Compatible hardware

Please note that the hardware results listed below are based on user experiences shared via theC64 community forum (also see old forum posts) and theC64 facebook discussion group. As such, no one can officially confirm the accuracy of all reports, so please use your own caution, research and consideration when deciding on what hardware you plan on buying. If something listed here doesn't work out for you as hoped, please share those experiences via the forums and let others learn from your experiences too. We can update this page over time as we become aware of any incorrect/inaccurate entries.

The c64 mini FAQ states that it requires a gamepad with at least 8 buttons in order to work, although there have been reports from some people of getting gamepads with fewer buttons to work.

Some people have also made mention that you should use a USB power adapter of 2A or higher (maybe even up to 2.5A?)

Even for working controllers listed, there have been comments that some buttons haven't been mapped ideally, and it would be preferable if a future firmware update permitted the user to re-map buttons to suit their controllers. NOTE: Firmware 1.1.4 now permits you to specify controller button mappings per game via CJM files. See here for more info:.

Referenced threads:

• https://gurce.net/oldforum/229-joysticks-pads-that-work-on-the-c64-mini.txt
• https://gurce.net/oldforum/161-alternative-joypad-and-new-games.txt
• https://gurce.net/oldforum/122-working-non-working-usb-sticks.txt
• https://gurce.net/oldforum/103-one-question-that-has-not-been-ask-can-you-use-a-usb-to-db9-adapter.txt
• https://gurce.net/oldforum/153-which-joysticks-work-with-the-c64-mini-my-list.txt

Collection of legacy joystick testers for C64 - Mini is here.

* since firmware v1.1.4
* * since firmware v1.2.0

User fatgit found a config file within the firmware and shared a list of controllers that could *potentially* work with the hardware.

I've received feedback from readers that some found this list a bit misleading, as some entries on it are for controllers that have been found not to work with the mini.

Considering that, I'll move this list into this sub-page.

• Joystick list from firmware's config file

• https://gurce.net/oldforum/153-which-joysticks-work-with-the-c64-mini-my-list.txt

Thomas Senoner from the fb group has has some success modding the joystick:

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/209280506324242/permalink/216226672296292/

Jonas Pettersson and others have shared their successful methods modding the joystick in this fb thread:

• https://m.facebook.com/groups/209280506324242?view=permalink&id=309478842971074
• https://youtu.be/38j8SSikZkI - video that explain whole procedure

Paul Everitt also succeded to add DB9 connector to the C64 Mini joystick:

• https://crashedfiesta.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-joystickiest-situation-since.html
  • whole procedure described here, at blog post
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/209280506324242/permalink/352935628625395/
  • announcement at Facebook TheC64 Mini Group

Some people have tried modding the given Competition Pro Joystick to try add a DB9 connector to it, to permit the connection of old atari/commodore-era joysticks. Not much luck has been reported so far. I'll add links to those discussions and attempts:

• https://gurce.net/oldforum/146-power-mini-from-powered-usb-hub.txt
• https://gurce.net/oldforum/237-tried-to-solder-a-db9-to-thec64-joystick-today.txt

There was some mention of keyboards failing due to using a low-powered USB adapter (< 1A). For best results, use a USB power adapter rated above 2A.

• https://gurce.net/oldforum/144-keyboard-working-for-anyone.txt
• https://gurce.net/oldforum/168-keyboard-stickers.txt

Reported by Tomxp411 on the community forum via private message:

A quick note on keyboards: basically all PC USB keyboards should work, but you have to plug the keyboard in before turning on the Mini. You can't connect the keyboard after the Mini has started up; it won't work.

• keyboard_stickers - for complete makeover of keyboard

My personal conviction is that all USB sticks can work with the system if formatted correctly and various other common fail-cases are considered. Please take a read of the following pages to see if you can make your existing USB sticks work this way:

• Correctly formatting your USB sticks
• USB Memory Stick Problems

In the table below, we can perhaps just focus on whether a newly bought pre-formatted USB stick works with the system then…

Some people finds more convenient to use SD-card or MicroSD readers instead USB memory sticks. Same applies as for USB sticks, all should probably work under same conditions (correctly formatted). Again, table below contains just a newly bought pre-formatted USB stick works with the system then…

People have mostly reported successes with powered USB hubs, it doesn't seem to matter if you get a USB2.0 or USB3.0 hub. Some even say USB1.0 is fine.

Some people have had some success with unpowered USB hubs, others have had issues, so your results may vary with what is shown in the table below. The results may also vary in relation to the max-current of your power-supply to the mini.

Some people are using Mini with PC-monitor instead TV. The common problem is sound, because monitors often do not support sound source from video cable. Common solution is adapter with sound splitter. Here are various solutions, tested with Mini. Adaptors for RCA Composite AV (cinch jack) are also in use.