.25-inch floppy, and ROM cartridge OS: Commodore KERNAL/Basic 2.0 RELEASED: August 1982 LAUNCH PRICE: $595 PRODUCTION: 1982–1994 WORLDWIDE SALES: 17 million illion

Named after its 64K of RAM, the Commodore 64 was designed to be a great t games machines from the outset, using custom chipsets to power functions separately from the CPU. The powerful VIC-II chip gave the Commodore 16 colors, hardware sprites, smooth scrolling, and a high resolution. The SID sound chip was developed by an actual musician, and wiped the floor with the competition—it’s still used by musicians today—see the box opposite for more.

While many micros had features that were technically superior to the C64, Commodore’s choice of hardware for the budget hit a sweet spot that punched well above its weight. One of the best choices was its use of hardware sprites; where other machines had visual tearing and colorclash, the C64’s graphics were smooth and consistent.

Commodore’s hardware gave users graphics and sound that were head and shoulders above the competition, quickly establishing the C64 as the gaming computer of choice. The Commodore would also become famous for its public domain “demo” scene, where programmers would show off their skills by pushing the machine to its limits, competing for the best sound and visuals.

CEO Jack Tramiel’s aggressive price war (which brought the C64 down to near Speccy prices) also gave it a healthy business market. Why pay thousands for an IBM machine when you could spend a few hundred on something that plugs into a TV?