Wolfgang from RETRO is the New Black dives straight into reviewing the Turbo Chameleon 64 V2, a versatile C64 FPGA cartridge that aims to pack a suite of advanced features into a single yellow shell. Right from the opening moments, viewers are drawn into the uncut, spontaneous exploration of the hardware, making this Turbo Chameleon 64 V2 review both informative and refreshingly real.
First Impressions and Physical Features
The review begins with Wolfgang’s hands-on look at the Turbo Chameleon 64 V2, shipped directly from Individual Computers in Germany. The cartridge immediately stands out for its vibrant color and array of ports. Users will notice the full-sized SD card slot, multiple buttons, a VGA output, two USB ports, and three PS2 ports for keyboard and mouse connections. A stereo audio output sits beside these features, giving direct access to the device’s SID emulation for authentic C64 sound.
Although the cartridge’s hardware inspires confidence, Wolfgang notes one quirk: SD card compatibility can be inconsistent. Many SD cards simply refuse to cooperate. Eventually, he finds success with a generic card from a local drugstore. This insight is valuable for anyone considering a purchase, as storage media hiccups are a common frustration among retro computing fans.
Plug-and-Play Expansion for the Commodore 64
Plugging the Turbo Chameleon 64 V2 into a standard C64 reveals its plug-and-play appeal. The cartridge fits snugly into the expansion slot, leaving plenty of space at the back. When powered on, it presents a clean and functional menu, guiding users through a wealth of features.
From the start, the cartridge acts as a highly accurate disk drive emulator, with support for multiple drives and various file types. Whether users want to load PRG files, D64 disk images, or even run cartridge images, the file browser feels fast and responsive. The review highlights the built-in SID player and a machine language monitor, underscoring the unit’s ambition as a comprehensive expansion device.
Speed Options and Turbo Functionality
One of the main attractions of the Turbo Chameleon 64 V2 is its turbo capability. This feature allows users to run the C64 at speeds far beyond its factory limits. Wolfgang demonstrates the speed settings, ranging from 2 MHz to a blistering 6 MHz, and even an “unlimited” mode. With turbo mode enabled, games and demos can run much faster, sometimes hilariously so. Classic titles like Out Run become nearly uncontrollable at high speeds, providing a fun way to see the hardware’s limits.
This turbo functionality offers more than just laughs. Developers and advanced users can test how software behaves under various clock speeds, opening doors for experimentation and optimization.
Drive and Cartridge Emulation
The cartridge’s drive emulation is another strength. Supporting two drives simultaneously, it handles file images and disk operations seamlessly. Users can switch between emulated cartridges, load up to four at once, and launch cores from an intuitive menu. The Turbo Chameleon 64 V2 replaces a pile of legacy hardware: disk emulators, RAM expansion units, and multiple utility cartridges all become redundant once this device is installed.
Its REU (RAM Expansion Unit) support stands out, with options for up to 60 megabytes of RAM—an astronomical figure for the Commodore 64. The cartridge also includes a real-time clock, allowing time-stamped file operations.
Video Output and Standalone Operation
A notable upgrade over traditional C64 hardware is the inclusion of VGA output. This brings the Commodore 64 into the modern era with crisp, clear video on standard monitors. Wolfgang demonstrates the setup, showing that the Turbo Chameleon 64 V2 can run entirely without a C64, powered by USB and controlled via a PS2 keyboard. In standalone mode, it becomes a self-contained FPGA computer. With the right firmware, users can load other cores, transforming the device into systems like the ZX Spectrum or Atari 8-bit machines.
While Wolfgang encounters a few setup quirks in standalone mode, the review highlights how flexible the cartridge is, with the option to add a docking station for more ports and keyboard connections.
Practical Performance and Real-World Use
During the review, Wolfgang loads and runs classic games, demos, and utility software. The cartridge proves reliable, with instant loading and accurate emulation of both disk operations and RAM expansion. Even advanced titles like Sonic, which require an REU, function flawlessly. Wolfgang admits to selling his previous RAM expansion and SD card hardware after installing the Turbo Chameleon 64 V2, a testament to its effectiveness as an all-in-one solution.
Price and Value
At a price point of around 235 Euros (before adding accessories like the docking station), the Turbo Chameleon 64 V2 represents a significant investment. However, the value becomes clear once users consider the cost of equivalent expansion hardware. Instead of juggling multiple cartridges and adapters, users get disk emulation, turbo acceleration, RAM expansion, and modern video output in one package.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Turbo Chameleon 64 V2 review closes with Wolfgang inviting viewers to request further coverage, such as deep dives into REU features, turbo quirks, or standalone operation. He encourages feedback and suggestions for future videos, keeping the conversation going within the retro community.
For anyone passionate about the Commodore 64, this versatile C64 FPGA cartridge is hard to ignore. Its ability to replace stacks of aging peripherals, speed up the system, and connect to modern displays puts it at the top of the wish list for both hobbyists and serious retro users.
Catch the full review on RETRO is the New Black’s channel to see the Turbo Chameleon 64 V2 in action, and witness just how much new life this yellow cartridge can breathe into classic hardware.
