Tag: mister

Now You Can Boot Original Game Discs with Any MiSTer!

A few weeks ago, I reviewed the new SuperStation One MiSTer console. The unit shipped with its standout feature—an optical drive dock—that could not boot any games! However, a recent software release from independent developer Anime0t4ku fixed that problem for the Superstation AND brought it to all other MiSTer devices that have USB CD/DVD drives attached too.

Check it out in my latest video!

As of the time of this writing, optical discs from the 3DO, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Neo Geo CD, Sega CD, TurboGrafx-16, and even homebrew SNES MSU1 CDs work in their respective cores.

I tested this new functionality by retrieving my original 1994 copy of Road Rash for the 3DO. After inserting the disc into the SuperStation’s drive and loading the new 3DO core, the FPGA reconfigured itself to function as the original console. The system read the disc directly, and while loading times were predictably longer than they would be with a digital image, the game executed exactly as it would on original hardware.

For users who do not have a specialized console build like the Super Station, this feature is compatible with standard MiSTer setups via a USB optical drive. During my testing with a Hamgeek unit and an external ASUS Blu-ray drive (compensated affiliate link), the process remained straightforward. It is important to note that many optical drives powered solely by the USB bus may require a powered hub to function correctly with the MiSTer, as the power draw can exceed what the board provides. Drives with their own external power supplies do not encounter this limitation.

The setup process is integrated into the existing MiSTer ecosystem via the Update_All script. By running the script and accessing the configuration menu, a user can navigate to the “other cores” section to enable physical CD support. If the option is not available, run Update_all again as it needs to update itself. Once enabled, a new menu option appears for physical disc cores. Most of these are not separate cores but rather the standard cores reconfigured to prioritize the physical drive. I found that it works better if the disc is inserted before the specific console core is launched.

In my video I also tested a copy of Slam City with Scottie Pippen on the Sega CD. This title comes on three discs, and using the physical media saves the storage space that would otherwise be occupied by large digital images for a not so great game. The audio and full-motion video sequences transitioned correctly, maintaining the intended timing of the game’s event-driven mechanics. The last game I tested in the video was a beat up old Sega Saturn game that booted up and played perfectly on the MiSTer’s Saturn core.

This addition aligns with the broader goal of the open source MiSTer project, which is to provide a highly accurate alternative to software-based emulation. By replicating the logic of the original systems inside an FPGA chip, the interaction between the software and the hardware remains consistent with the original experience. When paired with a cathode-ray tube (CRT) television, the setup effectively bridges the gap between modern convenience and original hardware performance.

While digital files remain the faster and more convenient option, there is a distinct utility in being able to hear a physical drive spin up and read a disc that has been sitting in storage for decades.

See more of my MiSTer content here!

The New Apple IIgs MiSTer Core Is Pretty Amazing!

The Apple IIgs core is now officially released on the the MiSTer FPGA platform. While I have maintained an original IIgs hardware setup for many years, the development of this cycle-accurate FPGA core offers a way for the masses to access this sometimes underappreciated Apple II computer’s software library. Since its initial beta phases a few months ago, the core has seen significant functional improvements and is now integrated into the standard update scripts for MiSTer users.

Check it out in my latest video!

Getting the system operational is straightforward. Running the “update all” script installs the core and the necessary ROM automatically. For software, I have been using disk and hard drive images sourced from community archives, specifically those curated by Alex Lee on his website “What is the Apple IIgs?”

Using a System 6.04 hard drive image provides a bootable desktop environment that mirrors the original user interface. The core currently supports mounting two hard drive or floppy images simultaneously along with an additional 3.5-inch and a 5.25-inch volume. One technical detail to note is that while the core can boot from zipped files, these images remain read-only. To save data or configurations, the files must be unzipped on the MiSTer storage.

The user interface of the IIgs was notable for being the first color Apple GUI environment, predating the color Macintosh. In testing various titles like Tunnels of Armageddon and Task Force, the performance remains consistent with the original 2.8 MHz hardware. For those who find the native speed restrictive, the core includes options to emulate period-accurate accelerators like the Zip GS or TransWarp GS. The audio quality, which was somewhat muffled in earlier versions of the core, is now clear and reflects the capabilities of the original Ensoniq sound chip.

Beyond gaming, I tested the core’s compatibility with demo scene software that often pushed the hardware to its max. The Free Tools Association (FTA) produced several technically demanding demos, such as Space Harrier and Modulae. Most of these run without issue, though minor graphical glitches occasionally appear in specific demos like FTA’s Xmas.

For users interested in visual accuracy, the core supports RGB output through the MiSTer analog board, which allows for connection to CRT monitors and televisions. It looked spectacular on my JVC TV that has an RGB component input.

One of the more interesting features available is the MiSTer platform’s ability to provide modem emulation through a Telnet connection. By adjusting the UART settings in the MiSTer menu, the IIgs core can communicate over a network as if it were using a physical serial port. Using terminal software like Spectrum, I was able to dial into Telnet-based bulletin board systems. The core supports two-way communication, meaning it is also possible to host a BBS directly from the device. The Telnet feature simulates a modem ring and can answer standard Hayes AT commands to answer the virtual phone.

The system also maintains backwards compatibility with the broader Apple II library. When running older software designed for the Apple II Plus or IIe, such as Oregon Trail, the system speed must be adjusted manually in the control panel to 1 MHz to ensure the software does not run too quickly.

With 8 MB of onboard RAM—more than many original machines possessed—this new core functions as a comprehensive recreation of the hardware in its most “souped up” state. The efforts of the contributing developers have resulted in a stable environment for exploring this specific era of computing history.

See more of my MiSTer content here!

SuperStation One With Dock MiSTer Review : Lots of Analog TV Options!

After months of waiting, I finally got my Superstation One, a new “consoleized” MiSTer device developed by hardware maker Taki Udon. For those who follow the MiSTer open-source project, the Superstation One represents a shift toward a more consumer-friendly form factor that does not require stacking a bunch of circuit boards together.

See it in action in my latest MiSTer review!

For those not familiar, a MiSTer runs classic computers and video games (both console and arcade) using FPGA technology. The FPGA chip replicates the logic of the original chips found on these devices which makes it incredibly accurate to the original. While the Superstation One looks a lot like the original Playstation, complete with controller and memory card slots, it is compatible with the full MiSTer library of old computers and gaming platforms.

The Playstation ports utilize an integrated “SNAC” interface to connect the peripherals directly to the PS1’s FPGA core, which reduces input latency compared to standard USB. While the base unit is limited to PlayStation controllers, adding the dock provides a universal SNAC port for other adapters, such as those for NES Zapper light guns as I demoed in the video.

The base console retails for $210, and I paired mine with the $45 docking station. The dock includes an optical drive intended to eventually boot physical media for systems like the Sega CD and TurboGrafx-16. However, at this stage of development, the CD drive is not functional within the software. The dock does provide other useful features, such as an NVME slot for high-capacity SSD storage, several additional USB ports, USB interfaces for development and a “SNAC” port for attaching original controllers and light guns.

The variety of video outputs sets this apart from other MiSTer clones I have used. It includes a standard HDMI output found on most modern devices, but it also integrates a wide range of analog video options: VGA (including the option to break VGA out to component RGB), a Sega Saturn-style DIN connector (for special DIN RGB cables), a dedicated component video output, S-video, and composite RCA. This is currently the only MiSTer that incorporates all of these video options directly on the hardware.

In my testing, I was able to run an RCA composite signal to a 40-year-old Hitachi television while simultaneously outputting an HDMI signal to a modern monitor. This allows for playing on a period-accurate zero latency CRT display while capturing high-definition footage for a stream or recording. The video signals were clean, and the composite and S-video options worked without requiring additional configuration (for most cores) or external dongles.

I tested several demanding cores, including the PlayStation, Saturn, Neo Geo, and Sega 32X. Everything performed the same as other MiSTer hardware I have tested.

The software environment, however, feels unpolished. Because this hardware is offering video output features beyond what is typically found on a stock MiSTer, I encountered some cores that required specific dip-switch adjustments to output color correctly over certain analog connections. Taki Udon is developing a custom, console-style menu system that is currently in a beta state that is just barely usable. Eventually that interface will be able to access the optical drive but for now it’s mostly a proof of concept.

The build quality is generally solid, though there are minor points of concern. The plastic doors on the unit can detach easily, and the system runs noticeably warm during operation. While my unit remained stable during extended memory tests without a cooling fan, the developer now offers an active cooling solution for those concerned about heat.

But all in, this hardware offers a more accessible entry point for users who want a turnkey solution rather than a DIY assembly. It consolidates features that usually require multiple add-on boards into a single footprint. As Taki now focuses in on the software aspects fo the device and the optical drive becomes functional, the utility of the Superstation One will expand.

New MiSTer Cores! 3DO and Apple IIgs FPGA Betas Show Promise

I have been revisiting the MiSTer project recently to look at two new cores currently in development for the platform. This hardware, which costs approximately $160, uses FPGA chips to replicate the original logic of vintage computers and game consoles from the mid-1990s and earlier.

In my latest MiSTer update, I look at two new cores – one for the 3DO and the other for the Apple IIgs, both of which are receiving significant updates from the development community.

See them in action in my latest review!

The 3DO core, developed by Srg320, is nearing completion and is currently available for testing on single RAM MiSTer devices. In 1994, the 3DO occupied a specific niche in the market, offering graphical fidelity that rivaled and in some cases exceeded high-end PCs at a much lower price point. The console had support from Electronic Arts and a few other well known publishers who all made next-gen ports of their 16-bit titles along with new games. I bought my Panasonic 3DO console in 1994 when the price reduced from $799 to $399.

The system seller for the 3DO was the amazing port of Road Rash that came with arcade quality 3D graphics, a great soundtrack featuring Soundgarden and other popular artists, and some killer full motion video cut scenes. Testing Road Rash on the new core showed performance that appears consistent with the original hardware, though perhaps slightly less fluid than a stock console.

I also spent time with Wing Commander 3, a game notable for its transition between full-motion video segments starring Mark Hamill and Tom Wilson and 3D space fighter combat. The video playback is stable, though the output seems slightly dark, suggesting a need for gamma adjustments. I observed minor graphical artifacts, such as unexpected patterns in the starfields.

Compatibility on the 3DO core is not yet universal; titles like Zhadnost load slowly, and the Need for Speed currently fails due to an NVRAM error. Other titles ran but with some glitches like a green vertical line visible in Total Eclipse. However, for a beta core, the majority of the library I tested is functional.

Next I turned to the Apple IIgs core, which is being developed by “Allen SWX.” The IIgs implementation emulates a ROM 1 machine with 8MB of RAM. This setup allows for the use of hard drive and floppy disk images including the newer “Woz” format. I was able to boot into GS/OS System 6 and access personal files from my own hard drive images dating back to the early 1990s. The core reproduces the authentic, albeit slow, operating speed of the original hardware. While the games run as expected, the audio output currently sounds somewhat muffled compared to the original machine.

These developments represent a steady expansion of the MiSTer library into systems that were previously considered outliers. While neither core is finished, the progress indicates that the technical hurdles for these specific architectures are being addressed.

Hamgeek FPGA MiSTer Clone Review

I ordered another cheap MiSTer FPGA clone off a site called Hamgeek the other day. Hamgeek mostly sells amateur radio gear and a few other curious gadgets. Like other MiSTer devices we’ve looked at recently, it uses an FPGA chip to accurately replicate retro computing, gaming and arcade systems from the 90s on back.

Check it out in my latest MiSTer video!

The Hamgeek unit cost about $160 and arrived fully assembled with a 32 GB SD card preloaded, which let me skip the initial flashing and get straight to testing. The Hamgeek MiSTer is effectively a “clone of a clone,” utilizing the same hardware design of the QMTech device we looked at a few weeks ago.

Like other MiSTers I’ve tested you will need to download and run the Update_all script to get all of the supported cores and features to work. You can see the full setup process in the MiSTer Pi video I did last year.

Compatibility on the Hamgeek feels just as good as the other MiSTer clones we’ve looked at over the last year. I tested a range of demanding and lower-end cores. The Amiga core looked crisp and executed complex demo scene disk images flawlessly. The Saturn core ran Daytona USA without visible issues, and the Sega 32X handled After Burner perfectly. I also ran Street Fighter Alpha 3 on a CRT for extended periods, played the Neo Geo’s King of Fighters 2003, and tried Wave Race on the Nintendo 64 core. On the low end, NES and Atari 2600 content ran as expected. Overall compatibility and stability across the cores I exercised matched what I’ve come to expect from consumer Mister builds.

I also ran a memory test that exercises the 128 MB memory module. It sustained 167 MHz for about ten minutes without errors, which suggests the hardware has some performance headroom beyond what most cores require.

Video output options are flexible: HDMI for modern displays, a VGA port that can deliver RGB component for late-model CRTs, and analog/optical audio outputs via a combined 3.5mm jack. The unit does not provide RCA composite or S-Video natively, so if your television only accepts composite you’ll need an adapter or consider waiting for the Superstation One MiSTer clone that will include more analog video output options built in.

Like other Mister builds, this one includes a port for SNAC adapters that allow for direct electrical connections to certain controller types and accessories. I verified light-gun functionality on a CRT using the NES core and a Zapper.

The box has a limited number of USB ports — enough for an external hard drive and a couple of controllers, but you’ll likely want a hub — and it does not include built-in Wi‑Fi. You can add Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth with a USB dongle. MiSTers generally do not require an active Internet connection but you will need to go online for core updates.

There’s an internal cooling fan that runs continuously; it’s audible but not loud. The metal case version of the Hamgeek MiSTer I opted for is more robust than the plastic one that’s available for the same price.

If you want a ready-to-use MiSTer without assembling parts, units like this make that option accessible at a lower price than earlier preassembled builds. It’s great to see the MiSTer ecosystem getting more accessible!

See more of my MiSTer content here!

The QMTech MiSTer Clone is Affordable and Available!

The latest video in my MiSTer series features a system from QMTech, a fully assembled clone that, at the moment, is actually available to buy over at Aliexpress (not an affiliate link). Given how difficult it has been to find MiSTer hardware in stock over the past few years, I was curious to see how this one would stack up, especially at its asking price. So I ordered one to find out!

Check it out in my latest review!

For anyone unfamiliar with MiSTer, the appeal lies in how FPGA hardware recreates the original logic of classic consoles and computers. Instead of translating software instructions the way an emulator does, the FPGA is reconfigured to behave like the original hardware itself. That approach is particularly valuable for complex systems such as the Sega Saturn or Sega 32X, where multiple processors need to operate in parallel with precise timings. The result is very low input latency and timing behavior that closely matches the original machines, whether the output is going to a modern flat panel or a CRT based display.

The QMTech unit is based around a cloned DE10-Nano FPGA board with an integrated heatsink and fan, paired with a custom analog I/O board. From a compatibility standpoint, it behaves like any other standard MiSTer setup, with full support for the existing ecosystem of cores and tools. In day-to-day use, it feels no different from other MiSTer systems I’ve tested, including the MiSTer Pi I looked at last year. There are two versions for QMTech devices for sale, one priced lower for U.S. buyers and a higher-priced option for international customers, but both arrive fully built rather than as kits.

Physically, the QMTech system is straightforward. The built-in USB hub provides four ports, which is fewer than some other MiSTer builds, though adding an external hub is an easy workaround. Ethernet is included, but there is no onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so wireless connectivity requires a USB adapter for updates. A SNAC port is present for connecting original controllers directly to supported cores, which allowed me to use a Nintendo Zapper with the NES core on a CRT just as I would on original hardware.

The unit ships with a 32 GB SD card with a basic MiSTer installation already in place. As with other preconfigured systems, some additional setup is still required to get everything working the way I prefer, including running updater scripts and making configuration tweaks. Since the hardware is fully MiSTer-compatible, the setup process is identical to other systems and well documented elsewhere.

On the back, the system offers HDMI for modern displays and analog video output suitable for VGA monitors or CRT televisions with component RGB inputs. With the appropriate cable, the analog output delivers a clean signal that looks amazing on a late-model CRT. Audio for CRT televisions and monitors is available via analog output or optical and the system powers on immediately when plugged in, as there is no physical power switch.

To see how the hardware handled more demanding workloads, I spent time running several cores known to stress the MiSTer platform. Arcade titles like Street Fighter Alpha 3 ran without issue, even after extended periods in attract mode, suggesting that both cooling and memory stability were solid. Switching between cores was quick, and the system handled rapid transitions from late-1990s arcade hardware to mid-1980s home computers without complaint.

I also tested computer and console cores that are often used as benchmarks for system stability. Amiga demos and games ran cleanly, Neo Geo titles like King of Fighters 2003 loaded and played as expected, and Sega Saturn games such as Daytona USA worked within the known limitations of the MiSTer’s memory configuration. The Nintendo 64 core, which has matured significantly, performed well across the titles I tried, and other complex systems like the Sega 32X behaved correctly without any issues.

Even cartridge-based games with custom chips, such as Star Fox on the Super Nintendo, ran properly, demonstrating that the necessary co-processors were being accurately reproduced. At the other end of the spectrum, earlier consoles like the Atari 2600 and ColecoVision also worked as expected, complete with the quirks of their original control schemes.

To round things out, I ran memory stress tests at 130 MHz for an extended period and saw no errors. While the RAM could be overclocked slightly, there was no real benefit in doing so, as none of the existing cores require more than the standard operating speed.

After spending time with it, the QMtech MiSTer left me with the impression that it is a competent and well-executed implementation of the platform. It handled everything I threw at it, stayed cool, and ran quietly in the process even with its tiny on board fan. For a device that is currently available to purchase at a relatively accessible price point, that combination is noteworthy, especially in a market where MiSTer hardware is often difficult to find at all.

The Mister Pi is an Affordable New Option for FPGA Retro Gaming and Computing

I’ve spent a lot of time with retro gaming and computing, and one of my favorite devices for diving into that world is the MiSTer. For those unfamiliar, the MiSTer is a device that replicates retro computers, game consoles, and arcade machines with impressive accuracy.

This accuracy comes from its field-programmable gate array processor (FPGA), which remaps the logic of the original devices at a hardware level. The community’s dedication to preserving this technology is extraordinary, going so far as to remove chip casings and manually map circuits to achieve faithful recreations of the original hardware.

Getting into the MiSTer ecosystem hasn’t always been easy, though. It used to require sourcing various components—a DE-10 Nano FPGA development board, analog video boards, USB hub boards, additional memory—and assembling them yourself, often at a high cost.

That’s where a new solution from YouTuber Taki Udon comes in: the MiSTer Pi. It’s a pre-assembled, more affordable version of the MiSTer. I decided to pick one up, opting for the $180 Turbo Pack, which includes everything pre-assembled and ready to use. You can see it in action in my latest review.

The kit comes fully assembled inside a case. The components include Taki’s DE-10 Nano FPGA board clone, a USB hub board for connecting peripherals, Taki’s analog board that allows for connecting the device to CRT televisions (along with attaching original console controllers via SNAC), a 128MB memory board, and a 64GB Sandisk SD card already set up with the MiSTer project firmware.

You only need to add a USB-C power supply, which many of us likely have lying around. I recommend also picking up a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapter for wireless connectivity and controller support. Taki sells these for only $5.

If you want to save a little money, the Mega Pack lets you assemble the components yourself, though compatibility with third-party cases might be limited. For beginners, the fully assembled Turbo Pack is a great choice.

Running the MiSTer Pi is straightforward. You select a core—the hardware profile for a specific console, computer, or arcade—and the device reconfigures itself to replicate that system’s logic. Transitioning from an arcade game to a Sega Saturn, for instance, happens with just a few key presses. The MiSTer Pi performs equally well across various platforms, and when paired with a CRT, the experience feels as close to the original hardware as possible. In some cases, the video output even surpasses what the original systems could achieve without modification, especially when used with televisions that have a component video input.

For those interested in maximizing the device’s potential, I recommend a few setup tweaks. First, install the “Update All” script to ensure your MiSTer Pi stays current with community updates, new cores along with ROMs and BIOS files. This script simplifies the process of downloading updates and organizing files, making maintenance a breeze.

I’ve been using my MiSTer Pi primarily for retro computing, dedicating it to classic systems like the Amiga. The vast library of games and demos available for these systems is a treasure trove of nostalgia and discovery. For gaming, the MiSTer Pi supports a wide range of consoles and arcade titles with more being added on a very regular basis by the community. The MiSTer project maintains a list of cores here.

There are a few minor drawbacks. The built-in fan is somewhat noisy compared to fanless MiSTer cases, and existing cases may not be compatible with the MiSTer Pi’s port layout. These are small trade-offs, though, for a device that brings so much functionality at a more accessible price point.

Taki sells the Mister Pi in batches on his website at RetroRemake.co. I suggest keeping an eye on his social media posts on X or BlueSky for updates on when the next batch will be available. I found the last batch remained in stock for about a week or two.

A Great MiSTer News Source

There is A LOT going on with MiSTer these days – so much so that I hope to do an update video about some of the things that I’m most excited about soon. A Sega 32X core has been added, a Playstation 1 core is close to completion, and the holy grail (for me) – the Apple IIgs – is in the works too! 

RetroRGB is a great source for following the progress of the project. A contributor to the site, Lu’s Retro Source, is posting regular update videos of all that’s new and exciting in the MiSTer project. You can find Lu’s channel here. 

Check out my prior MiSTer content here. Bob from RetroRGB and I have done two panel discussions of this at Retro World Expo that you can also find in the playlist.