Commodore Plus/4 Peripherals

I own a Commodore 64, Epson RX - 80 printer with a Tymac Connection interface, and an MSD single disk drive. If I purchase the new Commodore Plus/4, will I be able to use my 64 peripherals with it? Will my Commodore 64 software work on the Plus/4?

Otis Smerd

The Plus/4 uses a redesigned cassette jack, so you will not be able to use an existing Datassette with the Plus/4. As long as the printer interface does not use the 64 cassette port for power supply, it will work with the Plus/4. Almost any device using the round serial port, including your disk drive, will also work with the Plus/4. The Commodore 1702 color monitor is also compatible with this computer via the rear connections. Unfortunately, you can't use your 64 or Atari joysticks with the Plus/4 (even though the joystick circuitry is compatible) since the Plus/4 uses a proprietary joystick port. Perhaps Commodore or a third-party manufacturer will sell joystick or cassette port adapters.

Although the Plus/4 uses the same type of microprocessor and similar operating system as the 64, the hardware is not compatible with 64 software. Few 64 programs will run on the Plus/4, just as you can't readily transfer software between the VIC and 64. Some 64 (or VIC) BASIC programs that avoid PEEKs, POKEs, and machine language will load and run on the Plus/4, but you'll have to convert most programs yourself. Since the peripherals are compatible, the ideal solution is to own both computers.