Trade In Cart
0|$0.00
> Classic Systems  
Commodore 64 Games System


The Commodore 64 Games System (often abbreviated C64GS) is a cartridge-based home video game console version of the popular Commodore 64 home computer. It was released in December 1990 by Commodore into a booming console market dominated by Nintendo and Sega. It was only released in Europe and was a considerable commercial failure.


The C64GS was essentially a Commodore 64 computer with most external connectivity removed. A simple modification to the 64C's motherboard was made to allow cartridges to be inserted from above. A modified ROM replaced the BASIC interpreter with a boot screen to inform the user to insert a cartridge.


The C64GS came bundled with a cartridge containing four games: Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun, International Soccer, Flimbo's Quest, and Klax. A total of 33 games were released for the system, most of which were ports of games that had already been released for the Commodore 64.


The C64GS was criticized for its high price, its lack of features, and its poor marketing. It was also hampered by the fact that it was released at a time when the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Master System were already well-established in the European market.


The Commodore 64 Games System was discontinued in 1992. It is considered to be a failed product, but it is still of interest to collectors of retro video games.


Here are some of the features of the Commodore 64 Games System:


  • Cartridge-based
  • Based on the Commodore 64 computer
  • Released in 1990
  • Only released in Europe
  • 33 games released
  • High price
  • Lack of features
  • Poor marketing
  • Considered a failed product
Sort By:

Commodore 64 Games System Review: A Bold Attempt to Bring C64 to the TV

The Commodore 64 Games System (C64GS), released in 1990, was an attempt by Commodore International to bring the popular Commodore 64 home computer experience into a more traditional console format. As the successor to the C64 (one of the most successful home computers ever made), the C64GS was designed to be a plug-and-play gaming console that used the same cartridges as the C64. However, despite its strong heritage, the console struggled to find success, ultimately being overshadowed by more powerful and established systems like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega Genesis.

Design & Setup

The C64GS was a compact, sleek console that bore a striking resemblance to the Commodore 64, minus the keyboard. It had a simple design with a cartridge slot, a few buttons, and an on/off switch. The console's size was smaller than the original computer, making it easier to fit into your entertainment center. The overall aesthetic was quite basic, reflecting the fact that Commodore was more focused on functionality than style during this phase of its history.

Setting up the C64GS was fairly simple-just connect it to your TV via the composite video cable and plug in a controller. The system was built for cartridge-based games, meaning there was no need for loading times or extensive setup. However, unlike other consoles of its era, it didn't have the expandability of the original C64 computer, such as the ability to connect to peripherals like printers or disk drives.

Game Library & Performance

The C64GS was compatible with a limited subset of the Commodore 64's expansive game library, but not all games were available in cartridge format. This restricted the system's game library to a handful of titles. At launch, the C64GS came with a relatively modest catalog of games, including "Zorro", "Freddy Hardest", and "The Great Giana Sisters". These games offered relatively simple 2D experiences, and while many were fun to play, they didn't offer the depth and variety that other contemporary systems provided.

The performance of the C64GS was on par with the C64 computer, featuring solid 8-bit graphics and chiptune music that was characteristic of games from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While the system was capable of running smoothly, its graphics and audio were beginning to feel dated compared to the 16-bit consoles of the time, such as the SNES and Genesis. The 8-bit visuals and sound might have impressed gamers during the C64's heyday, but by 1990, they were showing their age. In terms of raw processing power and visual quality, the C64GS couldn't compete with its 16-bit contemporaries.

The controller, a simple joystick, was functional but felt a bit dated and less comfortable compared to the more modern controllers offered by other consoles. The C64GS didn't have the refined ergonomics or button layout of systems like the SNES or Genesis, which contributed to its feeling of being an outdated product in the market.

Market Performance & Legacy

Despite the strong legacy of the C64 as a home computer, the C64GS failed to make an impact in the gaming console market. The market was already dominated by 16-bit systems such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega Genesis, which offered better performance, a larger selection of games, and more advanced features. Commodore's C64GS couldn't compete with these newer systems, especially with its limited game library and 8-bit technology.

The C64GS was only released in select markets, and the lack of marketing and developer support hurt its chances for success. It was clear that Commodore was trying to capitalize on the C64's legacy, but the gaming world had already moved on to more advanced platforms by the time the C64GS arrived. The system was discontinued after only a short run, and it remains a curiosity for collectors today.

Limitations & Drawbacks

  • Limited Game Library: While the C64GS could run a portion of the C64's library, it was restricted to only those titles that were released on cartridge format, which significantly limited its selection. Additionally, by the time it came out, the game library of the original C64 was already vast, but many of the best titles were unavailable in cartridge form.

  • Outdated Technology: By 1990, the C64GS was already playing catch-up. The 8-bit graphics and sound were outdated compared to the 16-bit capabilities of newer consoles. This made the system feel like a step back for gamers who had already experienced the improved performance of consoles like the Genesis or SNES.

  • No Keyboard Support: Unlike the Commodore 64 computer, the C64GS didn't come with a keyboard, making it a less versatile system for anyone who wanted to use it for non-gaming applications. This made the console more limited than the original C64, which could be used for things like programming and word processing.

  • Poor Timing: The C64GS arrived at a time when the market was already shifting toward 16-bit consoles, and Commodore was unable to capitalize on the system's legacy. The system's limited capabilities, combined with fierce competition from Sega and Nintendo, made it a tough sell.

Final Verdict

The Commodore 64 Games System is an interesting historical artifact, offering a glimpse into the world of 8-bit gaming near the tail end of its dominance. However, its limited game library, outdated technology, and poor timing meant that it failed to make a significant impact on the gaming market. While it had the potential to succeed as an affordable, easy-to-use alternative to the more powerful 16-bit consoles, it ultimately couldn't compete with the likes of the SNES or Genesis.

For retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, the C64GS holds a special place as a unique and historically significant console. But for the average gamer, it's a system that didn't quite live up to its potential.

Score: 5/10

? A nostalgic relic for C64 fans, but ultimately too outdated to compete with the new generation of 16-bit consoles.

Would you like to explore more about Commodore's legacy in gaming or learn about some of the best games for the C64GS?