Let me start with this - I am 50y old, I come from the Apple2-clone era, I am also nostalgic of certain things. So I understand some vintage nostalgia feelings you might have. I must say I never had a Commodore machine and this is why I'm confused.
But question is this - I see on the official Commodore website that brand new C64 models are coming out. I also saw yesterday youtube video about Atari 800XL clone coming out.
What I don't understand is - what are you gonna use a brand new C64 or 800XL machine in 2026? I am sincerely puzzled. And this comes from the fact I have no idea what you can use these machines for. So games - sure. BASIC coding - sure. No idea what else.
So I want to understand what the majority of you want to do - is it only for the games? If "no" then what else?
I see (i think it was in the new 800XL case) new ports being added (i think they added USB). Okay this expands a bit what new hardware you can use. But really - what do you do on these machines now?
If someone here is still doing C64 4kb ASM demos - well I would like to see that. I would find value in this. If someone here is still making new tracker music - sure - show off your skills - I find value in this too.
But I really have zero idea what is possible and what do you do.
Because no matter how nostalgic I feel, I would grab an emulator if I want retro-functionality in 2026. Keeping more hardware around is taking care of more things. Especially retro-hardware which would require more care. Not to mention the space. Well at least I don't have the space.
So don't get me wrong - I am not saying anything bad. I just don't get it. So tell me.
Thanks