# The Final Cartridge III

> cartridge to freeze and save on Commodore 64 computer

**Wikidata**: [Q1456668](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1456668)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Final_Cartridge_III)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-final-cartridge-iii

## Summary
The Final Cartridge III is a ROM cartridge designed for the Commodore 64 home computer, enabling users to "freeze" and save game states or programs. Released in 1987, it enhanced usability and gaming experiences by allowing users to pause and resume activities. It remains a notable accessory for Commodore 64 enthusiasts.

## Key Facts
- Released in **1987** for the Commodore 64.
- Developed in the **United States**.
- Classified as **computer hardware** and a subclass of **ROM cartridge**.
- Featured freeze-and-save functionality to preserve game or program states.
- Included utilities like a built-in screen editor and faster loading routines.
- Documented on Wikipedia in **5 languages** (Danish, German, English, Italian, Swedish).
- Image and schematic available via Wikimedia Commons ([image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Tfc_cartridge3.jpg), [schematic](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Tfc3_skaermbillede.jpg)).
- Cited in *Compute!'s Gazette* (July 1987, pages 44–46).

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary function of The Final Cartridge III?
A: It allowed users to "freeze" and save the state of games or programs on the Commodore 64, enabling pauses and resumes without restarting.

### Q: When was The Final Cartridge III released?
A: It was released in **1987**, as documented in *Compute!'s Gazette* (July 1987 issue).

### Q: Was The Final Cartridge III officially endorsed by Commodore?
A: The source material does not indicate official endorsement by Commodore; it was a third-party accessory designed for the platform.

## Why It Matters
The Final Cartridge III played a significant role in expanding the Commodore 64's capabilities during the 1980s home computing boom. Its freeze-and-save feature addressed a major pain point for gamers and programmers, who previously had no convenient way to pause and resume work. By integrating this functionality into a user-friendly cartridge, it enhanced productivity and gaming flexibility, setting a precedent for later gaming tools. Its enduring recognition across multiple Wikipedia editions and archival references underscores its historical relevance in retrocomputing culture.

## Notable For
- **Innovative State-Saving Technology**: Introduced one of the earliest consumer-friendly methods to pause and save computing sessions on a mass-market device.
- **Utility Integration**: Combined freeze functionality with practical tools like a screen editor and accelerated loading, adding value beyond its core feature.
- **Cultural Impact**: Remains a celebrated accessory in Commodore 64 communities, symbolizing the era's resourcefulness in overcoming hardware limitations.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- **Type**: ROM cartridge with integrated hardware utilities.
- **Key Features**: 
  - **Freeze Function**: Allowed instantaneous pausing of software execution.
  - **State Saving**: Enabled saving of paused states to disk or tape for later resumption.
  - **Utilities**: Included a screen editor, BASIC enhancements, and faster loading routines.
- **Compatibility**: Designed exclusively for the Commodore 64.

### Release and Development
- **Release Date**: 1987, as verified by *Compute!'s Gazette* (July 1987, pages 44–46).
- **Origin**: Developed in the United States, reflecting the active third-party hardware ecosystem for Commodore systems.

### Legacy
- **Community Recognition**: Maintains a dedicated presence in retrocomputing circles, with technical documentation preserved on platforms like the Commodore 64 Wiki (`c64_wiki_id: The_Final_Cartridge_3`).
- **Historical Context**: Represents the broader trend of 1980s hardware innovation, where third-party accessories expanded the functionality of home computers like the Commodore 64.

## References

1. [Compute!](https://archive.org/details/1987-07-computegazette)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013