Commodore 64

:For the hip hop group, see Commodore 64 (band).

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The Commodore 64 (C64, CBM 64, C=64) is a home computer with 64 kilobytes of RAM that was popular in the 1980s. Released to the public in August 1982 at a price of $595 USD, it offered unprecedented value in sound and graphics performance. With estimated sales between 17 and 25 million units until discontinuation in 1993, the C64 remains one of the best-selling computer models of all time.

Related Topics:
Home computer - Kilobyte - RAM - USD

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Unlike computers that were distributed only through authorized dealers, Commodore Business Machines also targeted department stores and toy stores. The unit could be plugged directly into a television set and play compelling games, giving it much of the appeal of dedicated video game consoles like the Atari 2600. Aggressive pricing of the C64 is considered to be a major catalyst in the video game crash of 1983.

Related Topics:
Commodore Business Machines - Video game console - Atari 2600 - Video game crash of 1983

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Approximately 15,000 software titles were made for the Commodore 64 — this includes development tools, office applications, and games. It is also credited with popularizing the computer demo scene. Though the original hardware is now used only by a few hobbyists, emulators allow anyone with a modern computer to run these programs on their desktop.

Related Topics:
Software - Demo scene - Emulator

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