Video emulation game consoles through software has become a popular way to enjoy retro games for some time now. The console software emulation works by convincing ROMs (or only read memory, copied from the original game data) that is being played on the actual console. Even though half of the time this emulation method can work well, there are also many problems that arise quite often because of a non-conformity between ROM and emulator. From buggy games to distorted audio, software emulation is far from perfect. It comes down to the fact that it is difficult to emulate properly hardware using software.
How does FPGA gaming work?
FPGA is a type of chip called an integrated circuit, which uses programmed logic blocks that can be changed as needed. This allows the programmable chip to recreat the classic game console hardware circuit, create a more truly-to-life version. It can also be configured in various ways, so you have the potential to load many different console emulators on one chip.
To make these emulators, a programmer writes what is called “core” based on hardware from the Original Hardware Description Language (HDL), which is understood and used FPGA to reproduce hardware behavior. So, for all ROMs that run on this FPGA, assuming it is the right reproduction, the opportunity to mismatch is much lower. This ensures that the ROM will run far more smoothly because the emulator works from the hardware level that is more appropriate than the software.
What is the MiSTer FPGA?
Mister is an open-source project for fans of retro games and FPGA hobbyists together gather and create reproduction of classic game hardware, including everything starting from consoles to old computers and arcade boards. The core written for this hardware can be found on the SD card that is included on the de10-nano board that you can buy for $ 210 on the Mister Addons site.
From there, to go up and running, you also have to buy a board I / O $ 55, as well as a USB $ 55 board to connect the controller or other accessory. This will complete the settings, assuming you want to unite it yourself. However, you can also buy Mister pre-configured for $ 615.
You can then connect the hardware via HDMI to the display screen and to the Internet via a cable connection or a USB adapter. Run the update script, and then select the Cornucopia of Console Core available to power the game ROM (the last you need to get itself).