The Commodore 64 holds a well-deserved spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling single model computer of all time. Its impact on the tech world is undeniable, but one mystery has persisted for decades: how many units of the Commodore 64 were actually sold?
Estimates vary wildly across the internet. Some sources suggest a figure as modest as 12 million, while others claim a staggering 30 million. That’s a pretty big gap for a machine so iconic. If you’re a retro computing enthusiast or simply curious about the truth, the latest video from the Commodore History channel dives deep into this enduring debate.
To tackle this puzzle, the channel’s host takes an unprecedented step: inviting none other than Don Greenbaum, the former Treasurer of Commodore International Limited, to join the conversation. Greenbaum’s firsthand knowledge offers unique insights into the company’s operations during the height of the Commodore 64’s success.
In this thought-provoking video, Greenbaum sheds light on the challenges of pinning down exact sales numbers. After all, the Commodore 64 wasn’t just sold in a single market—it conquered the globe. It was distributed through an intricate network of regions, often under fragmented sales reports. Greenbaum discusses how inventory records, licensing deals, and even gray-market imports contributed to the confusion surrounding the actual figures.
Whether you’re a Commodore 64 fan, a tech historian, or someone who simply loves a good mystery, this is one video you don’t want to miss.
