Commodore 64

The Commodore 64 (C64) is an 8-bit home computer released by Commodore International in August 1982. Featuring the MOS Technology 6510 CPU, VIC-II graphics chip, and SID sound synthesiser, it offered advanced multimedia capabilities at a competitive price. With worldwide sales estimated at over 17 million units, the C64 remains the best-selling home computer model of all time.

Background

Building on the earlier VIC-20, the C64 combined affordability with custom hardware that set it apart from most competitors. The VIC-II graphics and SID audio chips provided colour graphics, hardware sprites, and synthesiser-quality sound, making the machine especially attractive for gaming and creative applications.

The C64 entered a rapidly expanding home computer market, competing with the ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, and later the Amstrad CPC 464. Its extensive library of games, productivity software, and educational titles, combined with aggressive pricing and widespread retail distribution, cemented its popularity worldwide.

Beyond the home, the C64 also made an impact in schools, small businesses, and the demoscene, where its distinctive hardware inspired generations of programmers and musicians. Its legacy as a cultural icon of the 1980s remains strong, with an active community still producing new hardware and software more than four decades later.