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Mini Commodore 64 is coming to North America on Oct. 9

Already available in Europe, TheC64 Mini comes with 64 games preinstalled for your retro gaming pleasure.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
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David Carnoy
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Relive the glory of the Commodore 64.

 Retro Games/Screenshot by CNET

In case you missed it, last September Retro Games announced it was going to put out a mini version of 1982's Commodore 64 called the TheC64 Mini. The system actually shipped in Europe earlier this year, and is finally coming to North America on Oct. 9, just in time for the holiday season. It's available for preorder now for $70.

Half the size of the original version, it comes come with 64 preinstalled licensed games including Impossible Mission II, Boulder Dash, Jumpman, Pitstop II and Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe that may bring back some fond memories if you were born in the '70s. Perhaps because it's slightly too retro, or too obscure for American audiences, it doesn't have quite the same kind of appeal as Nintendo's NES Classic or SNES Classic mini consoles, which sold out quickly at launch.

Watch this: Consoles that take you back to Nintendo's golden age

You can actually buy the C64 Mini now on Amazon if you're willing to pay a premium (it's about double the list price). User reviews on Amazon UK, where the product costs £65, are decidely mixed.

We'll let you know whether it's worth $70 as soon as we get our hands on a review sample. Personally, I'm waiting for the Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 Mini. Alas, that isn't available yet.

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The C64 Mini is just half the size of the original 1982 Commodore 64, but still oozing with nostalgia.

 Retro Games/Screenshot by CNET

Here are the TheC64's key features, according to Retro Games:

  • Preloaded with 64 classic games: TheC64 Mini comes with 64 classic titles already installed, including California Games, Winter Games, Impossible Mission II, Boulder Dash, Jumpman, Pitstop II, Speedball II: Brutal Deluxe, Street Sports Baseball, Summer Games II, Temple of Apshai Trilogy, Uridium and more.
  • USB ports: The unit is equipped with two USB ports, allowing you to add an extra joystick for multiplayer games or plugging in a keyboard to create your own programming masterpieces.
  • Customized visuals: The unit features high-definition output at 720p and 60Hz via HDMI, 4:3 ratio, US/Europe display mode options and a CRT filter for that classic look.
  • Retro computing: Plug in a USB keyboard and use as a fully functional home computer with C64 BASIC.
  • You can save: Unlike the original, TheC64 Mini allows you to save your progress in games.
  • Update ready: Supports software updates via USB flash drive so you have access to improved and enhanced programming.
  • $70 (preorders now open)