The retro revolution is alive and well — and it’s getting a sleek new makeover. Retro Games Ltd. (RGL) and PLAION REPLAI have officially unveiled the THEC64 Mini – Black Edition, a stunning matte-and-gloss redesign of the best-selling modern Commodore 64 replica. Launching worldwide on October 24, 2025, the new edition arrives packed with 25 of the most celebrated community-driven 8-bit games, reimagined for a new generation of players.
🔁 Back in Black: A Tribute to Underground Creators
The Black Edition is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It’s the centerpiece of the new Back In Black campaign—a salute to the fan-driven underground C64 scene that’s been thriving since the 1980s. These aren’t just nostalgia-fueled re-releases. The included games are modern masterpieces created by passionate fans, lovingly curated to reflect the evolution of C64 creativity over the decades.
“Back In Black is about showing that retro still has edge, energy, and soul,” said Ben Jones, Commercial Director at PLAION REPLAI.
“We quite literally couldn’t have done it without all of you,” added RGL directors Paul Andrews, Chris Smith, and Darren Melbourne, thanking the global C64 fanbase for keeping the platform alive.
🕹️ What’s in the Box?
THEC64 Mini – Black Edition includes:
- 🖤 A stylish matte and gloss black finish on the console and keyboard replica
- 🔄 50% scale recreation of the original Commodore 64
- 🎮 25 pre-installed Neo-Retro games, many enhanced for this release
- 📺 HDMI support at 720p (50/60Hz) for plug-and-play gaming on modern TVs
- 🎮 Microswitched USB joystick in matching black styling for authentic arcade response
- 💾 Four save slots per game for convenience
- 🔌 Multiple USB ports supporting additional keyboards, controllers, and USB drives
⭐ Featured Game Highlights
Among the 25 pre-loaded titles are several standout modern hits from the indie C64 scene:
- Sam’s Journey – A pixel-perfect platformer from Knights of Bytes (98% Zzap! Sizzler)
- A Pig Quest – 2023’s breakout action-adventure by Piggy 18 Team (96% Zzap! Gold Medal)
- Hessian – A gripping cyberpunk shooter by Covert BitOps (93% Zzap! Sizzler)
These games—and others included—were chosen not just for their quality, but for their role in pushing the creative limits of 8-bit hardware in the modern age.
🕹️ Full Game Lineup
Yeti Mountain • Spinning Image • Steel Ranger • A Pig Quest • Hessian • Joe Gunn: Gold Edition • Hunter’s Moon Remastered • It’s Magic 2 • Runn ‘N’ Gunn • Guns ‘N’ Ghosts • Metal Warrior Ultra • Millie & Molly • Rocky Memphis: The Legend of Atlantis • Good Kniight • Planet Golf • Nixy and the Seeds of Doom • P0 Snake • Grid Pix • Caren and the Tangled Tentacles • Ooze: The Escape • Sam’s Journey • Shadow Switcher • Pains ‘N’ Aches • Knight ‘N’ Grail • Galencia
💸 Pre-Order Details
THEC64 Mini – Black Edition is available for pre-order now at Smyths Toys for £89.99, with more global retailers expected to follow. The official release date is October 24, 2025.
🛒 Visit: www.retrogames.biz
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the joy of retro gaming, the THEC64 Mini – Black Edition is a modern collector’s item that brings the Commodore legacy back to life in the boldest way yet.
