Part 2 is available now! https://youtu.be/TEnEvUTgi-c

I got see it in person today! Sorry I was so awkward xD

Awesome seeing you at VCF Midwest. Love the C64 in person even more than the video. Thanks for sharing all that you do!

Some clarity here - the Blingboard64 keyboard is nothing like Commodore's 64 Ultimate keyboard.  Commodore's version has no control electronics at all - It is all handled through the FPGA.   So, Commodore's keyboard was not actually based on the Blingboard64 design.  It was something that was designed all new.  Commodore's project both interfered with and helped the campaign, and was directly responsible for the long delay as keycaps were changed and production priority was given to Commodore - but that also gave us access to more keycap colors, and a few other things.  All in all, it was a win for the community.  The Blingboard64 with the SupaDupa control board is a power house that gives you the neat features shown in this video, but also has some spectacular features coming with just simple firmware updates - like running BlingDOOM - DOOM for your C64, powered from the keyboard's dual 240MHz CPUs, and cast to the C64 for the graphics and sound.  There will also be a video player that can stream videos (even YouTube channels) to your C64.   Lots of neat possibilities are on the horizon for Blingboard64 backers.

Excellent video!  I have one of Gideon's original U64 boards, mine is just in an old, junky, original case.  I also have the new C64 Ultimate as well!  Same model you have with the clear case.  I love it!  I don't know for certain, but I don't believe the new Commodore company had much of an impact on the delays of the BlingBoard... I know they used their design and they worked with those involved, but I believe the manufactured their own parts... None of this would exist if it wasn't for the amazing community of people who design and build new stuff!  The reason the C64 Ultimate is so amazing is because of what they managed to put together from existing community efforts!  Thanks again for a fun video!

That colour on the case is very good looking.

Because some of the parts aren't available and it will probably cost you a lot more 🙂.  Having said that, thank you for the video, nice to see what the various parts are that came together to give us the computer.

Well now I want a C64 like yours 😁 Excellent!

Aww man! I really wanted to see that clear laser cut acrylic case in action! I've been building laser cut computer cases for myself for a while now, mostly for the Microbee (An Australian computer built around a modified S100 bus). Hopefully you'll get your custom replacement parts worked out.

I don't own either Ultimate board (just two Ultimate cartridges: the Ultimate-II+L Cartridge and the earlier Ethernet-only model). I've been closely following both Christian's and Gideon's versions for many years. Aesthetically, I absolutely love both and would get one if/when my original C64 ever dies. That said, I really love the clean layout of the new Ultimate C64 because everything is clearly labeled and thoughtfully arranged. To me, that's incredibly appealing, and I'm so glad it exists.

sourcing them parts including postage would work out way more expensive

I think the C64U LEDs are less configurable. They are controlled by the FPGA rather than a dedicated controller so things like keystroke driven effects aren't available.

It's funny, I actually did build my own last year when the Ultimate board came out :) It's a C64C as well. But I used an old case and keyboard.

I agree it's unfortunate to not service initial supporters first. I wasn't part of any of these campaigns though. I recieved my Ultimate 64 Elite II board in 2025 just a few months before the Commodore 64 Ultimate was annonced. I just ordered it without actually needing an extra C64. The keyboard in the C64U is definitely a lot better than the old C64C keyboard though, and since I can load Assembly64 games etc to the C64U from the Ultimate64 Manager on my Mac, I don't miss that function either.

I have mechboard and retrofusion cases. Have a real c64 in there. (Also have thec64 and a retrofusion case with a 5600G based pc inside). I just love the form factor!

very nice build, those slim boards are so compact, would be great for a custom mini C64 all in one build

26:35 Funny, the rf 64 label has the samel problem as the c64U label :D

Well darn it all, I'm now wishing I had opted for the Blingboard instead of the Mechboard since all the issues you mentioned at 23:20 about the Mechboard are issues I have with it as well.

Great video as always Matt. What happened the discord channel you were part of?

Been down since day 0 with Gideons Ultimate64.