Yes, it is a real product—but “Commadore” is spelled Commodore. The C64 Mini Black Edition is a modern, emulator-based miniature console with HDMI output, USB expansion, save states and 25 newer Commodore 64 games. It is not a working miniature C64 keyboard, and its game selection is not primarily a greatest-hits collection of famous 1980s releases.
The Black Edition was listed for release on October 28, 2025. Retailer materials describe it as a limited-edition black version of the C64 Mini, although no fixed production quantity has been established.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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THEC64 Mini - Black Edition | $65.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The C64 Mini USA Version | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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C64 MAXI MICRO COMPUTER CONSOLE 64 + Joystick. | $399.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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What is the C64 Mini Black Edition?
The C64 Mini Black Edition is a small modern console designed to emulate Commodore 64 software on a contemporary television. It connects through HDMI and is intended for plug-and-play gaming rather than for recreating every aspect of the original computer.
Its black shell gives it a different appearance from the standard C64 Mini, but the most important distinction is the included software: the Black Edition comes with 25 newer C64 games. That makes it especially interesting to fans of modern homebrew and indie development on Commodore’s 1980s platform.
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- A glorious half-size recreation of the iconic C64 in a striking black finish
- 25 of the highest rated new games, including; Sam’s Journey, A Pig Quest, Steel Ranger and Knight ‘n’ Grail
- High Definition output at 720p 50 or 60Hz
- Play in original 4:3 or pixel perfect aspect ratios, with or without CRT filters
- Save your progress in one of four save-game slots per game, and return at any time
The product should not be confused with an original Commodore 64, a full-size recreation such as THEC64, or FPGA hardware designed to reproduce the original machine at a hardware level.
Argos lists the Black Edition with 720p video, 50Hz and 60Hz output options, multiple display modes and four save slots per game.
The 25 included games
The published retailer list is:
- Yeti Mountain
- Spinning Image
- Steel Ranger
- A Pig Quest
- Hessian
- Joe Gunn: Gold Edition
- Hunter’s Moon Remastered
- It’s Magic 2
- Runn ’N’ Gunn
- Guns ’N’ Ghosts
- Metal Warrior Ultra
- Millie & Molly
- Rocky Memphis: The Legend of Atlantis
- Good Kniight
- Planet Golf
- Nixy and the Seeds of Doom
- P0 Snake
- Grid Pix
- Caren and the Tangled Tentacles
- Ooze: The Escape
- Sam’s Journey
- Shadow Switcher
- Pains ’N’ Aches
- Knight ’N’ Grail
- Galencia
This list is based on retailer product information, so buyers should compare it with the final packaging or supplied documentation. The important point is that the collection is largely made up of newer C64 productions, including recognizable modern titles such as Sam’s Journey, Steel Ranger, A Pig Quest and Knight ’N’ Grail.
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Anyone expecting a conventional retro compilation should adjust their expectations. The Black Edition does not present itself as a collection centered on well-known period games such as The Last Ninja, California Games, Bubble Bobble or International Karate.
Instead, it functions as a curated showcase for later C64 development. That is a strength if you want to discover what developers are still doing with the platform, but it may be a weakness for casual buyers who want instantly familiar nostalgia.
The selection is therefore narrower in name recognition but distinctive in purpose: it introduces modern C64 games rather than simply repeating the best-known commercial releases from the original computer’s heyday.
Does the keyboard work?
No—the miniature keyboard is decorative rather than a fully functional built-in keyboard. The console is designed primarily for the included joystick and compatible USB controllers.
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This is the most important limitation for anyone buying it as a tiny computer. You cannot treat the plastic keys as a practical replacement for an original C64 keyboard. If you want to type commands, use BASIC or interact with software that requires substantial text input, a separate USB keyboard is the sensible solution.
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- High definition output at 720p via HDMI
- Pixel Perfect display, with US/Europe display modes and crt filter options
- Save game function. Supports software updates via USB flash drive
- 2 USB ports: plug in a USB keyboard and use as a fully functional home computer, or add a second joystick for 2-player games
- Included: The C64 Mini computer, Classic USB joystick, HDMI cable, USB cable for power, 64 preinstalled games, instruction manual. *AC USB adaptor not included
Coverage also describes BASIC programming as a supported feature. However, the available product information does not establish the exact BASIC environment, save workflow or file-transfer process. In practical terms, programming is a bonus capability rather than evidence that the Black Edition is a complete miniature computer.
How it works with a modern TV
The HDMI connection is one of the Black Edition’s clearest advantages over original hardware. It is designed to connect directly to a modern television or monitor without requiring the period-specific video connections, adapters or specialist upscalers often associated with an original C64.
Published specifications identify these display features:
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- 50Hz or 60Hz display modes
- 4:3 aspect-ratio mode
- Pixel-perfect display option
- Optional CRT-style visual filters
The system also supports USB peripherals. That means users can connect modern USB controllers and, where needed, a USB keyboard. Compatibility with every controller, adapter or original Commodore joystick should not be assumed.
Save states and loading your own games
The console provides four save slots per game, offering a convenience that original C64 hardware generally does not. Save states make difficult games easier to revisit and remove much of the friction associated with cassette, disk or cartridge-era saving.
Retailer information also says that users can load games they own from a USB flash drive, including disc, cartridge and cassette ROM files. This is not an official online store, and it does not guarantee that every C64 program, file format, copy-protection scheme or peripheral-dependent title will work correctly.
“Games you own” matters here. USB loading does not make downloading arbitrary copyrighted ROMs lawful. Use only software for which you have the appropriate legal rights, and remember that compatibility may vary from one title or image type to another. The available information does not confirm a complete file-extension list or maximum USB-drive capacity.
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Black Edition features at a glance
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| Product type | Miniature HDMI console with C64 emulation |
| Included games | 25 newer C64 titles |
| Video | 720p through HDMI |
| Refresh options | 50Hz and 60Hz |
| Display modes | 4:3, pixel-perfect and CRT-style filtering |
| Saving | Four save slots per game |
| Controllers | Included joystick and supported USB peripherals |
| Keyboard | Built-in miniature keys are decorative; USB keyboard support is the practical option |
| Expansion | USB game loading and peripheral support |
| Programming | BASIC programming is described as supported, with a separate keyboard likely needed for practical use |
Price and availability
An Argos listing observed in the research priced the C64 Mini Black Edition at £89.99 in the United Kingdom. That figure is a retailer observation, not a guaranteed current global price; product prices and availability can change.
The same retailer information lists dimensions of 36 × 14 × 10 cm, a weight of 1.05 kg and a one-year manufacturer guarantee. Those details, like the game list, should be checked against the retailer’s current page before purchase.
U.S. deal coverage reported temporary prices of approximately $69.99, $65.24 and $49.99 during June 2026 promotions. Those were promotional prices, not a verified current U.S. price or proof of broad U.S. availability.
Who should buy it?
It is a good fit if you want:
- A straightforward HDMI-based C64 experience.
- A compact black console for a collection or display shelf.
- A curated introduction to modern C64 homebrew and indie games.
- Save states instead of original-era saving procedures.
- USB controller and legally owned ROM-loading flexibility.
- A simple way to experiment with BASIC using a separate USB keyboard.
It is a poor fit if you want:
- A genuinely working miniature C64 keyboard.
- A definitive collection of famous 1980s Commodore games.
- Hardware-level accuracy rather than emulation.
- Guaranteed compatibility with every original C64 program or controller.
- A full-size computer replacement with original peripherals.
- Online purchases, automatic updates or modern console-style technical support.
How it compares with the alternatives
Standard C64 Mini: This is the more obvious alternative if the black finish and the Black Edition’s particular 25-game selection are not important to you. Check the exact included software before assuming the two packages are identical or interchangeable.
Original Commodore 64: Original hardware remains the better choice for an authentic keyboard, peripherals and machine experience. It also brings age-related maintenance, harder modern-TV connections and greater setup complexity.
PC-based emulation: A computer emulator generally offers the broadest flexibility for software, configuration and peripherals. The trade-off is that it is less appliance-like than connecting a dedicated console to a television.
FPGA-based C64 hardware: FPGA systems such as the Commodore 64 Ultimate target a different audience, with an emphasis on hardware accuracy rather than the simplest inexpensive plug-and-play experience. GamesRadar has contrasted the C64 Mini with FPGA-based C64 hardware on that basis.
Verdict
The C64 Mini Black Edition makes the most sense as a stylish, convenient gateway to modern Commodore 64 games. Its HDMI output, save states and USB expansion make it much easier to use than aging original hardware, while the 25-game selection gives the package a clear identity.
But it should not be bought under the impression that it is a miniature working computer or a greatest-hits anthology of 1980s C64 classics. The right buyer is interested in modern C64 development, easy television play and the black collector-style design. The wrong buyer is looking for a usable built-in keyboard, guaranteed original-hardware compatibility or a definitive nostalgia library.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
