Commodore 64 Ultimate vs. TheC64 Maxi: A Comprehensive Comparison of Commodore 64 Systems

Since publishing my article on the officially revived Commodore 64 Ultimate, I’ve received numerous insightful and valuable comments from my followers. One particular question stood out, which I believe others may also be interested in.

Hardware Architecture

Commodore 64 Ultimate

• Utilizes an AMD Artix 7 FPGA for cycle-accurate emulation of VIC-II, SID, and CIA chips.
• Features 128 MB DDR2 RAM and 16 MB flash storage, enhancing the original 64 KB.
• Physical ports include HDMI/DVI output, 8-pin analog video DIN, three USB-A 2.0 ports, a 3.5 mm jack, S/PDIF, Wi-Fi, 100 Mbps Ethernet, and a MicroSD slot.

TheC64 Maxi

• Operates with a quad-core ARM processor running the VICE emulator, which simulates C64 hardware.
• Ports include HDMI (720p), four USB ports, micro-USB power, and a 3.5 mm audio output—no analog video or original C64 ports.
• Original joysticks, disk drives, or Datasette connections are not supported; only USB devices can be connected.

Software Approach and Emulation

• Ultimate’s FPGA core focuses on achieving 100% hardware fidelity, ensuring most software runs with original timing.
• The Maxi employs VICE 2.4 for SID emulation; however, it lacks second SID chip support, delivering mono sound.
• Both devices accept firmware updates via USB flash drives, although switching PAL/NTSC on the Maxi will reset all settings.

Emulation and Latency

The C64 Maxi operates on a VICE emulator leveraging an ARM CPU that compromises cycle accuracy, which can result in audio issues (mono SID) and timing discrepancies. Input lag measures about 1–2 ms, which can increase with display lag. The Ultimate, however, features an FPGA-based, cycle-accurate core that virtually eliminates emulation glitches and input delays.

Peripheral Support

• Commodore 64 Ultimate
  • Includes two DB-9 joystick ports.
  • Features cartridge and Datasette connectors.
  • Offers native support for original 1541/1530 drives and any IEC-bus CBM/C64 devices.
• TheC64 Maxi
  • Only supports USB for joysticks and storage.
  • The included joystick has received criticism for its cheap feel and sticky buttons—third-party USB controllers are recommended.
  • Switching virtual joystick ports requires software workarounds.

User Experience

• Keyboard
  • Ultimate: features an authentic C64 layout with deep, responsive keystrokes.
  • Maxi: showcases retro styling with PETSCII legends and a softer key response.
• Menu/UI
  • Ultimate: presents a minimalist interface with a direct BASIC prompt.
  • Maxi: utilizes an intuitive “carousel” game-selection menu, which may introduce slight menu lag.
• Input Lag
  • The Maxi features a lag of about 1–2 ms, which is usually imperceptible for gaming; additional display lag may add to this.
• Saving/Transfer
  • Ultimate: allows saving via MicroSD or USB.
  • Maxi: USB-only (.d64/.crt files) and lacks a built-in file manager.

Disadvantages of TheC64 Maxi

• Exclusively USB joystick support, lacking original DB-9 ports, necessitating adapters.
• The included controller is often viewed as low-quality with sticky buttons.
• No analog video output (HDMI-only at 720p), limiting compatibility with CRTs or RGB mods.
• Powered via micro-USB, requiring specific cables/adapters; it won’t boot from generic USB hubs.
• Switching between PAL/NTSC resets settings to factory defaults, with no quick-select menu option.

Compatibility with Original Storage Peripherals

The Commodore 64 Ultimate natively supports:

• Datasette port (6-pin edge connector) • Compatible with original tape drives, like the Commodore 1530 (C2N) and 1531.
• IEC (disk drive) port (6-pin DIN) • Functions with all stock floppy drives: 1541/1541-II, 1571, 1581, as well as other IEC-bus CBM/C64-compatible devices.
• Cartridge port • Supports nearly all original cartridges (games, FastLoad, Action Replay, etc.) with over 99% compatibility.

Conversely, the TheC64 (Mini/Maxi) lacks native IEC or Datasette ports, meaning direct connection with original disk and tape drives is not possible.

• USB mass storage
  • Load .d64, .tap, .crt files into the VICE emulator using USB flash drives or external HDDs.
• USB floppy drives (formatted as FAT)
  • Can read physical 3.5″ PC floppies as FAT partitions, but does not support GCR encoding used by original 1541 disks.

Not supported includes:

• Original IEC-bus 1541/1571/1581 floppy drives.
• Commodore 1530/1531 Datasette.
• Any other CBM/C64-compatible analog storage devices.

In summary, TheC64 accepts only USB-based image files (or FAT-based floppy media) and does not support native reading of physical disks or tapes.

If you’re interested in the new Commodore 64 Ultimate and haven’t placed your order yet, you can do so now and take advantage of some discounts: