There seems to be recently a steady stream of news coming from the team over at The64 camp and today two updates have arrived relating to the machine that is honouring the Commodore 64. In the latest round of news not only do we get to see The64 MINI prototypes, but were given a huge amount of information on the team’s future plans.A lot has taken place since the last update back in April and it’s mentioned – on this latest update – after an extended meeting their distribution/manufacturing partners, that are part of a global group (whose name is to be revealed once the paperwork is completed), a summary has been drawn up of what’s due to take place following said meeting:-
- A deal has been agreed by all parties and is just pending the paperwork be verified by all parties (obviously IP contracts and so on have to be incorporated and sighted etc. etc.). It is anticipated this will take a few weeks, and then once complete full details of the partnership can be made public.
- Pending that paperwork formality taking place, and not waiting for that the two companies have sub divided the joint tasks into three distinct group actions, with a lead person from both companies in each group.
- Group one – as mentioned above, will carry out the legal formalities of paperwork, this has started today. Be under no illusion this is a huge undertaking for both companies, with large investments in terms of time, money, and commitment from all.
- Group two – one of the design team is being tasked to travel to China next week, to work with the actual manufacturers of THE64 range, to expedite the whole manufacturing process ASAP! The sooner this happens, the sooner backers get their THE64’s prior to retail release.
- Group three – this group is starting work on the joint preparation process of global game rating assessment (PEGI for Europe, the extra USK rating for Germany, ESRB for the USA, rating for Australia, and so on). Packaging designs can now start fully, full brand artwork, marketing and promotional materials, accessories, manuals and translations, videos, trailers and so on. The whole machine will now swing into action and we will show you are much of this process as is allowed as we move ahead.
Once completed and the distribution/manufacturing companies named is revealed, we should not only be given a manufacture and delivery timeline, but The64 team are hoping to have ready some box art to give us a look at; along with the poll – regarding the machines games – that was discussed back in April 2017. Below they’ve also provide images of the prototype of The64 MINI.
They go on to discuss the Indiegogo backers and pre-order supporters who were initially offered a Joypad, as thanks for supporting the product, will now receive a Joystick. Along with talk of several planned special editions, giving – again – the initial supporters of the product (Indiegogo & pre-orders) the chance to swap from Standard to Special at no extra cost.
In amongst the confirmations given at the end of the latest update, two things mentioned that should be noted:-
“Backers and pre-orders will be fulfilled before retail sales commence; we WILL BE in global retail in advance of Christmas 2017, but backers/pre-orders before that time.”
So we will be seeing The64 before the close of 2017 and also :-
“There is THE64 MINI, but yes there is THE64 full sized keyboard also (just to be clear), and the Handheld ASAP also!”
The latter is being mentioned, due to rumblings that some people believe The64 MINI is replacing both previous models and this is clearly not the case.
As ever to keep up-to-date with The64 follow them on their website, Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter and watch their campaign on Indiegogo.
Originally published May 10, 2017. Updated November 30, 2022.
