The Commodore 64 featured a lifespan that was somewhat unique, especially considering how popular it was (and remains to be).  Particularly, it missed the Internet (as we know it) and it missed “affordable” Wi-Fi options that we enjoy today.  Those things have not stopped independent developers from creating a Wi-Fi cartridge for the little Commodore computer.  The speeds are standard in comparison to commercially available at the time hardware and there are a few more steps than simply plugging it in and linking to your network.

This Wi-Fi cartridge is completely created by hand by Lemon64 forum member “Schema”.  Eventually there will be units made available for purchase, at this time though, there is just the one available.  Support for the 2400 baud transfer rate is the only speed available (you won’t be downloading at a lightning speed) and it uses the user port of the Commodore 64 rather than the speedier cartridge slot.

Lemon64 forum members are already helping with bringing the proposed cost ($200 per cartridge) down a bit.  Components are being discussed, substitutions brought up and arguments over various pieces abound.  For the tech heads out there, this is a great forum thread to follow, for me it is over my head.

The Commodore 64 is a computer that simply won’t die.  Over on Indie Retro News they have an article on replacement cases for the C64 (clear cases anyone?) for instance.  There are constantly new games being released, or in development for it, and more are on the way, I am sure.  This interest is probably due to the availability of the computer (it sold a ton when in production) and the ease in which it can be programmed for, hacked and modded thanks to the ports and cartridge slots available.  Commodore really did a fan service to gamers when they left so many things open on the Commodore 64, much like what Sega inadvertently did with their Dreamcast console.

Source: VintageIsTheNewOld.com

Carl Williams

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