In this latest upload from Anachronistic Things, the spotlight lands on a unique Commander X16 setup—one that ditches a flashy modern enclosure for a recycled Sony VAIO case. The host walks viewers through how the compact 8-bit computer board, sourced from BCF Southwest, fits surprisingly well inside the vintage PC shell. The result? A throwback build that looks right at home on a retro computing desk.
The video kicks off with a casual demo: typing in the boot command to launch the intro menu from the included SD card. The card doesn’t just contain demos—it’s loaded with software and an easy-to-use menu system. That makes exploring the X16’s capabilities feel more like tinkering on a classic system than setting up a modern dev board.
Throughout the demonstration, viewers get a taste of what’s preloaded: audio demos, visuals, and more than a few nostalgic tunes peppered with the occasional “heat heat” soundtrack riff for comedic flair.
The case itself may be temporary, but it’s functional and portable. The host hints at plans for a more permanent solution—possibly a 3D-printed case modeled after the Commodore 128—but admits the current Sony shell does the job well for now, especially when hauling the X16 to events.
For anyone curious about retro-modern hybrids, or just wondering how flexible the X16 hardware can be when paired with some creative reuse, this Commander X16 setup is a solid example of how to bring retro computing back to life—no soldering iron or case modding headaches required.
