The C64 console IndieGoGo – what’s going wrong?

 

New imaginings of the ZX Spectrum are clearly the flavour of the day – what with the Vega, Vega+ and now the ZX Spectrum Next. One would think that a campaign, similar at least to the ones for the Vega consoles would bring in a good result for those who announce a similar project for a ‘new’ Commodore 64. The C64 is of course more ‘international’ than the very UK centric ZX Spectrum thus one would think would attract the attention of a much wider audience.

The guys behind a new IndieGoGo pitch (a crowdfunding site that seems popular for this kind of thing) must have thought the very same thing and launched their campaign a few weeks back with a flexible goal, so whatever is raised is ultimately the funding to create the device. And even though the the concept pictures and scale model look great of both a new computer and a handheld console, the imagination of the pledging gamer has not been piqued.

THE64_labelled_diagram_desktop_cmzidw

The specification of the machine though, looks good:

  • Accurate recreation of the classic Commodore 64.
  • HDMI video and audio output.
  • We are considering composite video in addition to HDMI, for use on classic televisions.
  • Multiple SIDs for stereo sound (6581 or 8580)
  • New high-capacity (512MB+) writable cartridge support, with an adapter interface available later to provide classic cartridge compatibility.
  • Support for current storage media (for example SD cards), with emulation of the 1541.
  • Multiple joystick support for multi-player games.
  • Support for many of the popular emulator game file formats.
  • Firmware upgradable to support additional features and machines in the future (DTV64 features, etc.)
  • Hopefully the possibility to connect original peripherals, or via adaptors.

THE_64_mockup_held_tshirt_logo_blurred_quljgg

 

With only 16 days to go, $69,003 has currently been raised – the target set was $150,000. The question is why has this not been the success it should have been? Why does the ZX Spectrum projects command more interest?

Has this IndieGoGo campaign finally put the playgrounds fights of yesteryear to rest – the ZX Spectrum was and still is the best! Tell us your thoughts in the comments…

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8 Comments

  1. Mike 3rd May 2016
    Reply

    It’s basically an emulator with knobs on. Not many serious ’64 fans want another software emulator, even if it does offer some nice hardware extras. They want hardware. It could be done with the C64 DTV, why not something this?

    • Payton Byrd 3rd May 2016
      Reply

      I am very interested in a device with this form factor, emulated or not, so don’t make such blanket statements. Obviously $70,000 worth of interest has been shown so far.

  2. Glen McNamee 3rd May 2016
    Reply

    The interest is due to standard of campaigns not the original machines that inspired them. Launching on IndieGoGo (which provide less protections that Kickstarter), which nothing more than a video doesn’t not encourage people to gamble their money on a machine that only provides software emulation.

    • Jan 4th May 2016
      Reply

      Exactly why I am hesitant. On indiegogo, I need more convincing, especialky since I will be charged when pledging, instead of when and the campaign is funded

  3. cimerians 3rd May 2016
    Reply

    Because there is no info on a prototype and who’s making it.

    Discussion here:

    http://atariage.com/forums/topic/251494-a-new-commodore-64-computer-and-gaming-handheld-are-coming-via-indiegogo/

  4. Andy D 3rd May 2016
    Reply

    Keyboard cersion looks slick-if ONLY a rendering.

    But…… that handheld looks lazy and cobbled together to ride the Vega+’s coattails.

  5. Ant Harper 3rd May 2016
    Reply

    I like this and was going to pledge. Then someone mentioned Spectrum Next.
    Er… money re-allocated.

  6. Tony Maglia 3rd May 2016
    Reply

    Quoting a C64 forum:

    “Okay, let’s review:

    – Unconvincing blurry overall aim of the project
    – No prototype or even proof of work in progress, very little info on the actual implementation
    – Supposedly going to run an emulator on a standard SoC, no gate-level recreation, possibly proprietary interfaces, bad compatibility
    – Claims of first-rate development team, but no names mentioned, and the usual suspects are out
    – Dubious credibility regarding previous work and connections with successful projects and the teams behind them
    – Flexible funding goal on a project that requires a large fixed sum to produce the first batch of devices
    – Overall unrealistic funding vs time vs product estimation
    – No community-driven design or even a forum for suggestions
    – No added value to existing devices or software, even if it will be finished
    – Ludicrous amounts of (TM) and self-aggrandising marketing hogwash all over the place
    – “A reproduced manuscript for a piece of music from one of the biggest names in Commodore music, signed by the original musician.” – Now who would THAT be?
    – Not even proper proof-reading of the fundraiser site”

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