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Commodore 64 Games System (C64GS)
| Type |
Console |
Developer |
Commodore, LTD. |
| Release Date |
1990-Dec |
Region(s) |
Europe |
| Initial Price |
$189 USD |
Games Released |
28 |
|
 |
 DW FACTS
by Dark Watcher |
In 1982 a low cost home computer was released and achieved amazing success. The computer was called the Commodore 64.
By 1990, Commodore set their attentions on the videogame console market. They followed the same concept as other computer
companies (Fujitsu with the FM Towns Marty and the Amstrad GX4000). Their new system was called
the Commodore 64GS (GS = Game System). This unit was basically just a repackaged Commodore 64 computer without a keyboard, port
access (Disk drive, etc) or standard ROM chip. Cartridges were loaded through the top port. The console was packaged with
a joystick and a cartridge containing International Soccer, Klax, Flimbo's Quest and Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun,
Since the console was essentially a computer in new skin, it was compatible with all existing Commodore 64 carts. The Commodore
64GS also spurred development of newer cartridges released specifically for the console. |
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The C64GS never achieved the level of success that its computer big brother did. For a little more money you could own the
Commodore 64 computer (cheaper by this time) and still play the same carts, a vast library of disk / cassette games (not to mention
other computer perks). The console suffered poor sales and was pulled from store shelves. It was never released outside of
Europe.
If the Commodore 64GS were released shortly after the Commodore 64 computer, it might have given the Nintendo Entertainment System a
run for its money due to its graphical capabilities and the sheer size of its software library.
FACT: The Commodore 64GS may not have succeeded in the console market, but its creation did help bring Commodore users
(particularly in Europe) more cartridge titles to enjoy. |
|
 MODELS
Officially licensed releases |
|
Commodore 64 Games System (64GS) Tech Pictures |
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Courtesy of Charles Lee |
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|
 CLONES
Non-licensed hardware releases |
No clones were released for this system.
|
 FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO
Interesting facts on software for this system |
Software for the Commodore 64 Games System (64GS) was distributed in the ROM cartridge format.
The cartridges are the same exact size as those utilized with its big brother, the Commodore 64 personal computer. Most titles were distributed in tall, cardboard that
are rather sturdy and not prone
to being crushed.
The Commodore 64GS logo was displayed on the front cover to inform the consumer of compatibility with this
fledgling console in addition to the C64 and sometimes the C128. |
Sample Game Play (from C64 PC)
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Commodore 64GS Game Boxes
    
    
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|
 SCREENSHOTS
Captured in-game images |
Badlands
 |
Batman: The Movie
 |
Battle Command
 |
Chase HQ 2: Special Criminal Investigation
 |
Cyberball
 |
Double Dragon
 |
Fast Food
 |
Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun
 |
Flimbo's Quest
 |
International Soccer
 |
KLAX
 |
Last Ninja Remix
 |
Lemmings
 |
Microprose Soccer
 |
MYTH: History in the Making
 |
Navy SEALS
 |
Pang
 |
Professional Skateboard Simulator
 |
Professional Tennis Simulator
 |
Rick Dangerous
 |
Robocop 2
 |
Robocop 3
 |
Shadow of the Beast
 |
Stunt Car Racer
 |
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
 |
Toki
|
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|
|
 EMULATION
First and third party system emulators |
CCS64
 
Emulates the Commodore 64 computer. So essentially you get cartridge emulation, and then some.
|
 SPECS & MANUALS
For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love. |
| Processor Type |
Processor
Speed |
Other
Processor Information |
RAM \ Video RAM |
|
8-bit CSG 6510A |
0.985 MHz |
MOS Technology VIC-II MOS
8569 (video) |
64 KB \ 0.5 KB |
|
Screen Resolution
|
Color Palette
|
Polygons \ Sprites
|
Audio |
|
320 x 200 |
16 colors |
8 sprites (4 colors max) |
6581 "SID" (3 voices) |
|
Media Format
|
Media Capacity
|
Games Released
|
Other Supported Formats
|
|
Cartridge |
16 KB |
28 |
Commodore 64 cartridges
(ones that do not require keyboard) |
|
Internal Storage
|
External \ Removable Storage
|
Game Controllers
|
Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
|
|
20 KB ROM |
None |
Joystick, 2 Trigger
Buttons, 1 Action Button |
None |
| Controller Ports |
Network Ports |
Other Ports
|
Audio \ Video
|
|
Two (2) DB9 |
None |
None |
S-Video \ Composite (via 8 pin DIN
plug), RF |
|
Power Supply - External
|
Other Outputs
|
Other Details \ Notes
|
Input: 240V, 50 HZ
Output: DC 5V (Pins 1/5),
AC 9V (Pins 6/7) |
None |
None |
| Manuals |
Commodore 64GS Tech Sheet (PDF) - 0.49 MB
Commodore 64GS Software Manual (PDF) - 0.92 MB |
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2010s - NOTES
WEB RESOURCES
DISCUSS