Leading on-line gadget specialist, Gadgets.co.uk has today announced the launch of the £29.99 (inc vat) Commodore 64 "Direct to TV" unit, a re-launch of the world's biggest selling home computer.

The product, packing 30 games, is Commodore branded and utilises the actual operating system used on the original Commodore 64. The games are not just replicas of the originals - they actually are the originals.

The controller (also containing the computer’s electronics and a compartment for the 4 AA batteries that power it) is a replica of the recognisable Competition Pro 5000 Joystick – and plugs directly into a TV for instant fun at home or away!

The Commodore 64 (also known as C64) was the biggest selling home computer in world history and has unparalleled heritage as a groundbreaking games and home-use personal computer.

Since it’s launch in 1982, the C64’s role in the evolution of the modern games industry was incredibly powerful and the echoes of its influence still reverberate through the industry today.

The C64 “Direct to TV” (DTV) system re-lives that history by delivering thirty licensed games on a handheld joystick that plugs directly into any TV. No computer or additional software is required, simply add batteries, plug into the TV and you’re up and running.

The C64 DTV features thirty classic hits from the computer’s heyday. Including; Summer Games, Winter Games, Pitstop (I & II), Impossible Mission (I & II), Firelord, World Karate Champion, Speedball and many more. Most games boast several different levels, and some like “Winter Games” also boast many different events from Bobsled to Figure Skating for even more ways to play.

The unit plugs directly into your TV for fun at home or on the go. The convenient plug and play unit requires 4 AA batteries which are not included.

Availability
The C64 DTV will launch in the UK later in 2005, but Gadgets.co.uk have worked with the manufacturer to import a limited number from the USA prior to the national launch. This model, designed to work with NTSC (American standard) televisions, will work with most UK TVs manufactured in the last 5 years.

The Commodore Direct to TV is available now from http://www.gadgets.co.uk, priced at £29.99 inc vat.