Commodore MAX Machine

The MAX Machine was a low-cost Japanese computer and game system using the same VIC-II and SID chips as the forthcoming Commodore 64 but with only 2KB RAM.

Its hardware makes it a fascinating transitional system and its cartridges influenced early C64 software.

Notable Features

• The flat membrane keyboard and sculpted black case are unique.
• Many MAX cartridges can run on a Commodore 64.

Historical Significance

• Its hardware makes it a fascinating transitional system and its cartridges influenced early C64 software.

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 MAX Machine
Manufacturer	Commodore
Launched	Friday, January 1, 1982
Discontinued	1982
Country	United States
CPU	MOS 6510 at approximately 1 MHz
Units Sold
Form Factor	Low-profile keyboard computer
Power	External or internal mains supply according to model
Networking	Commodore serial networking and third-party network adapters where supported
Operating System	Cartridge software; limited BASIC cartridge
Expansion / I/O	Cartridge, cassette, joystick, audio/video
Keyboard	Integrated membrane keyboard
Storage	ROM cartridge and cassette
Sound	SID three-voice synthesizer
Colours	16 colours
Graphics	VIC-II sprites, bitmap and character modes
Display	Television output; 40-column capability through VIC-II
ROM	Cartridge software plus small system ROM
RAM	2KB
CPU Speed	Approximately 1 MHz