Wolfgang from RETRO is the New Black takes a closer look at a rare and unusual Commodore 64 release: the first CD-based game compilation for the system. Titled 1st CD-Edition 10 Game Classics, this Rainbow Arts production offers an unconventional way to load games onto the C64—via audio CD.
A C64 CD-ROM? Not Quite.
Unlike platforms that natively supported CD-ROM drives, the C64 never had such an option. Instead, this compilation works through an adapter that allows the system to interpret audio signals from a standard CD player as digital data. The package includes a CD, a bilingual manual (German and English), and the necessary adapter to facilitate the connection.
How It Works
The adapter plugs into the C64’s cassette port while connecting to a CD player’s line or headphone output. Each track on the CD corresponds to a different game. To load one, users boot the C64, enter the standard LOAD command, and then start the CD player on the correct track. The machine reads the audio, which sounds like static to human ears but carries compressed game data.
This method significantly reduces loading times compared to traditional cassettes. The CD delivers game data much faster whereas a standard tape might take minutes. The video demonstrates the process in action, showing the speed improvements and game playback.
Inside the Adapter
At the heart of the adapter is a simple circuit featuring an MC14069UB hex inverter, along with resistors and a capacitor. This setup converts the analog signal into a form the C64 can recognize. Wolfgang also discusses how schematics are available online for those interested in recreating the adapter themselves.
A Unique Piece of C64 History
The 1st CD-Edition 10 Game Classics compilation is an inventive workaround for the C64’s hardware limitations and a rare example of CD-based software for the system. Whether for collectors or DIY enthusiasts, this release remains an intriguing experiment in alternative data loading methods.
