COMPUTE!’s Gazette – Volume 1 – Issue 1 – July, 2025
Jerry Bonner
In the world of retro computing, few rivalries were as iconic as Atari versus Commodore. For many of us, our allegiance was clear. In this month’s “Lessons from the Past,” longtime enthusiast and writer Jerry Bonner reflects on his journey from being an unabashed Atari zealot in the early ’80s to a dedicated Commodore 64 user.
Today, as we stand on the cusp of an official Commodore revival, Bonner looks to the recent experiences of its old rival, Atari, to draw crucial lessons. What can the new Commodore learn from the successes and stumbles of the Atari VCS and other modern retro-hardware projects?
Nostalgia is a Starting Point, Not a Destination
Atari’s recent efforts, particularly the Atari VCS console, have leaned heavily into nostalgia. While blending modern functionality with retro aesthetics appealed to older gamers, the project also faced significant challenges, including delays, quality concerns, and a crowded market. The clear lesson, Bonner argues, is that nostalgia alone isn’t enough. A successful revival must respect the past while innovating for the present. For Commodore, this means focusing on its unique legacy as a pioneer in affordable home computing and accessible software, rather than just repackaging old games.
The Power of Community (and its Perils)
One of Atari’s more promising moves was its engagement with the community through crowdfunding. This fostered a passionate sense of ownership among early adopters. However, it also exposed the company to backlash when expectations weren’t met. A new Commodore, Bonner suggests, must embrace transparency and deep community involvement. This could take the form of open-source software, developer kits, or even fan-driven product designs. The passionate retro computing community craves authenticity, and embracing this can be a significant advantage.
It’s the Software, Stupid!
While hardware captures the imagination, it’s the software ecosystem that sustains long-term success. The Atari VCS struggled to find its niche partly because it lacked a compelling library of exclusive titles. In contrast, Nintendo’s hardware successes are consistently bolstered by first-party games that feel both fresh and nostalgic. A revived Commodore could benefit from a similar strategy. Bonner imagines a modern music production platform inspired by the Amiga’s sound chip or creative coding environments that echo the C64’s legendary flexibility.
Perspectives from the 8-Bit Trenches
To round out his analysis, Bonner reached out to his old friends—a group bonded by their shared love for these classic machines. Their insights offer a dose of real-world wisdom:
- Joe, who built a career on his C64 experiences, notes the fundamental difference between the two platforms: “Atari is meant for consumption while the Commodore was meant for creation. Consumers continue to consume, but creators move on.” This presents a unique challenge for a Commodore revival in today’s social media-driven world.
- Tom, from the popular YouTube channel Floppy Deep Dive, emphasizes authenticity: “If Commodore ever made a comeback, it can’t just be a logo slapped on some random mini PC. Let the community drive it… That’s how retro stays alive.”
- Kevin points out the technical hurdles: “I think the biggest challenge… would be to get the look and feel of the OS correct. Not to mention finding a way to get all those old games loaded and able to play.” But, he adds, “to bring back the classic
LOAD "*", 8, 1would be a lot of fun again.”
Ultimately, the key to a successful Commodore revival will be to respect the past while building for the future—a delicate balance that, if struck, could once again lead a revolution in personal computing.
Read the full story and discover more about the world of retro computing in the first issue of COMPUTE!’s Gazette in 35 years!
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