In 1989, Commodore's UK subsidiary had the idea to market a console based on the already six-year-old C64. The development based in the US developed this console - despite
doubts - in record time of a few days: They simply installed a C64C board in a console case. The cartridge port was turned upwards, making modules easier to swap. In
addition, a few components were omitted, such as the serial port. A connection of a floppy disk drive was therefore not intended, although the technology of the C64
would support this. Also datasette and userport are still present on the board, however, the case prevents them from being used. Apart from the cartridge port, only
connections for two joysticks, the power supply, the video output and the TV modulator remained. The keyboard was simply omitted and cannot be connected externally.
Since it is not possible to use BASIC, Commodore has designed an animation that warns against swapping cartridges when the device is switched on. Although you can
start all C64 carts, you cannot use some because of the missing keyboard. Since a complete C64 was only slightly more expensive, but did not have all the above
limitations, the console became a flop. Therefore, only a few C64GS ("Games System") systems were sold, mainly in the UK. Of assumes 80,000 produced consoles, only
20,000 were sold. The boards of the remaining consoles were removed and the cases itself were later sold off very cheaply.
Technically, the C64 GS is similar to the normal C64 models. There is also a portable computer called SX-64 and the 4064, a version in a PET/CBM case intended for schools.
Technically, the C64 GS is similar to the normal C64 models. There is also a portable computer called SX-64 and the 4064, a version in a PET/CBM case intended for schools.
The case of the C64GS uses the typical beige Commodore color. The elongated and narrow shape corresponds to the built-in board. Bottom left, a small Commodore
logo (like that of the Amiga 500) was placed. The inscription "C64 Games System" was printed on the black part, with a green power LED in the middle of the C64GS
logo. The cartridge port has been turned upwards and is protected by a flap. When new, the consoles had a sticker glued over the cartridge port that warned you
to only change games only when the console is switched off.
As with the normal C64, there are connectors for two joysticks, the power switch and the power supply socket on the right side.
On the back you will find the video connector and the TV modulator with a switch. All other connections are not accessible from outside.
The underside has a void warranty seal and no type label, as this C64GS was disassembled by Commodore. The boards were removed and the
cases were sold off cheap separately, e.g. at the German "Conrad" electronics store.
The board of the C64GS comes from the C64C (ASSY 250469 Rev B). Differences are the rotated module port, the missing serial port and some missing components near the userport and datasette port. Also the keyboard connector was not populated. In addition, they used another ROM chip, which is responsible for the special switch-on message of the C64GS.
Note: The board shown here is a conversion of a C64C board. Therefore, all the parts are assembled, which would in an original C64GS board usually missing.
Note: The board shown here is a conversion of a C64C board. Therefore, all the parts are assembled, which would in an original C64GS board usually missing.
The joystick supplied with the C64GS was not made by Commodore. It's named "Cheetah Annihilator" and is of very poor quality. It does not feature microswitches.
Operating system
Since BASIC 2.0 of the C64 cannot be used without a keyboard, an animated startup screen has been designed. It appears if no module is inserted. This animation warns
about plugging in or unplugging modules while the device is switched on. Otherwise components in the console could be damaged.
3D Model
You can change the perspective, zoom and also change the lighting. Because of the ability to rotate the model in 3D, a current Adobe Reader is required (version 8.0 or better).
You can download the necessary software from the manufacturer's site.
This 3D-Model is © Stefan Egger!
Specifications
Released: | 1989 |
Production ends: | 1990 |
Launch Price: | 100 GBP |
Processor: | MOS 8500 (1,02 MHz) |
RAM: | 64 KB |
Operating system: | BASIC 2.0 (special startup screen) |
graphics chip: | MOS 8565 (VIC-II; PAL norm) |
Resolution: | Up to 320 x 200 |
Colors: | 16 |
Soundchip: | MOS 8580 (SID) |
Sound: | 3 voices, mono |
Size: | 415 x 162 x 50 mm |
Connections: | Module Audio/Video HF (Antenna) 2xJoystick PSU |
expansions inside: | none |
Sold: | 20.000 |
Rare? | ![]() |
Collection
The above shown computers are in the collection!
suitable
Compatible drives for the console C64 GS:
- none
- none