In a new video from Anachronistic Things, the Commander X16 gets a custom home in a rather unexpected shell: an old Sony VAIO case. The creator picked up the Commander X16 board at VCF Southwest and saw potential in repurposing this leftover PC case from a neighbor. The result? A clean and surprisingly practical setup.
A Quick Look at the Setup
Once installed, the system boots up cleanly with a basic @cd intro command, showing off an intro demo that runs straight from the SD card. It’s all very plug-and-play thanks to a bundled menu system that makes browsing and launching software simple—even for those new to the platform.
The video includes short demo clips set to music, cycling through several of the programs preloaded on the SD card. From graphics demos to audio samples, it’s clear that the Commander X16 isn’t short on charm—or capability.
What’s on the SD Card?
Alongside the built-in menu system, the SD card is packed with various demos, programs, and documentation. While this video only scratches the surface of what’s included, it gives a good first impression of what newcomers can expect right out of the box.
Case Choice: Functional with Character
The Sony VAIO case isn’t just a placeholder—it fits the X16 motherboard neatly, with enough room for ventilation and easy access. It’s not a sleek custom enclosure, but for event transport and day-to-day use, it gets the job done. The creator does mention a future interest in switching to a “pizza box”-style case, preferably one inspired by the Commodore 128’s design. Whether that turns into a 3D printing project or not remains to be seen.
For now, the current setup feels practical and personal—two qualities that define much of the Commander X16 community’s DIY spirit.
