When Christian Simpson, a retro gaming YouTube personality known as Peri Fractic, bought the remnants of Commodore in 2025, he resurrected an iconic PC brand. The first product was a perfect replica of the original C64, save for modern amenities.
The company then took a leap into the past with the Callback 8020, a flip phone that harks back to early 2000s technology. It features a 3.25-inch screen, a MediaTek processor and runs Jolla’s privacy-focused Sailfish OS.
Simpson envisions this as a nights-and-weekends device for escaping from work apps and notifications, with only essential functions like calls, messages and music available. The phone comes in beige, white, silver and a translucent blue model for those seeking something more unique.
Philosophically, the Callback aligns with devices like the Light Phone, aiming to offer exactly what users need without any distractions. Its pricing is high but timed well as people increasingly seek alternatives to smartphones. Commodore hopes it can carve out a niche in this nostalgia-driven market.
