In his latest video, CommodoreSam introduces a one-of-a-kind creation: the Plexi Commodore 128, a fully customized case built to solve several headaches that come with using the original DCR model as a daily machine. While the stock 128DCR—with its built-in 1571 drive and external keyboard—offers a neat all-in-one solution, Sam walks through its drawbacks for modern retro users. From limited drive number configurability to rear port access issues, he outlines why the standard unit doesn’t quite cut it for his current workflow.
To address those limitations, Sam went all in on a unique solution. He transplanted a flat Commodore 128 motherboard into a sleek, modular case of his own design. Constructed from 3D-printed panels and framed in clear blue plexiglass, the build is both functional and visually consistent with other customized gear in his setup—right down to the blue accents that match his other mods. And no, you don’t need complex software to recreate it. The entire design came together in Tinkercad and was printed on a consumer-grade Bambu 3D printer.
The Plexi Commodore 128 isn’t just about looks. It offers full keyboard drawer compatibility, better access to ports and cartridges, and the flexibility to skip the built-in drive altogether—freeing up space for SD2IEC, CMD hard drives, or whatever else you’ve got on hand. Sam even customized the keyboard interface, adapting a damaged 128 keyboard plug to cleanly connect to a DB25 breakout instead of relying on unreliable pin headers.
Inside, he’s running JiffyDOS and C64 OS, with plans to share more on the latter in a future video. For now, the spotlight is on this upgraded case design, which manages to look good while solving common frustrations many Commodore users know too well. Whether you’re building your own or just looking for ideas, this mod is worth a closer look.
