The C64 DTV (Direct-to-TV) is a fully functional Commodore 64 built into a joystick. It connects directly to a TV via composite cables and comes with 30 classic C64 games pre-installed. It was designed by Jeri Ellsworth and released in 2004. No separate computer, console or TV adapter is needed.

Who designed the C64 DTV?

The C64 DTV was designed by Jeri Ellsworth, a self-taught chip designer. She managed to fit the complete C64 architecture onto a single custom Atmel ASIC chip. The project attracted widespread attention in the tech community at the time and earned Ellsworth considerable recognition as a hardware engineer.

How many games are built in?

The C64 DTV includes 30 built-in games from three publishers: EPYX (Summer Games, Winter Games, Pitstop II, California Games, Impossible Mission and more), Hewson (Uridium, Paradroid, Cybernoid, Tower Toppler, Exolon and others) and Image Works (Speedball). All games run directly from the built-in ROM.

What is the difference between DTV1, DTV2 and DTV3?

The DTV1 was the North American NTSC version with 128 KB RAM. The DTV2 was the European PAL version with 2 MB RAM and Flash storage, which made it more capable and popular with the modding community. The DTV3 was an improved version with better software compatibility. DTV2 and DTV3 are the versions most commonly found in Europe.

Can the C64 DTV be modified?

Yes. The modding community developed several hardware modifications for the DTV. The most popular adds a PS/2 keyboard connector and an IEC serial port, turning the DTV into a standalone C64 that can connect to a real 1541 disk drive. Some modders also added extra RAM. These modifications transform the DTV from a gaming device into a capable retro computer.

Does it work with original C64 software?

The DTV runs a custom version of the C64 architecture and is not fully compatible with all original C64 software. Games that rely on specific hardware timing or custom fast loaders may not work correctly. The built-in game library runs perfectly, but loading external software can be hit and miss depending on the title.

What connections does the C64 DTV have?

The standard C64 DTV has composite video and mono audio outputs via RCA connectors for connecting to a TV. It runs on 4 AA batteries or a USB power adapter. The DTV2 and DTV3 models include a DE-9 joystick port for connecting a second controller. Modded versions can also have a PS/2 keyboard port and an IEC serial port.

How does the SID sound compare to the original C64?

The C64 DTV uses the SID chip emulation built into the Atmel ASIC. The audio output is mono and the emulation is not identical to a real 6581 or 8580 SID chip. For most of the built-in games the sound is recognisable and enjoyable, but audiophiles who care about SID accuracy will notice the difference compared to real hardware.

Is the C64 DTV still available to buy?

The C64 DTV is no longer in production. It was sold in shops between 2004 and roughly 2006. Today it can be found on second-hand markets such as eBay. Prices vary depending on condition and whether it has been modded. Complete boxed examples in good condition fetch higher prices among collectors.

How does the C64 DTV compare to THEC64?

The two products serve different audiences. The C64 DTV is a 2004 single-chip device in a joystick with 30 games, no keyboard and limited compatibility. THEC64 is a 2018 mini console or full-size replica with a working keyboard, 64 games, HDMI output and better compatibility. THEC64 is the more practical retro gaming device; the DTV is a remarkable piece of engineering history.

C64 DTV

The complete Commodore 64 built into a joystick, with 30 built-in games

C64 DTV: the complete Commodore 64 in a joystick

The C64 DTV is a full Commodore 64 computer built into a joystick-shaped controller. Plug it into a TV, press the button and you are playing classic C64 games within seconds.

Released in 2004 and designed by chip engineer Jeri Ellsworth, the C64 DTV fits the complete C64 architecture onto a single custom chip. It comes with 30 built-in C64 games from EPYX, Hewson and Image Works, including Summer Games, Uridium, Paradroid and Impossible Mission. No separate console, cartridge or disk drive is needed.

The device was originally sold in toy shops as a budget gaming product. Most buyers had no idea they were taking home a real, fully functional Commodore 64. Today it is a collector's item and a remarkable piece of C64 history.

C64 DTV joystick with built-in Commodore 64

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C64 DTV front view showing joystick buttons and label

Designed by Jeri Ellsworth

Jeri Ellsworth is a self-taught chip designer who, in 2004, achieved something that surprised the entire hardware community: she squeezed the complete Commodore 64 onto a single custom Atmel ASIC running at 32 MHz. The result was the C64 DTV, a device that contained a fully compatible C64 inside a joystick.

The achievement was widely covered in tech media at the time. Ellsworth had no formal engineering degree, yet she designed a chip that outperformed what most companies with full engineering teams would attempt. The C64 DTV proved that the entire C64 architecture, one of the most elegantly designed home computers ever built, could fit on a chip costing just a few dollars.

The DTV was produced by Mammoth Toys for the North American market (NTSC, DTV1) and by a European distributor for the PAL market (DTV2 and DTV3). The PAL versions came with upgraded hardware and are the versions most sought after by C64 history collectors today.

C64 DTV in pictures

The joystick, PAL and NTSC versions, the PCB and the single-chip design inside.

DTV1, DTV2 and DTV3

The C64 DTV was released in three versions, each targeting a different market and improving on the previous one.

The DTV1 was the original North American release (NTSC) with 128 KB of RAM. The DTV2 followed for the European PAL market, with 2 MB of RAM and Flash storage instead of ROM, making it more capable and much more attractive to the modding community. The DTV3 was a revised version with improved software compatibility.

The DTV2 and DTV3 are the versions most frequently found in Europe and most valued by collectors, partly because of the larger RAM and partly because the PAL video output works better with European televisions.

Version	Region	RAM	Storage
DTV1	NTSC (North America)	128 KB	2 MB ROM
DTV2	PAL (Europe)	2 MB	2 MB Flash
DTV3	PAL (Europe)	2 MB	2 MB Flash

C64 DTV rear view showing connector ports

C64 DTV joystick with composite cables for TV connection

30 built-in games

The C64 DTV comes loaded with 30 classic C64 games from three publishers. All titles run directly from the built-in memory, with no need for disks, cassettes or cartridges. The game library covers some of the most celebrated C64 games.

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EPYX: Summer Games, Winter Games, California Games, Pitstop II, Jumpman Junior, Impossible Mission, Impossible Mission II, Supercycle, Championship Wrestling, Gateway to Apshai, Sword of Fargoal, Silicon Warrior, World Karate Champion

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Hewson: Uridium, Paradroid, Tower Toppler (Nebulus), Cybernoid, Cybernoid II, Eliminator, Cyberdyne Warrior, Ranarama, Firelord, Exolon, Zynaps

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Image Works: Speedball

The modding community

Shortly after release, hardware enthusiasts discovered that the C64 DTV could be modified to become a full standalone C64. The DTV2 in particular, with its 2 MB of RAM and Flash storage, proved ideal for hardware modifications.

The most common modification adds a PS/2 keyboard connector and an IEC serial port, allowing the DTV to connect to a real 1541 disk drive or an SD2IEC adapter. This transforms the joystick into a keyboard-equipped computer that can run a much wider range of C64 software.

Other popular mods include adding extra RAM, replacing the composite output with an S-Video connection for a sharper picture, and installing custom firmware with expanded game libraries. The modding scene produced detailed guides and circuit diagrams that are still available online today. The 1541 Ultimate II+ cartridge, released later by Gideon Zweijtzer, further expanded the possibilities for DTV modders.

C64 DTV hardware modification with keyboard connector added

C64 DTV modded unit with keyboard and drive ports

C64 DTV technical specifications

Processor and memory

Chip	Custom Atmel ASIC (single-chip C64)
Clock speed	32 MHz
RAM (DTV1)	128 KB
RAM (DTV2 / DTV3)	2 MB
Storage	2 MB ROM (DTV1) / 2 MB Flash (DTV2/DTV3)

Video and audio

Video output	Composite (RCA)
Video standard	PAL (DTV2/DTV3) / NTSC (DTV1)
Resolution	320x200 pixels
Colours	Up to 256 (enhanced mode)
Audio output	Mono (SID emulation, RCA)

Controls and power

Built-in joystick	Yes (8-direction, Competition Pro style)
Fire buttons	3
Second joystick port	DE-9 (DTV2/DTV3)
PS/2 keyboard	Via hardware mod only
Power	4x AA batteries or USB (5V)

Software and connectivity

Built-in games	30 titles
IEC drive port	Via hardware mod only
C64 software compatibility	Partial (built-in games fully compatible)
Designer	Jeri Ellsworth
Released	2004

C64 DTV in action

California Games running on the C64 DTV, one of the 30 built-in titles from EPYX.

A full C64 on a single chip

Opening the C64 DTV reveals the engineering achievement at its core: a single Atmel ASIC that contains the complete C64 architecture. The 6510 CPU, the VIC-II graphics chip, the SID chip and the supporting logic are all integrated into one programmable component.

The PCB is minimal. Most of the space is taken up by the joystick mechanism itself. The chip, a small amount of supporting circuitry, the RAM chips and the composite video encoder are the only electronics needed to run a complete Commodore 64.

For anyone interested in C64 history and hardware, the DTV PCB is one of the most instructive objects in the retro computing world. It shows how far semiconductor technology had come by 2004, and how compact the C64 really was at its core. The all emulators page covers more modern takes on this same idea.

Inside the C64 DTV showing the PCB and single chip design

C64 DTV PCB showing the Atmel ASIC and supporting components

Who is the C64 DTV for?

Collectors of C64 hardware history

The DTV is a unique piece of C64 engineering, not a replica or emulator but a real single-chip C64. For anyone building a collection of notable Commodore hardware, it is an essential item.

Fans of classic EPYX and Hewson games

If your favourite C64 memories involve Summer Games, Uridium, Paradroid or Impossible Mission, the DTV gives you those games in the most compact form possible. No setup required.

Hardware modders

The DTV2 in particular is a favourite project for retro hardware modders. Adding a keyboard port, IEC connector and extra storage turns the joystick into a working keyboard-based C64. The challenge is part of the appeal.

Anyone curious about Jeri Ellsworth

Ellsworth is one of the most interesting figures in retro computing. Owning the hardware she designed is the most direct connection you can have to her work.

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