The Cool World C64 cartridge has finally materialized—despite the game never seeing commercial release back in 1994. In the latest upload from 8Bit Retro ReFix, Steve breathes life into a long-lost Commodore 64 title using modern tools, custom artwork, and a little help from OneLoad64 curator StatMat.
Cool World was reviewed in Commodore Force magazine but mysteriously vanished before it hit shelves. Years later, Steve received a rare tape image from RetroBay’s Paul. That kicked off a full restoration effort—complete with custom tape artwork, screenshots, and a full physical cassette box mockup. But the real news? Cool World C64 is now playable via CRT and Magic Desk .bin files, thanks to StatMat’s expert cartridge conversion.
Building the Cartridge
Using blank Magic Desk PCBs from PCBWay, Steve explains how to construct a working cartridge. The process includes:
- Modding jumpers for 27C020 EPROMs
- Adding LS273 and LS02 chips
- Installing a reset button
- Burning the converted .bin file
If you’re even mildly handy with a soldering iron, you can build your own for the price of a takeaway burger.
OneLoad64 Integration
At the time of the video, Cool World C64 isn’t yet in the current OneLoad64 v5.7 release, but it’s expected to appear in a future update. StatMat’s packs are widely regarded for their high compatibility and fast loading times, and now they may include this previously lost title.
More Than Just Cool World
Steve’s video wraps with a look at upcoming projects—restoring a 1571 drive, tweaking an arcade Commando cabinet, and even some PlayStation 5 diagnostics with a thermal camera. But for retro fans, the highlight is clear: Cool World C64 has finally come home.
