Perifractic Completes Commodore Acquisition Secured by Viewer Funding
One of Perifractic’s first actions as CEO was to enlist veteran Commodore engineers to advise on the technical roadmap. Bill Herd, known for designing the Commodore 128 and Plus/4 microcomputers, will help ensure that new products maintain authentic hardware characteristics. Joining him is Albert Charpentier, who served as vice president of engineering at Commodore in its heyday. They bring both historical insight and engineering expertise to the company’s development efforts. Additionally, actor Thomas Middleditch, recognized for his lead role in the HBO series Silicon Valley, has been appointed Chief Creative Officer.
The newly formed leadership team has already unveiled its inaugural product: the Commodore 64 Ultimate. This modern reinterpretation of the 1982 original is built around authentic hardware capable of running legacy cartridges without software emulation. It also includes contemporary features such as HDMI output for high-definition displays and integrated Wi-Fi for online connectivity. By combining period-accurate design with modern interfaces, the Commodore 64 Ultimate illustrates Perifractic’s vision of “retro and futuristic” computing.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its product suite with additional devices that balance nostalgia and innovation. Perifractic has emphasized a commitment to preserving the engineering heritage of Commodore while introducing enhancements that meet today’s user expectations. Whether through hardware updates or software tools, the revitalized Commodore aims to appeal both to longtime fans of the brand and to a new generation of technology enthusiasts.
