I love everything about the c64 and still have my vintage one from childhood. The article skips one absolutely vital component of c64's success over consoles: software piracy

An Atari 2600 cartridge or even later a NES cartridge would set you back $20-$50. On the other hand, a box of 5.25" single density diskettes you could buy for under $10 and fit 5 to 30 games on by copying them with your friends. That was impossible with cartridges.