“Is you is or is you ain’t” a miniature Commodore 64.
The answer is no. You are an emulator.
When retro gaming fans first heard about THEC64 Mini, many hoped it would be a faithful tribute to the beloved Commodore 64. But instead of delivering a modern classic, it landed more like a half-baked breadbox—flashy on the outside, undercooked on the inside.
From its decorative keyboard to its awkward joystick, this half-baked breadbox tries hard to charm. Yet it stumbles where it matters most: usability, game selection, and honoring the original’s spirit.
A Mini That Tries, but Fails
The visual design nails the nostalgia. It looks like the real deal, just smaller. But try typing anything, and you’ll be reminded that the keyboard is just for show. Programming on this half-baked breadbox? You’ll need to plug in a USB keyboard first—talk about breaking the immersion.
Meanwhile, the bundled joystick feels cheap and uncomfortable, turning even simple gameplay into a chore.
Game Library: Familiar Faces Missing
Despite shipping with 64 games, the lineup feels oddly foreign. Sure, there are classics like Jumpman and Impossible Mission, but where’s Bruce Lee or Raid on Bungeling Bay? The absence of familiar, cartridge-era staples makes it harder to connect with.
More recognizable titles could’ve boosted appeal—and probably sales too.
A Promise Still on Hold
Early backers pledged support back in 2016, expecting a full-sized Commodore 64 reboot. Instead, they got the Mini as a holdover, with vague updates about the larger model still to come. The delays and missing features have made many fans understandably skeptical.
Firmware updates have helped, slowly patching in functionality. But these fixes highlight how incomplete the original release felt.
The Final Word
THEC64 Mini, despite its nostalgic design, offers a lackluster retro experience. For the price, you could build a better emulator setup yourself—with a real keyboard, better games, and full control.
Unless you’re buying for display or stumble across a steep discount, this one’s easy to skip.
