Commodore and CD Projekt Red unveil Cyberpunk-themed retro computer with upgraded FPGA
Commodore has announced a special edition of its Commodore 64 Ultimate, dubbed the Commodore 77, created in collaboration with CD Projekt Red and styled after Cyberpunk 2077. The system features a faster AMD Artix XC7A100T FPGA, a custom boot screen, and an exclusive 2MB demo cartridge. This marks the first franchise hardware partnership in Commodore's 68-year history.
The Commodore 77 marks a significant departure for the brand, representing its first franchise hardware collaboration in nearly seven decades. Beyond the Cyberpunk 2077 aesthetic, the internal upgrade to the AMD Artix XC7A100T FPGA doubles the logic capacity and block RAM compared to the standard C64U's XC7A50T, potentially enabling more complex emulation or enhanced demo capabilities. The bundled 2MB cartridge features an exclusive demo from Polish group Arise with chiptune music by LukHash, leveraging the system's 24-channel stereo SID audio. Priced at $377, preorders opened immediately following the announcement, with the press release teasing a 77 MHz operational speed versus the original C64's 1 MHz.
This collaboration could bridge generational gaps in gaming culture, attracting both nostalgic retro enthusiasts and younger Cyberpunk 2077 fans to a shared hardware experience. The premium pricing and limited-edition nature may create a collector's market, potentially driving renewed interest in retro computing as a hobby. However, its practical impact remains niche, as the device serves primarily as a novelty item rather than a mainstream gaming platform, likely affecting only dedicated communities and collectors.