Commodore fans split over C64 Ultimate FPGA firmware lockdown — firm says it wants to protect its hardware and reduce support fallout

Commodore says it will block unofficial firmware from loading on the C64 Ultimate FPGA hardware, sparking controversy.

The company says the move is meant to prevent incompatible software and reduce support issues.

Firmware update 1.1.0 added useful features, but also hinted at future safeguards that fueled backlash.

Retro computing fans worry the policy could sharply limit tinkering, mods, and community experimentation.