A familiar name from computing’s past is making headlines again, thanks to an unexpected new owner. Christian Simpson, better known online as Peri Fractic from his popular Retro Recipes YouTube channel, has taken the reins at Commodore Corporation. He announced himself as the new acting CEO after buying 46 trademarks tied to the classic Commodore brand.
The deal, which saw Simpson become the new custodian of this piece of tech history, is thought to have cost him somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. That’s a chunky sum, and it shows how serious Simpson is about his plans. He even mortgaged his own home to help fund the purchase. PCWorld reported this news earlier this week, sparking conversations across the tech world.
A High-Stakes Gamble for a Tech Icon
Simpson isn’t stopping there. He’s on the hunt for angel investors to help kickstart his vision for Commodore. In a video he shared, Simpson hinted that some very big names have shown interest in joining his project. He even dropped Elon Musk’s name, mentioning that Musk learned to code on an old Commodore VIC-20 when he was a kid. This connection instantly caught everyone’s attention.
It sounds exciting, but for now, it’s just talk. There’s no official word yet about any investment from the billionaire. Still, the idea of someone like Musk getting involved has certainly added extra buzz to Simpson’s big plans.
Bringing the Old Band Back Together
Simpson isn’t just relying on hopes and big names. He’s been busy assembling a dream team of original Commodore talent. He managed to bring back veterans like Albert Charpentier, known for his work on the Commodore 64, Bill Herd from the Commodore 128, and Michael Tomczyk, who helped create the VIC-20. Getting these legends on board shows Simpson’s commitment to respecting the brand’s roots.
With this experienced team in place, Simpson has already made a bold promise. He’s teased a “hardware surprise” that he plans to reveal within the next two weeks. What could it be? Fans are eager to find out if it’s a modern take on a classic or something completely new.
Simpson’s aim goes beyond just cashing in on nostalgia. He truly wants to bring Commodore back to life with real products. He hopes to capture the passion of long-time fans and attract new ones by building on the power of these classic brand names. However, making this dream a reality won’t be easy. Without solid financial backing and considering the high costs of making new products, his success really depends on finding major investors. And yes, that includes the big one everyone is watching: Elon Musk.
The acquisition of Commodore by Peri Fractic has definitely given fans a fresh wave of hope. The mention of high-profile investors adds a bit of sparkle to what could be a remarkable comeback story. But the truth is, nothing is guaranteed until the money is in the bank. It won’t be long before we learn if Commodore will truly be reborn or if it will stay a fond memory from a bygone era.