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Commodore VIC-20

An 8-bit home computer announced in September 1980 and the first computer of any kind to sell one million units.

Commodore announced the VIC-20 in September 1980, about three years after its first personal computer, the PET. Founder Jack Tramiel saw a market for low-priced computers sold in retail stores to beginners.

The VIC-20 was the first computer of any kind to sell one million units. Sales eventually reached 2.5 million. Commodore also sold a $100 modem for it, the VICModem, the first modem to sell one million units.

Why it matters

It brought computers to novices through retail stores and was the first to sell one million units.

Key facts

  • Announced in September 1980.
  • First computer of any kind to sell one million units.
  • 2.5 million sold in all.
  • Jack Tramiel pushed for a low-price machine for retail stores.
  • The $100 VICModem was the first modem to sell one million units.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "VIC-20", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIC-20, accessed October 14, 2026.
  2. Wikipedia, "Commodore International", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_International, background reading, accessed October 14, 2026.