24th October 2025: The world’s most iconic 8-bit computer is back, and darker than ever. THEC64 mini – Black Edition is out today, bringing with it a curated library of modern C64 masterpieces and a bold matte-and-gloss black finish that redefines what retro can look and feel like.
Developed by Retro Games Ltd. (RGL) in partnership with PLAION REPLAI, this limited-edition reimagining of the Commodore 64 isn’t just a piece of nostalgia - it’s a living celebration of the fans and developers who never stopped coding for the machine that launched a generation of creators.
“This isn’t a throwback, it’s a continuation,” said Paul Andrews, Managing Director at RGL. “The Black Edition celebrates the energy of a community that kept making, experimenting, and innovating long after the commercial era ended. It’s proof that creativity on the C64 never died.”
FROM BEDROOM CODERS TO MODERN MASTERS:
When the Commodore 64 debuted in 1982, it turned millions into makers. Decades later, that same spirit still drives a global homebrew scene incorporating a vibrant DIY community building new games for old hardware.
THEC64 mini – Black Edition unites that scene in one definitive collection - 25 pre-installed hand-picked Neo-Retro games created by some of the most talented contemporary C64 developers.
Highlights include:
- Sam’s Journey: Platforming brilliance from Knights of Bytes (98% Zzap! Sizzler)
- A Pig Quest: 2023’s critically acclaimed adventure from Piggy 18 Team (96% Zzap! Gold Medal)
- Hessian: Cyberpunk action from Covert BitOps (93% Zzap! Sizzler)
- Knight ’N’ Grail, Steel Ranger, Galencia and more - games that prove the C64 is still inspiring new worlds
BACK IN BLACK - A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY AND CULTURE:
The Back In Black campaign honours the underground aesthetic and raw creativity of the modern C64 scene. With its sleek black styling, plug-and-play HDMI, four save-slots per game, and a micro-switched USB joystick, this edition is built for collectors, coders, and newcomers alike. This new machine is authentic, modern, and unapologetically retro.
AVAILABLE NOW:
THEC64 mini – Black Edition launches globally today, 24th October 2025, priced at £89.99, available through leading retailers worldwide.
Watch the Back In Black launch trailer here: https://youtu.be/uudMECMl3-8
For gamers in the UK, THEC64 mini – Black Edition will be playable this weekend at London's EGX (24th–26th October) on booth N1240 at ExCeL London (Royal Victoria Dock), alongside other hands-on opportunities including the Intellivision Sprint, Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition, and The Spectrum.
For more information and assets, please visit presse.plaion.com.
Retro Games Ltd are the creators of THEC64, THEA500 Mini, and THE400 Mini - authentic recreations of the world’s most beloved home computers. Their mission is to keep the spirit of classic gaming alive, celebrating the creativity, design, and excitement that defined the 8-bit and 16-bit eras. For more information, visit www.retrogames.biz. Follow us on social media for the latest updates, reveals, and retro celebrations.
ABOUT PLAION REPLAI
PLAION REPLAI is a dedicated label under PLAION focused on preserving and celebrating gaming history through high-quality, officially licensed hardware and software. With a commitment to authenticity, design fidelity, and nostalgia, REPLAI works with the world’s most respected creators to bring timeless classics back to life for a new generation.