I'll plug the Ultimate 64 (https://ultimate64.com/Ultimate-64-Elite) — it's a hardware-emulated C64 that you place inside your breadbin case. It works unbelievably well and is a great modern replacement with a lot of convenience added. For example, you don't have to deal with weird PSUs (12V runs it just fine), you get a HDMI output with sound (can be from a real SID!), and the HDMI out has no delay. That's a big deal: all the emulators normally use framebuffers, so you get a delay, none of the games were built for it.
What I find great is that you can plug in a USB stick with all the C64 games ever made and just load them quickly up using the Ultimate 64 built-in software.
I have both "real" C64s and the Ultimate 64, but I only use the Ultimate these days. It's just easier.
Sure, but add to that a modern storage solution (ideally a 1541Ultimate 2+), a lag free scaler (like the RetroTink 2X), and a modern power supply. The U64 comes with all of that built in.
What I find great is that you can plug in a USB stick with all the C64 games ever made and just load them quickly up using the Ultimate 64 built-in software.
I have both "real" C64s and the Ultimate 64, but I only use the Ultimate these days. It's just easier.