While sorting through the attic, I found not one, but three Commodore 64s.

The first one brought back clear memories from my childhood. The second, however, left me puzzled—I couldn’t recall how I got it. Then, a third appeared, adding to the mystery.

How did I end up with three of these iconic machines? Was it an unintentional collection, or had they been passed to me over the years?

Any how. Among the three Commodore 64s I found in the attic, I’ve decided to upgrade one with the Ultimate 64 II Elite, a modern hardware implementation of the original C64 using FPGA technology.

This new board brings several practical improvements. The L-shaped design of the old board has been replaced with a more straightforward, regular-shaped board that fits easily into a C64-C case. The push button has been replaced with a rocker switch, providing a more familiar interface for menu access, reset, and cartridge freeze.

The Ultimate 64 II Elite offers enhanced HDMI support, capable of Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, which should make connecting to modern displays more straightforward. Additionally, the audio options have been improved with a 3.5mm jack that supports both SID audio and optical S/PDIF.

Powered by USB-C, the board eliminates the need for a country-specific power supply, simplifying the setup. This upgrade will modernize one of my old C64s, making it more compatible with today’s technology while maintaining its original charm. It’s a practical update that should make the system easier to use in the current era.