The C64 Maxi Micro Console + Joystick (Retro Console System)

Expensive to buy through reseller but the product is great. Arrived on time, packaged well, unblemished original box, and worked as advertised without any manufacturer problems in the new unit. Raspberry Pi would be cheaper and VICE on a PC is more versatile but for a “ready to go for idiots like you” it’s really easy to use within its customized interface. Recommended for C64 kids old and younger.

I knew this was big, since it's a full-size reproduction of the original Commodore 64, but only owning the C64 mini previous to this, and never owning an original Commodore 64, it never quite hit me just how big it was! As the photo shows, the C64 mini looks tiny next to the C64 Maxi! Obviously, the original Commodore 64 meant business when you got it, in more ways than one - it's about three times bigger than my modern Mac mini! This reproduction feels solidly built out of heavy duty, sturdy plastic and the keys have a decent feel, although I never used an original to compare it with. I just wanted to buy this because it is such an iconic part of computer history. Having experience with other products from Retro Games, however, I would STRONGLY advise buying the extended warranty with this if you plan to use it extensively, (rather than just trying it once and then putting it away). The selling price of this does not compare with a modern, full-size, real computer, and nor, in my experience, does the longevity of Retro Games' products! (Note, the mini model does not come with this product; I just included it for comparison purposes.)

Ever use a Commodore 64? This bugger brings back fine memories and teaches through figuring out and exploring. The keyboard is solid and has good markings. It will connect to video through the HDMI output, that transmits sound, as well as video. The old games are there, as well as a decent BASIC. Saving programs will happen on a memory card. Have fun!

This item works exactly as you would expect, although the OSD can be a little confusing at first. Once you have figured out how to access disk images from a USB stick it's all plain sailing. The look and feel of the original commodore 64 keyboard are not just cosmetic - they are important for programming in BASIC, especially the PETSCII printed on the sides of the keys. The user manual is minimal, but there are plenty of commodore 64 manuals online so no problem. As for the price, this is not the original price of this specific product and, in my opinion, it is not acceptable, forcing enthusiasts like me to spend more than is fair because this is the only apparent source of this item. At this price i can only recommend this to retro computing enthusiasts, because otherwise free emulators cover most of the functions available here. UPDATE: since beginning to use the keyboard to write programs in BASIC i have noticed that the keys have to be hit relatively hard to ensure that the keypress is registered. this is problematic because it is a very quiet membrane keyboard and the key caps don't hit anything at the end of their travel so there is no reassuring click and you don't usually notice a missed key until you look at the screen. the only solution is to get used to typing heavily and hope that this doesn't reduce the life of the keyboard. as a footnote, most of the included games are not the best, and i had not heard of most of them, although the system does run disk/tape images from external sources better than most software emulators.

If you "were" and still "are" a C64 enthusiast, this is definitely worth it! Mabe a bit pricey but it will bring back great memories. Just the keyboard organization took me back to the '80s. Some commands require reorientation, like LOAD "*",8,1. Which I thought will be my drive (USB) but did not find it. I ChatGPTed a bunch of programs, but need to figure a way to load it.

It took a month before I finally received it, but the wait was worth it. It has a lot of great old games and it is easy to add more games. But the best thing is that I can refresh myself using Basic programming. It has been a long time, but I am slowly learning it afresh. I have the original C64s also, but this is so much easier to set up and use.

Works, if you are interested in retro c74

just like the original!