The latest video from More Fun Making It dives into how group buying can make collecting retro hardware more budget-friendly. Along the way, you’ll also see some SMD soldering under the microscope and get an overview of the Kung Fu Flash 2 cartridge for the Commodore 64. And to top it off, there’s even an accidental speed run of Sonic the Hedgehog on the C64!
Getting Into Vintage Computing—Without Breaking the Bank
Starting a retro computing hobby can be surprisingly affordable—until it’s not. Sure, you can find a Commodore 64 or ZX Spectrum at a decent price on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, but once it arrives, there’s a good chance it’ll need repairs. And before you know it, you’re investing in tools, spare parts, and maybe even documenting the whole process on YouTube.
Back in the day, software was everywhere—magazines came with free cover tapes, and budget games were easy to pick up in stores. Not so much anymore. While you can still find old tapes online, they’re often expensive and unreliable. Luckily, modern storage solutions exist, making it possible to load software instantly. One of the best options for the C64 is the Kung Fu Flash, an open-source cartridge that eliminates the need for fragile tapes or disks.
Kung Fu Flash 2: A Smarter Way to Store and Load Games
The Kung Fu Flash 2 improves on its predecessor by adding new features, including REU (RAM Expansion Unit) emulation. If you’re not familiar, the REU was an add-on that gave the C64 and C128 extra memory, useful for running more advanced games—like the Master System port of Sonic the Hedgehog.
You could buy a Kung Fu Flash 2 from eBay, but prices vary wildly. A better option? Build your own. Since the project is open-source, it’s possible to source the parts yourself and bring the cost way down. That’s where group buying comes in.
How Group Buying Cut Costs
Ordering a single PCB can be costly, so instead, a small group pooled resources. Five boards were ordered at first, then the group grew to 15, lowering the cost per unit even more.
The PCBs were manufactured and assembled by JLCPCB, but a few parts—like the SD card slot and crystal oscillator—had to be soldered manually due to supply shortages. To complete the project, custom 3D-printed cases were created by a community member using translucent PETG, and custom stickers were designed for a professional finish.
The Final Cost
Once everything was factored in—PCBs, components, assembly, cases, and stickers—each unit cost around £11. Compare that to pre-assembled versions on eBay, which were selling for about £75.
Why Group Buying Works
Building retro hardware through group buying isn’t just cheaper—it’s more rewarding. The Kung Fu Flash 2 is an excellent device that makes it easy to enjoy classic software, and the group-buy approach helped keep costs low while making it more accessible for everyone involved.
If you’re passionate about retro tech and looking to save money, this method is worth considering.
