Commodore 64 Games System facts for kids
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| Manufacturer | Commodore International |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Third generation (8-Bit era) |
| Media | Cartridge |
The Commodore 64 Games System, often called C64GS, was a special video game console made by a company called Commodore International. It was their very first game console and came out in December 1990. Sadly, it didn't sell very well and was not a success. This was mainly because Commodore had trouble getting enough games for it, and it was an 8-bit console trying to compete when newer, more powerful 16-bit consoles were becoming popular.
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What is the Commodore 64GS?
The C64GS was a home video game console. This means it was a machine designed just for playing games on a TV. It used game cartridges that you would plug into the console. Commodore International, the company that made it, was well-known for its home computers, especially the very popular Commodore 64.
Why Was It Made?
Commodore wanted to join the growing video game console market. They hoped to turn their successful Commodore 64 computer into a dedicated game console. The idea was to make it simpler and cheaper for people who only wanted to play games, without all the extra computer features.
Why the C64GS Didn't Succeed
The C64GS faced many problems that stopped it from becoming popular.
Not Enough New Games
One of the biggest reasons the C64GS failed was the lack of new games. Most of the games available for it were simply old games that had been made for the Commodore 64 computer. These games were not always designed to be played with a joystick only, which was what the console used. Many needed a keyboard, which the C64GS didn't have. This made playing some games difficult or impossible.
Outdated Technology
When the C64GS was released in 1990, it was an 8-bit console. This means its computer chip could handle information in 8-bit chunks. However, other companies like Sega and Nintendo were already selling more powerful 16-bit consoles, like the Sega Mega Drive (also known as Sega Genesis) and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. These newer consoles had much better graphics and sound, making the C64GS look old-fashioned right from the start.
Competition from Home Computers
Another problem was that many people who wanted to play games already owned a Commodore 64 computer. Their computer could do everything the C64GS console could do, and much more, like word processing or programming. So, there wasn't much reason for them to buy a separate console that did less.
Legacy of the C64GS
Even though the Commodore 64GS was not a success, it remains an interesting part of video game history. It shows how companies tried to adapt their successful products to new markets. It also highlights the rapid changes in technology during the early 1990s, where 8-bit systems quickly became outdated by more powerful 16-bit machines.
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