The Commodore Revival: From Assembly Code to AI-Driven Workflows

All This Has Happened Before And All This Will Happen Again

The computing world witnessed a remarkable event in 2025 when the iconic Commodore brand returned under new leadership. YouTuber Christian “Perifractic” Simpson successfully acquired Commodore Corporation for a low seven-figure sum, bringing together original Commodore engineers and modern tech innovators to revive one of computing’s most beloved brands.

 The Acquisition That Shocked the Tech World

In June 2025, Christian Simpson signed a share purchase agreement to acquire Commodore Corporation B.V., the Netherlands-based company that owns the Commodore trademarks and logo rights, for a price described as in the “low seven figures” (likely between $1–5 million). What started as an inquiry about licensing the Commodore brand for retro computing projects evolved into a full acquisition when the owners offered to sell the entire company.

The brand had remained under ownership by a Dutch company until 2025, changing hands multiple times since the original Commodore International declared bankruptcy in 1994. Simpson’s acquisition includes 47 trademarks dating back to 1982, giving the new team comprehensive rights to use the iconic name and logo in commercial ventures.

(Commodore 64 Ultimate – Source: commodore.net)

 A Team of Computing Legends

The new Commodore isn’t just another retro brand revival. Simpson assembled a team that includes original Commodore engineers Bill Herd (designer of the C128, Plus 4, and C16), Albert Charpentier (former Vice President of Engineering), Michael Tomczyk (former Assistant to President Jack Tramiel), and David Pleasance (former VP and Joint Managing Director). This combination of original expertise and modern innovation represents a unique approach to brand revival.

Notable team members include:

• Jeri Ellsworth, creator of the million-selling Commodore Direct-To-TV console
• Thomas Middleditch from HBO’s Silicon Valley as Chief Creative Officer
• Gideon Zweijtzer, inventor of the Ultimate-II cartridge
• Multiple former Commodore technical support and engineering personnel

 The C64 Ultimate: First Hardware in 30 Years

The Commodore 64 Ultimate represents the company’s first new hardware release in over 30 years, now available for pre-order starting at $299 with shipping expected in October 2025. Unlike software emulators, this new C64 is built around an AMD Artix 7 FPGA that faithfully recreates the original motherboard functionality.

The three available models offer different aesthetics but identical performance:

• Basic Beige Edition ($299): Classic breadbin design
• Starlight Edition ($349): Translucent case with color-changing LEDs
• Founders Edition ($499): Limited run with 24-karat gold elements

The system claims compatibility with “10,000+ original games, cartridges, and peripherals” and is “at least 99% compatible with all 80s/90s games, cartridges, and peripherals”. Modern features include HDMI output, USB ports, microSD storage, Ethernet, and WiFi connectivity while maintaining original ports for authentic peripherals.

 Beyond Nostalgia: A Vision for Computing’s Future

The guiding principle of Commodore’s revival is “honoring the past, innovating the future,” aimed at merging retro computing charm with modern technological demands. The new Commodore operates as a public benefit corporation, prioritizing retro computing preservation and community interests alongside profitability.

The company’s stated goals include streamlining brand usage and logo licensing while releasing original products. This approach allows existing retro computing projects to potentially gain official Commodore branding while creating space for entirely new innovations that embody the original company’s spirit of accessible, human-centered technology.

 How CinchOps Can Help

At CinchOps, we understand the journey from assembly language programming on Commodore 64s to today’s cloud-based infrastructure because we’ve lived it. Our technology roots run deep, from the days when 64KB was revolutionary to developing modern SaaS applications supporting millions of endpoints and AI-driven workflows.

Just as Commodore pioneered accessible computing in the 1980s, we help businesses navigate today’s technological evolution:

• Legacy System Integration: We bridge the gap between established systems and modern cloud platforms, ensuring your business maintains operational continuity while embracing innovation
• Process Automation: From manual assembly code to automated workflows, we implement intelligent systems that reduce complexity and increase efficiency
• AI-Driven Solutions: We deploy artificial intelligence tools that enhance decision-making and streamline operations, bringing the same revolutionary impact that the C64 had in its era
• Managed IT Services: Our comprehensive approach covers everything from basic infrastructure to advanced cybersecurity, providing the reliability businesses need in an interconnected world
• Digital Transformation: We help organizations evolve their technology stacks while preserving the human-centered approach that made Commodore special

Whether you’re running legacy systems that need modernization or implementing cutting-edge AI solutions, CinchOps brings decades of experience spanning the entire arc of computing evolution. We understand that great technology serves people, not the other way around – a principle that guided Commodore then and drives our managed services today.

Oh, and here’s a throwback to when our CEO and founder, Shane Stevens, was featured on the “Nostalgia Flakes” portion of Perifractic’s “Retro Recipes” at the 23:20 mark…

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