The C64 Mini is back, this time in a sleek black color that’s catching eyes for more than just its look. Retro Games Ltd is offering a new edition of this plug-and-play console, boasting 25 current games from indie developers instead of the usual classic ’80s lineup. That’s a pretty bold move, and it’s got me seriously considering buying another one despite the price.
Pre-orders for the C64 Mini Black Edition are live on Amazon at $119.99. Yeah, that’s $50 more than the original beige model from 2017, which you can still snag for $54.99. For context, it’s also pricier than many other retro plug-and-play consoles, including Retro Games’ own Atari 400 Mini. Ouch.
The black version keeps all the core features: HDMI output at 720p, a USB port for loading your own games, and the same awkward but satisfying joystick with microswitches. But the real kicker is those 25 new games from recent years, which Retro Games calls “the very best produced in recent years.” These aren’t dusty old titles but fresh homebrews that have earned praise in the Commodore 64 community. So, you’re supporting indie devs instead of shelling out licensing fees to publishers still holding onto their ’80s catalogs.
THE C64 Mini Black Edition games
- A Pig Quest
- Caren and the Tangled Tentacles
- Galencia
- Good Kniight
- Grid Pix
- Guns ’N’ Ghosts
- Hessian
- Hunter’s Moon Remastered
- It’s Magic 2
- Joe Gunn: Gold Edition
- Knight ’N’ Grail
- Metal Warrior Ultra
- Millie & Molly
- Nixy and the Seeds of Doom
- Ooze: The Escape
- p0 Snake
- Pains ’N’ Aches
- Planet Golf
- Rocky Memphis: The Legend of Atlantis
- Runn ’N’ Gunn
- Sam’s Journey
- Shadow Switcher
- Spinning Image
- Steel Ranger
- Yeti Mountain
I’ve spent years messing with physical C64 tapes and emulated backups, so the idea of fresh homebrew games packaged neatly in a box is kinda charming. It’s a neat shortcut to jump right into new adventures without hunting down each title individually.
Price aside, the black edition feels like a collector’s item more than a hardcore way to play your original C64 library. That’s especially true with a new Commodore 64 Ultimate coming soon, which uses FPGA to replicate the original hardware and comes with a proper keyboard and classic case. It’s starting at $299.99, so maybe there’s room for both types of fans in the retro gaming world. Or maybe not. Why choose when you can collect both?
Retro Games Ltd is calling this a “special edition,” and tariffs on consoles might explain some of the price hike, but that’s only part of it. You’re paying for a curated experience that supports indie creators, and for some, that’s worth the extra bucks.
If you don’t own a C64 Mini yet, this black version keeps the familiar perks like CRT filters and USB game loading. Just be ready to pay a premium for the privilege. The release date is set for October 24, 2025, so you’ve got some time to think it over.
