IDEAS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD
Commodore 77 has just been announced in a special edition dedicated to the video game Cyberpunk 2077. If one company’s atmosphere fits perfectly with the world of Cyberpunk 2077, it is Commodore. The home-computing pioneer’s boxy machines surely inspired the cyberdecks used by all the best netrunners of the era. That is why this collaboration between the new Commodore and CD Projekt Red (CDPR) makes as much sense today as it would have in 1984 or 2077.
Commodore 77: I have no reason to use it, but I desperately want it
The two have teamed up to create the Commodore 77, a version of the Commodore 64 Ultimate that looks like a relic straight out of Night City. Its yellow breadbin-shaped case is dented and covered in graffiti, with a metal plate over the row of function keys and partially peeled-off stickers. Even the boot screen has been redesigned to suit its new dystopian aesthetic. Were it not for the logo engraved on the front, it would be easy to imagine it as an object taken directly from a video game.
Fans of 2K77 will be delighted to learn that the game includes a demo featuring an experience that “expands the lore of the Cyberpunk universe”. The demo was created by the Polish C64 group Arise, with a soundtrack composed by chiptune artist LukHash. The game will also be distributed on a cartridge with an “Arasaka” design. Buyers will also find a new custom neon light, stickers, pins, collector’s packaging and a themed spiral-bound user guide.
All of this brings back wonderful memories of my father giving me a Commodore 64 and my first video games when I was a little girl. Oh, the nostalgia!
Interesting details
If you are unfamiliar with it, Commodore was revived by YouTuber Christian “Perifractic” Simpson, with the 64 Ultimate as its first product. It is an FPGA recreation of the original model, with a real keyboard, HDMI, USB and Wi-Fi, backwards-compatible with original C64 accessories. The new models are even made using the original injection moulds and are available in both the original beige “breadbin” shape and the more Amiga-like C64C form. Judging by appearance alone, it looks decidedly better than the C64Mini for anyone seeking a nostalgic trip.
The Commodore 77 is available to preorder for $377 at Commodore.net, although no delivery date has been set yet.
Commodore’s statements
Commodore says the C77 is its first franchise hardware collaboration in the company’s 68-year history. “I have been a fan of the game since its release, and it was rewarding to discover during my conversations with co-CEO Michał Nowakowski that he, too, has been a lifelong Commodore 64 enthusiast”, said Peri Fractic, Commodore’s President, CEO and Chief Product Officer, discussing the collaborative product. “For both of us, this has been a collaboration in which art imitates life and, as a result, the lives of Night City’s inhabitants now imitate that art. We hope they enjoy their new terminal.”
There is much to say about the new C77’s art style, but we will let the video and images speak for themselves. A few details are worth highlighting, though. Yes, for example, that is a brushed-metal plate to the right of the keyboard, quite different from the original beige model.
Switching on the C77 opens up new experiences. Alongside the custom Cyberpunk 2077-themed Commodore 77 BASIC 2.0 boot screen, there are new menu colours matching the game’s universe. The themed package also includes a 2 MB demo cartridge inspired by Cyberpunk 2077. Insert it to enjoy an exclusive demo in pure Cyberpunk style, created by Polish C64 demoscene group Arise, with an original soundtrack by chiptune legend LukHash. The soundscape uses the C64U SID chip’s 24 stereo channels, while viewers can watch the LEDs behind the Commodore 77’s smoky translucent base light up and dance to the music.
