Commodore 64GS

Released: December 1990 Original Price: £99.99

Gallery

Commodore 64GS The Commodore 64GS console with its distinctive design and cartridge slot.

C64GS controller The C64GS controller, compatible with standard C64 joysticks.

C64GS game cartridges A selection of C64GS game cartridges, optimized for console play.

Commodore 64GS (Games System)

“The C64GS was our attempt to extend the life of the C64 in the face of growing competition from consoles like the NES and Sega Master System. By removing the keyboard and focusing on games, we hoped to create an affordable entry point for casual gamers. While it didn’t set the world on fire, it did find a niche in certain European markets and has since become a sought-after collector’s item.” - Bil Herd, Commodore Engineer

The Commodore 64GS (Games System) was a cartridge-based video game console released by Commodore in December 1990, exclusively in European markets. Based on the hardware of the popular Commodore 64 home computer, the C64GS removed the keyboard and tape/disk drives to create a dedicated gaming machine that competed with consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Master System. The GS stood for “Games System,” emphasizing its focus on gaming rather than general computing.

The C64 as a Console

The C64GS was essentially a repackaged Commodore 64 in a smaller case without a keyboard or data storage devices. It was designed to boot directly into games from cartridges, with a simplified user interface and lower price point than the full computer.

Key Features

Full C64 Compatibility: Played most C64 cartridge games
Improved Video Output: Cleaner signal than original C64
Simple Interface: Power on and play
Lower Price: More affordable than full computer
Cartridge-Based: Instant loading, no tapes or disks

Technical Specifications

CPU: MOS 6510 @ 0.985 MHz (PAL)
Memory: 64 KB RAM + 20 KB ROM (KERNAL/BASIC)
Graphics: VIC-II - 320×200, 16 colors, 8 sprites, smooth scrolling
Sound: SID 6581 - 3 channels, 4 waveforms, filter, ADSR
Storage: Cartridge only (no tape or disk)
Ports: Cartridge, 2× joystick, TV/RF, power
Operating System: Minimal OS with game launcher

Design and Features

Console Design

Case: Sleek black plastic
**Dimensions”: 32 × 20 × 6 cm (12.6 × 7.9 × 2.4 in)
“Weight”: 1.2 kg (2.6 lb)
“LED Indicator”: Red power light
“Reset Button”: For returning to menu

Controller

**Included”: Standard digital joystick
**Ports”: 2× DE-9 controller ports
**Compatibility”: Works with all C64 joysticks
**Buttons”: Single fire button

Media

**Cartridge Slot”: Standard C64 cartridge port
**Cartridge Size”: Up to 16KB ROM
**Save Games”: Battery backup not supported

The C64GS Experience

Game Library

**Official Titles”: ~30 games released
**Genres”: Platformers, shooters, sports, puzzle
**Exclusives”: Few true exclusives
**Compatibility”: Most C64 cartridges work

User Interface

**Boot Screen”: Simple game selection
**No BASIC”: Computer functions removed
**Reset Function”: Returns to menu

For Gamers

**Quick Start”: Instant loading
**No Configuration”: Plug and play
**Reliable”: No tapes or disks to fail
**Affordable”: Cheaper than full computer

Technical Deep Dive

Hardware Architecture

**Motherboard”: Based on C64C revision
**Chips”: Same as C64 (VIC-II, SID, etc.)
**Power Supply”: External 9V AC adapter
**Video Output”: RF and composite video

Differences from C64

**No Keyboard”: Computer functions removed
**No I/O Ports”: Only controller ports remain
**Smaller Case”: Redesigned housing
**Simplified BIOS”: Boots directly to game

Video System

**Chip”: MOS 6569 (PAL)
**Resolutions”: 160×200, 320×200
**Colors”: 16 (from palette of 16)
**Sprites”: 8 per scanline
**Scrolling”: Smooth hardware scrolling

The C64GS Legacy

Commercial Performance

**Release”: December 1990 (Europe only)
**Discontinuation”: 1991
**Price”: £99.99 (UK)
**Units Sold”: Estimated 20,000-50,000

Why It Failed

**Late to Market”: 8-bit was fading
**Limited Games”: Few exclusive titles
**Competition”: 16-bit consoles emerging
**No Keyboard”: Limited appeal

Collector’s Item

**Rarity”: Uncommon but not extremely rare
**Price Range”: $100-$500
**Sought-After Items”:
- Boxed systems
- Complete game sets
- Prototype hardware

Notable Games

Official Releases

**Fiendish Freddy’s Big Top O’Fun”: Puzzle
**Flimbo’s Quest”: Platformer
**International Basketball”: Sports
**Myth: History in the Making”: Platformer
**Robocop 2”: Action
**The Untouchables”: Beat ‘em up

Compatible Cartridges

**Most C64 Cartridges”: Work without issues
**Action Replay”: For cheat codes
**EasyFlash”: Modern flash cartridges

Technical Notes for Enthusiasts

Common Issues

**Power Supply”: Original PSUs can fail
**Video Output”: May need adjustment
**Cartridge Port”: Can become loose
**Chips”: Same failure points as C64

Modern Upgrades

**AV Mod”: Better video output
**Power LED”: Brighter replacement
**SD Card”: Modern storage solutions
**HDMI”: Digital video output

The C64GS Today

Emulation

**VICE”: Accurate C64GS emulation
**RetroArch”: With C64 core
**MEGA65”: FPGA implementation

Homebrew Scene

**New Games”: Still being developed
**Demos”: Showcasing the hardware
**Tools”: Development tools available

Community

**Forums”: Lemon64, C64-Wiki
**Preservation”: ROM archiving
**Documentation”: Technical references

Did You Know?

The C64GS was only officially released in Europe
Some units were converted from unsold C64C stock
The C64GS can be converted back to a full C64 with a keyboard
A prototype C64GS II was planned but never released
The C64GS was used in some arcade machines

The C64GS in Popular Culture

Featured in retro computing magazines
Appeared in the documentary “From Bedrooms to Billions”
The subject of YouTube restoration videos
Mentioned in books about Commodore history