Representatives from Nintendo of Europe have confirmed that classic 8-bit computer the Commodore 64 will become the latest addition to the Wii Virtual Console – although currently only in Europe.
The first two titles to be available via the Virtual Console will be Archer MacLean’s
International Karate and
Uridium by highly acclaimed British programmer Andrew Braybrook. Both titles were originally released in 1986 and will be sold for 500 Wii Points each (£3.75/$5.00).
Further regular updates of Commodore 64 games are promised, although no other titles have been detailed. A total of six different formats are currently supported on the Virtual console, encompassing the NES, SNES, Mega Drive (aka Genesis), TurboGrafx-16 (aka PC Engine) and Neo Geo. Support for the MSX computer and Sega Master System has also been announced as forthcoming - in Japan, at least.
Although retro re-releases are now commonplace both online and via retail compilations the titles and formats being emulated are invariably those which have proven popular in either Japan or the U.S.
In Europe, 8 and 16-bit computers such as the Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore 64, Atari ST and Commodore Amiga had significantly more sales success and cultural impact than the Atari line of consoles and the NES.
“The massive impact the Commodore 64 had on video-gaming is still evident today with many gamers remembering the computer and its games with great fondness,” said CEO of Commodore Gaming Bala Keilman. “By working with Nintendo of Europe, we are ensuring that future generations of gamers can play some of the best and most popular titles that kick-started the computer games revolution and so keep the C64 legacy in gamers hearts.”
Nintendo of Europe marketing and PR director Laurent Fischer commented: “We are extremely pleased to be working with Commodore Gaming to provide even more retro hits for Wii owners to choose from on Virtual Console. With over 184 classic titles now available to enjoy, Virtual Console on Wii is a great way for users to access a breadth of classic retro games.”
