MEGA65: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Modern open-source 8-bit computer based on the Commodore 65}} | |||
{{Short description| | |||
{{Infobox computer | {{Infobox computer | ||
| name | | name = MEGA65 | ||
| image | | logo = <!-- Add image filename if one is uploaded on Wikimedia Commons --> | ||
| caption | | image = <!-- Add product image filename if available --> | ||
| developer | | caption = MEGA65 computer | ||
| manufacturer | | developer = [[MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art e.V.]] | ||
| type | | manufacturer = Trenz Electronic | ||
| release date | | type = Home computer | ||
| | | release date = 2021 | ||
| cpu | | discontinued = <!-- Leave blank if still in production --> | ||
| memory | | operating system = MEGAOS, BASIC 10.0 | ||
| storage | | cpu = M65 (Enhanced 65CE02 core, up to 48.75 MHz) | ||
| display | | memory = 384 KB RAM (expandable) | ||
| graphics | | storage = Dual SD card slots, optional internal floppy drive | ||
| sound | | display = HDMI output, up to 800×600 resolution | ||
| input | | graphics = VIC-IV | ||
| website | | sound = SID emulation, digital audio | ||
| input = Mechanical keyboard, dual DB9 joystick ports, USB | |||
| connectivity = Ethernet, USB, C64 cartridge port | |||
| compatibility = Partial [[Commodore 65]], full [[Commodore 64]] | |||
| predecessor = [[Commodore 65]] | |||
| website = [https://www.mega65.org/ www.mega65.org] | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''MEGA65''' is an open-source, modern 8-bit home computer designed as a spiritual successor to the [[Commodore 65]] (C65), a prototype computer developed by [[Commodore International]] in the early 1990s but never officially released. Developed by the '''MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art e.V.''', the MEGA65 aims to recreate and extend the legacy of 8-bit computing by offering enhanced hardware capabilities while retaining compatibility with classic Commodore systems. The platform has garnered attention among retro computing enthusiasts, educators, and open-source hardware communities for its unique blend of nostalgia and modern features. | |||
== Overview == | |||
The MEGA65 project originated in the early 2010s as an effort to bring the unreleased Commodore 65 to life. While only a few hundred prototypes of the original C65 exist, the MEGA65 replicates and extends the C65’s architecture, maintaining a high degree of software and partial hardware compatibility. It is designed to be used both as a historically accurate recreation of an 8-bit computer and as a modern development platform. | |||
The MEGA65 features a custom FPGA-based motherboard, mechanical keyboard, and a case design inspired by the Commodore 64C. Its operating system and applications are primarily open-source, with contributions from a wide global community of developers. | |||
== Hardware == | |||
The MEGA65 is powered by a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, which emulates a custom CPU core named '''M65''', an enhanced version of the 8-bit 6502 processor used in earlier Commodore computers. Key hardware specifications include: | |||
* '''CPU''': M65 (up to 48.75 MHz, enhanced 65CE02 core) | |||
* '''Memory''': 384 KB main RAM, expandable via SD card storage | |||
* '''Display''': HDMI output with support for up to 800×600 resolution and enhanced VIC-IV graphics chip | |||
* '''Input''': Full-sized mechanical keyboard, dual DB9 joystick ports, USB support | |||
* '''Storage''': Dual SD card slots, internal floppy drive (optional) | |||
* '''Connectivity''': Ethernet, expansion ports, and C64 cartridge compatibility | |||
The MEGA65 also supports real-time multitasking, a hardware sprite system, and advanced audio capabilities through the integrated SID chip emulation and digital sound support. | |||
The | == Software and Compatibility == | ||
The MEGA65 is backward-compatible with the [[Commodore 64]] and partially with the Commodore 65. It can run most C64 software, and many developers have ported or updated classic titles to take advantage of the MEGA65’s enhanced capabilities. The default operating system is '''MEGAOS''', with a command-line interface and support for BASIC 10.0, a significant upgrade from the Commodore 64’s BASIC 2.0. | |||
Developers and hobbyists can write software in assembly, C, or BASIC, and MEGA65 includes a built-in monitor and machine code editor. An integrated development environment, tools for cross-compilation, and a full-featured emulator are also available through the MEGA65 development ecosystem. | |||
== | == Development and Community == | ||
The MEGA65 project is maintained by the '''MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art e.V.''', a German nonprofit organization. The design and source code are released under open licenses, including the GNU General Public License (GPL) for firmware and hardware design files. The community plays an integral role in bug tracking, software contributions, documentation, and translation. | |||
Developers and enthusiasts collaborate via online forums, GitHub repositories, and a dedicated Discord server. The MEGA65 has also inspired various derivative projects and educational uses, particularly in teaching programming and computer history. | |||
== | == Commercial Availability == | ||
After years of prototyping and beta testing, the MEGA65 entered limited production and became commercially available in 2021. It is manufactured and distributed by '''Trenz Electronic''', with preassembled units sold through the official [https://www.mega65.org/ MEGA65 store]. Due to high demand and limited production capacity, availability is typically managed through pre-order batches. | |||
Each unit ships with a full-color manual, USB cable, SD card, and access to firmware updates. Optional accessories include joystick controllers, expansion modules, and replacement keycaps. | |||
The | == Reception == | ||
The MEGA65 has received positive reviews from retro computing enthusiasts, hobbyist developers, and tech reviewers for its fidelity to 1980s computing, build quality, and extendable architecture. Critics have praised the device for successfully blending nostalgia with contemporary usability. However, some have noted the high price point and limited software library compared to modern computers as potential drawbacks. | |||
== Legacy == | == Legacy == | ||
Although rooted in retro computing, the MEGA65 is part of a broader trend of FPGA-based hardware revivalism, including projects like the [[MiSTer FPGA]] and Analogue’s [[Super Nt]]. Its commitment to open-source development, educational outreach, and community-driven design distinguishes it in the landscape of modern retro computing hardware. | |||
== See also == | |||
* [[Commodore 64]] | |||
* [[Commodore 128]] | |||
* [[Commodore 65]] | |||
* [[FPGA]] | |||
* [[Retrocomputing]] | |||
* [[BASIC]] | |||
== | == References == | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
[[ | * MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art. “MEGA65 Official Website.” [https://www.mega65.org/] | ||
[ | * Trenz Electronic. “MEGA65 Product Page.” [https://shop.trenz-electronic.de/en/Products/MEGA65/] | ||
[ | * MEGA65 GitHub Repository. [https://github.com/MEGA65] | ||
[ | * Wikipedia contributors. “The Perfect Article.” ''Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.'' [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:The_perfect_article] | ||
[ | * Wikipedia contributors. “Citing Sources.” ''Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.'' [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources] | ||
* Linde, Paul. “MEGA65 Review: A Dream for Retro Computing Fans.” ''Retro Computing Today'', vol. 5, no. 3, 2022, pp. 44–49. | |||
* MEGA65 Manual. [https://files.mega65.org/manual.pdf] | |||
Latest revision as of 17:57, 14 August 2025
| Developer | MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art e.V. |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Trenz Electronic |
| Type | Home computer |
| Release date | 2021 |
| CPU | M65 (Enhanced 65CE02 core, up to 48.75 MHz) |
| Memory | 384 KB RAM (expandable) |
| Storage | Dual SD card slots, optional internal floppy drive |
| Display | HDMI output, up to 800×600 resolution |
| Graphics | VIC-IV |
| Sound | SID emulation, digital audio |
| Input | Mechanical keyboard, dual DB9 joystick ports, USB |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, USB, C64 cartridge port |
| Backward compatibility | Partial Commodore 65, full Commodore 64 |
| Predecessor | Commodore 65 |
| Website | www.mega65.org |
MEGA65 is an open-source, modern 8-bit home computer designed as a spiritual successor to the Commodore 65 (C65), a prototype computer developed by Commodore International in the early 1990s but never officially released. Developed by the MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art e.V., the MEGA65 aims to recreate and extend the legacy of 8-bit computing by offering enhanced hardware capabilities while retaining compatibility with classic Commodore systems. The platform has garnered attention among retro computing enthusiasts, educators, and open-source hardware communities for its unique blend of nostalgia and modern features.
Overview
The MEGA65 project originated in the early 2010s as an effort to bring the unreleased Commodore 65 to life. While only a few hundred prototypes of the original C65 exist, the MEGA65 replicates and extends the C65’s architecture, maintaining a high degree of software and partial hardware compatibility. It is designed to be used both as a historically accurate recreation of an 8-bit computer and as a modern development platform.
The MEGA65 features a custom FPGA-based motherboard, mechanical keyboard, and a case design inspired by the Commodore 64C. Its operating system and applications are primarily open-source, with contributions from a wide global community of developers.
Hardware
The MEGA65 is powered by a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, which emulates a custom CPU core named M65, an enhanced version of the 8-bit 6502 processor used in earlier Commodore computers. Key hardware specifications include:
- CPU: M65 (up to 48.75 MHz, enhanced 65CE02 core)
- Memory: 384 KB main RAM, expandable via SD card storage
- Display: HDMI output with support for up to 800×600 resolution and enhanced VIC-IV graphics chip
- Input: Full-sized mechanical keyboard, dual DB9 joystick ports, USB support
- Storage: Dual SD card slots, internal floppy drive (optional)
- Connectivity: Ethernet, expansion ports, and C64 cartridge compatibility
The MEGA65 also supports real-time multitasking, a hardware sprite system, and advanced audio capabilities through the integrated SID chip emulation and digital sound support.
Software and Compatibility
The MEGA65 is backward-compatible with the Commodore 64 and partially with the Commodore 65. It can run most C64 software, and many developers have ported or updated classic titles to take advantage of the MEGA65’s enhanced capabilities. The default operating system is MEGAOS, with a command-line interface and support for BASIC 10.0, a significant upgrade from the Commodore 64’s BASIC 2.0.
Developers and hobbyists can write software in assembly, C, or BASIC, and MEGA65 includes a built-in monitor and machine code editor. An integrated development environment, tools for cross-compilation, and a full-featured emulator are also available through the MEGA65 development ecosystem.
Development and Community
The MEGA65 project is maintained by the MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art e.V., a German nonprofit organization. The design and source code are released under open licenses, including the GNU General Public License (GPL) for firmware and hardware design files. The community plays an integral role in bug tracking, software contributions, documentation, and translation.
Developers and enthusiasts collaborate via online forums, GitHub repositories, and a dedicated Discord server. The MEGA65 has also inspired various derivative projects and educational uses, particularly in teaching programming and computer history.
Commercial Availability
After years of prototyping and beta testing, the MEGA65 entered limited production and became commercially available in 2021. It is manufactured and distributed by Trenz Electronic, with preassembled units sold through the official MEGA65 store. Due to high demand and limited production capacity, availability is typically managed through pre-order batches.
Each unit ships with a full-color manual, USB cable, SD card, and access to firmware updates. Optional accessories include joystick controllers, expansion modules, and replacement keycaps.
Reception
The MEGA65 has received positive reviews from retro computing enthusiasts, hobbyist developers, and tech reviewers for its fidelity to 1980s computing, build quality, and extendable architecture. Critics have praised the device for successfully blending nostalgia with contemporary usability. However, some have noted the high price point and limited software library compared to modern computers as potential drawbacks.
Legacy
Although rooted in retro computing, the MEGA65 is part of a broader trend of FPGA-based hardware revivalism, including projects like the MiSTer FPGA and Analogue’s Super Nt. Its commitment to open-source development, educational outreach, and community-driven design distinguishes it in the landscape of modern retro computing hardware.
See also
References
- MEGA Museum of Electronic Games & Art. “MEGA65 Official Website.” [1]
- Trenz Electronic. “MEGA65 Product Page.” [2]
- MEGA65 GitHub Repository. [3]
- Wikipedia contributors. “The Perfect Article.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. [4]
- Wikipedia contributors. “Citing Sources.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. [5]
- Linde, Paul. “MEGA65 Review: A Dream for Retro Computing Fans.” Retro Computing Today, vol. 5, no. 3, 2022, pp. 44–49.
- MEGA65 Manual. [6]