Commodore MAX Machine

The Commodore MAX Machine, also known as Ultimax in the United States and Canada and VC-10 in Germany, is a home computer designed and sold by Commodore International in Japan, beginning in early 1982, a predecessor to the popular Commodore 64. The Commodore 64 manual mentions the machine by name, suggesting that Commodore intended to sell the machine internationally; however, it is unclear whether the machine was ever actually sold outside Japan. It is considered a rarity.

Commodore MAX Machine

Type	Console / Home computer
Release date	1982 (1982)
Discontinued	1982
Operating system	MAX BASIC (Cartridge)
CPU	MOS Technology 6510 @ 1.02 MHz
Memory	2.0 KB, 0.5 KB color RAM
Graphics	VIC-II 6566 (320 x 200, 16 colors, sprites, raster interrupt)
Predecessor	Commodore VIC-20
Successor	Commodore 64

Software was loaded from plug-in cartridges and the unit had a membrane keyboard and 2.0 KiB of RAM internally and 0.5 KiB of color RAM (1024 × 4 bits). It used a television set for a display. It used the same chipset and 6510 CPU as the Commodore 64, the same SID sound chip, and compatible ROM cartridge architecture so that MAX cartridges will work in the C-64. The MAX compatibility mode in C-64 was later frequently used for "freezer" cartridges (such as the Action Replay), as a convenient way to take control of the currently running program.[1] It was possible to use a tape drive for storage, but it lacked the serial and user ports necessary to connect a disk drive, printer, or modem.

MAX Machine, accessories and retail packaging.

It was intended to sell for around 200 USD. Although the MAX had better graphics and sound capability, Commodore's own VIC-20, which sold for around the same amount of money, was much more expandable, had a much larger software library, and had a better keyboard—all of which made it more attractive to consumers.

Unlike the C-64, the MAX never sold well and was quickly discontinued.