Graphics: Every frame of 320×200 pixel art could be automatically upscaled using modern AI models trained on retro visuals. Instead of blocky sprites, you’d see smooth, detailed artwork that still preserves the classic C64 style. (Think ESRGAN, Real-ESRGAN, or even diffusion-based style transfer.)
Sound: The SID chip output could run through a real-time audio enhancer — stereo widening, reverb, or even neural resynthesis that reinterprets the waveforms as realistic instruments while keeping the iconic melodies intact.
Architecture: The C64 core would run normally (FPGA or emulator), with the enhanced audio/video handled by a separate processor or GPU and output over HDMI. Latency could be kept low enough for real gameplay. It would still play all the original games and demos — just better by default, like a retro console that’s been given a modern polish without losing its soul.
You could even toggle between “authentic” and “enhanced” modes on the fly.
So basically: a C64 that reimagines what those games wanted to look and sound like, using today’s tech.
Would you want something like this?
That's also why the majority of these new implementations of old consoles aren't very interesting to me. My nostalgia itch is scratched by playing on the original machines, or modern machines that are extremely faithful to the look and feel of the originals.
Lets take the pilot walking at the start of Raid over Moscow, it was super well animated and designed for the sprite limitations a C64 has, but I am not so sure it would be upscaled to represent a walking pilot, since some of the oddly placed pixels might grow into something vastly different.