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About The Commodore 64 GS

CommodoreCommodore 64 GS

Written by

Matt James

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The Commodore 64 GS, or C64GS for short, is a cartridge-based keyboardless version of the Commodore 64. Released in 1990, this was Commodore’s attempt at jumping on the console bandwagon started in the late 1980s.

Simply designed as a base unit that takes cartridges and 2 joystick ports, it lacked the standard keyboard of the C64. This meant that any full cross-compatibility with any C64 cartridge game could not be guaranteed as some games required a keyboard.

Ultimately, the system was a huge failure due to the now ageing, redundant hardware specification of the Commodore 64 GS. Game cartridges although loaded much quicker than tapes were its Achilles heel, purely in cost terms. Consumers could simply go and purchase an already cheap C64C computer and purchase the tape versions of games at a fraction of the price.

Considered a significant commercial failure, the Commodore 64 GS has become something more of a cult classic. Many software titles were promised by developers in the run-up to its release, but only 28 games were officially released during the system’s life.

Commodore 64 GS
The Commodore 64 GS

How To Emulate This System?

Commodore 64 GS emulation is reasonably well catered for, we recommend taking a look at RetroArch if you are seeking an all-in-one solution. RetroArch emulates a large number of systems including the Commodore 64 GS. RetroArch is a front end that utilises emulator ‘cores’, it is reasonably easy to use and has lots of good supporting documentation on how to use it. RetroArch is available across a number of platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi and many consoles. Take a look at our quick start guide for RetroArch which can get you up and running in 5 minutes.

Check out RetroArch here

The king of Commodore emulation has long reigned in the form of VICE (the Versatile Commodore Emulator). VICE provides emulation of pretty much all of Commodore’s systems except the Amiga.

It is the most complete all-in-one Commodore system emulator package available. We definitely recommended VICE as a single point to emulate most Commodore systems.

EmulatorDescriptionPlatform
VICEThe most configurable and advanced Commodore emulator, emulating a number of Commodore systems including the Commodore 64 GS. Certainly recommended if you want to play around with more in-depth settings.Windows / OSX / Linux / Android