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Keeping it retro, even when it comes to downloading your C64 games. | Tom's Hardware (www.tomshardware.com)

submitted 1 week ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Retro Gaming Innovation: Transferring C64 Games via YouTube

Retro gaming enthusiasts Rod Hull from TFW8b and Dave Curran from Tynemouth Software have unveiled a method to download C64 games directly onto an original Commodore 64 while watching a stream on YouTube. This technique is reminiscent of the innovative 1980s method, where viewers could transmit application code to their computers through a flashing light during TV broadcasts.

How Jelly Load Works

By using a series of flashing lights in a video, Hull and Curran have managed to send binary data - zeroes and ones - that can be interpreted by vintage computers like the Commodore 64. A set of photo-resistors connected to the serial port of these machines can read this data, turning it into an executable program.

The creators aimed for a fast yet feasible solution within normal YouTube video duration (5-10 minutes) without causing significant performance degradation. They managed to transmit a 3.5kB game called Snake Pit entirely through a YouTube video, showcasing the potential of their method.

The Challenge and Limitations

While this technique offers a unique experience for retro gaming enthusiasts, it is far from practical or efficient due to its slow speed compared to modern downloading methods. However, it highlights creativity in utilizing old technologies and could inspire further innovation in retro gaming.

What are your thoughts on this approach? Do you think there is potential for improvements or do you see significant drawbacks that hinder its practical use?

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Based on my experience with a modded 3ds, many people are willing to spend a few extra minutes on transferring data if they can avoid annoyances with juggling physical media. Unless there's a common USB mod for the C64, propping your phone up to your C64 for a few minutes might have some appeal from a convenience perspective.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 week ago

Exactly what I was thinking!

My friends and I used to have a 2D shoot 'm up on our DSs with a level builder; you could transfer a level using sound & mic in a similar process!

At first it was just cool that this existed, it quickly became a very convenient way to transfer levels even if transferring SD cards with the level on it was possible.