Commodore 64 Games System

The C64 Games System converted C64-compatible hardware into a keyboardless cartridge console. It shipped with a multi-game cartridge and targeted the European console market.

Limited software suitability and competition from purpose-built consoles produced poor sales, but the machine is now highly collectible.

Notable Features

• A top-loading cartridge slot replaces the normal keyboard computer layout.
• Many C64 cartridges expected keyboard input and were unsuitable.

Historical Significance

• Limited software suitability and competition from purpose-built consoles produced poor sales, but the machine is now highly collectible.

Collector’s Notes

• Board revision, regional video standard, power supply, keyboard legends and original accessories should be recorded.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Commodore 64 Games System
Manufacturer	Commodore
Launched	Monday, January 1, 1990
Discontinued	1991
Country	United States
CPU	MOS 8500-family processor at approximately 1 MHz
Units Sold
Form Factor	Console
Power	External or internal mains supply according to model
Networking	Commodore serial networking and third-party network adapters where supported
Operating System	Cartridge software
Expansion / I/O	Cartridge, two joystick ports and audio/video
Keyboard	No alphanumeric keyboard; joystick control
Storage	Top-loading ROM cartridge
Sound	SID three-voice synthesizer
Colours	16 colours
Graphics	VIC-II graphics
Display	Television output
ROM	C64-compatible system ROM
RAM	64KB
CPU Speed	Approximately 1 MHz