The question echoing through retro computing communities—forums, YouTube comments, and Discords alike—is simple: Will we ever see a new Commodore Amiga? In his latest video, The Retro Shack tackles this question head-on, dissecting over four decades of technological evolution, corporate takeovers, courtroom battles, and branding disputes. If you’ve wondered whether a Commodore Amiga return is even possible, this video lays out the tangled threads of history and modern ownership.
The story stretches back to 1982, when J. Miner and his team developed the “Lorraine” project under Amiga Corporation. Commodore swept in to acquire the struggling startup just days before Atari could call in a debt. That bold move launched the Amiga 1000 in 1985, followed by several beloved models. Yet by 1994, Commodore filed for bankruptcy, leaving the Amiga name to chart its own course under multiple new owners.
Trademark Tug-of-War
After Commodore’s demise, Amiga fell into the hands of Escom, then Gateway, and eventually Amiga Inc. Meanwhile, emulation software Amiga Forever (from Cloanto) gained traction, preserving the platform’s legacy. Cloanto later acquired much of Amiga Inc.’s intellectual property. Hyperion Entertainment, who developed AmigaOS 4, remains locked in recurring legal friction with Cloanto over licensing rights. A June 2025 court decision even revived part of Cloanto’s infringement claims, keeping the litigation fire lit.
At the same time, Commodore has its own branding saga. In 2025, YouTuber Christian “Perifractic” Simpson announced he had acquired Commodore Corporation BV. He aims to develop new hardware under the Commodore brand, even pulling in original engineers like Bil Herd and Albert Charpentier. Commodore Industries SRL has disputed that claim, asserting their own trademark rights. The Retro Shack carefully presents both positions—without picking sides—highlighting how these overlapping claims complicate the possibility of an official Commodore Amiga return.
Could It Happen?
So, can these divided paths meet again? Technically, yes. But the legal, strategic, and financial obstacles are significant. Cloanto has treated Amiga as more than a brand—it’s a mission. Any potential sale or licensing deal with the new Commodore effort would require alignment of values and trust, not just money. In the near term, a licensing arrangement seems more plausible than outright reunification. Still, if the Commodore reboot builds community goodwill, Cloanto might one day reconsider.
If you’re invested in the future of retro computing—or just want to understand why one of the most iconic platforms in history still sparks debate—this video is a must-watch.
