Kung Fu Flash vs Kung Fu Flash 2: Which Cartridge Should You Buy?
Both cartridges let you load games and software on a real Commodore 64 or 128 from a microSD card. The Kung Fu Flash 2 is the newer model with more features; the original Kung Fu Flash remains a lower-cost workhorse. Here is how they compare.
Quick comparison
| Kung Fu Flash | Kung Fu Flash 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Systems | C64 & C128, PAL & NTSC | C64 & C128, PAL & NTSC |
| File formats | CRT, ROM/BIN, D64/D71/D81, T64, PRG/P00, UPD, TXT/NFO/1ST | Same as Kung Fu Flash |
| Cartridge emulation | Same wide range of C64/C128 cartridge types | Same wide range of C64/C128 cartridge types |
| REU emulation | No | Yes — 1 MB REU alongside disk emulation |
| USB port | Yes — firmware updates (microSD is the easiest method) | Yes — firmware updates (microSD is the easiest method), plus PC file transfer via EasyFlash 3 USB protocol |
| Storage | FAT-formatted microSD | FAT-formatted microSD |
| Price at AnyRetro | From $29.99 | From $49.99 |
What they have in common
- Load games and software instantly from microSD — no floppy disks or cassettes needed.
- Support the same file formats: CRT, ROM/BIN, D64/D71/D81, T64, PRG/P00, UPD, and TXT/NFO/1ST.
- Emulate the same wide range of popular cartridge types on real hardware.
- Both include a USB port; firmware can be updated via USB or microSD (microSD is the easiest method).
- Built-in file browser that follows your folder structure.
- Work on both PAL and NTSC Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 systems.
- Open-source firmware by Kim Jørgensen with regular firmware updates.
- AnyRetro units ship same day with the latest firmware preloaded and a 30-day return policy.
Why choose Kung Fu Flash 2
The main upgrade is 1 MB REU emulation: Kung Fu Flash 2 can emulate a RAM Expansion Unit at the same time as disk drive emulation, which unlocks software that requires an REU — no separate expansion hardware needed. It also uses its USB port to transfer programs and disk images directly to and from a PC using the EasyFlash 3 USB protocol.
Why the original Kung Fu Flash still makes sense
Aside from REU emulation, the original Kung Fu Flash supports the same file formats and cartridge emulation as Kung Fu Flash 2, with the same easy file browser, at a lower price. It is a great first upgrade for any C64 or C128 owner.
Our recommendation
Buy the Kung Fu Flash 2 if you want REU support or USB file transfer to a PC — it is the most capable multi-cart we sell for the C64 and C128. Buy the original Kung Fu Flash if you do not need REU emulation and want the most affordable way to load your library from SD card.
New to flash cartridges? Read our Kung Fu Flash setup guide to get from unboxing to playing in minutes.