Brixty Four Is a Commodore 64 Made Out of 2,192 LEGO Bricks
The Commodore 64 is arguably the most iconic computer ever produced, and is unarguably the single highest-selling computer model of all…
The Commodore 64 is arguably the most iconic computer ever produced, and is unarguably the single highest-selling computer model of all time. Any retrocomputing enthusiast or collector would be happy to have a real one of their own. But, Christian Simpson, AKA Perifractic, decided to go a completely custom route and built a replica entirely out of official LEGO bricks.
Simpson was inspired to build this full-size Commodore 64 LEGO reproduction after seeing a miniature 2" long version created by Chris McVeigh. Simpson wanted to take that idea and turn it into an actual working Commodore 64. Unfortunately, LEGO never actually sold any Commodore 64 brick kits, which meant that Simpson had to get creative.
He designed a complete virtual mock-up of the Commodore 64 in Bricklink Studio 2.0, which is software intended specifically for custom LEGO creations. It features 3D models of just about every brick ever produced, so Simpson was able to mix and match bricks from a variety of kits. In total, the design has 2,192 bricks — about $299 worth when ordered through Bricklink.
After receiving the necessary bricks, Simpson started assembly. Instead of using an actual Commodore 64 motherboard, he used a Raspberry Pi running an emulator through RetroPie. Impressively, the LEGO keyboard is actually fully-functional and mechanical. Under the keys are shock absorbers from a ’90s Starguider kit, which act as the springs. He then used a Keyrah V2b device to translate the keyboard into a modern USB HID that the Raspberry Pi could recognize.
All told, this project cost Simpson several hundred dollars and several weeks worth of work. But, the finished LEGO Commodore 64 speaks for itself, and was definitely well worth the effort.