A Comeback for the Commodore?

If you’ve read this title and think it is in reference to the seventies funk band, you’re out of luck — the commodore being referred to is none other than the personal computer/gaming system of the 1980’s.  The 1980’s - a kinder and somewhat gentler time (ok, maybe not); it was cool to be a republican, every movie released seemed to be a hit (ok, again, maybe not every one), and the music couldn’t be beat (now, that’s accurate).  In addition to a myriad of other great things, the 1980’s gave birth to the Commodore 64 which had games such as Pac-Man, Burgertime, and Karataka just to name a few.

Well in 2010, prepare to go Back to the Future (I couldn’t resist) as the Commodore will apparently experience a resurgence in today’s gaming market.  It has been said that the new Commodore currently in development will contain all of the latest technology including Blu-ray and HD compatibility, presumably in effort to compete against today’s top gaming platforms, the Nintendo Wii, Sony PS3, and the XBOX 360.  Not only will the new Commodore platform be able to run next generation games, but, much like its competitors, it will also be available to run some if its classic 80’s titles as well… Karataka anyone?

The real kicker (no pun intended) of the deal is in the marketing of the new Commodore.  As most people are well aware, having retro items is very “now.”  Commodore will be taking advantage of this trend by encasing its new cutting edge technology within the confines of a retro-style commodore 64 beige case.  Reportedly ranging in price from $250 - $700, upon its release, the new Commodore could be the runaway Christmas gift hit of 2011.

Some might question how a system that has been out of the game (again, no pun intended) for so long could possibly put the pinch on Microsoft or Sony, however, what Commodore has going for it lies in its suspected target market: Men in their 30’s to 40’s.  Why is that key demographic so important?  Men in their 30’s and 40’s grew up in the 80’s; they remember the good old days and like most, would do just about anything to revisit that period in their life.  The key thing: people in their 30’s and 40’s have something that most 20 something’s and younger do not have, MONEY.  Call it the Field of Dreams marketing theory; people will pay good money in order to relive a great memory, or a series of great memories – that’s why retro sells so well.

I for one can’t wait for the holidays – Karataka was a fun game.  Long live the Commodore (and the 80’s)!