The Raspberry Pi Pico is the heart of potentially the smallest emulation platform. Twitter user bobricious has created a system that run Commodore 64, Atari 800, and ZX Spectrum games with a VGA output.
With just a 133 MHz dual-core RP2040 processor, the sub-£5 board can be attached to a custom PCB. It’s an SBC which hosts a controller, a built-in LCD display, and a socket for the Pico.
#mcume #raspberrypico #rp2040 #ZXSpectrum emulation pic.twitter.com/nWNeP0tmt1
— bobricius (@bobricius) September 15, 2021
This in turn relies on the MCUME project by Jean-Marc Harvengt. Multi CompUter Machine Emulator is a software layer that enables emulation on RP2040 microcontrollers. The result is a lightweight, compact gaming experience. VGA might be an odd choice, but it is at least more authentic than HDMI and doesn’t have the conversion overhead.
(Via Tom’s Hardware. Image credit: Bobricious Twitter feed)
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
