Retro 8-Bit Hardware

Discussions center on modern projects recreating or emulating classic 8-bit computers and CPUs like 6502/Z80, including Commander X16, Mega65, breadboard builds, and FPGA implementations.

📉 Falling 0.4x Hardware
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WHY II CPU ALU youtube.com PC hackster.io index.php specnext.com VHDL emulator 6502 cpu computer bit emulating 32 compatible cycle instruction

Sample Comments

bloat Dec 11, 2019 View on HN

This is kind of what you are after... But it is 6502 not Z80.https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/Commander_X16

classichasclass Mar 29, 2021 View on HN

There's Retro68. It might be able to pull this off. You'd still need all the other pieces, of course.

Zardoz84 May 25, 2022 View on HN

It's emulating a IBM PC on a cheap micro-controller.

geowwy Mar 15, 2019 View on HN

If you're interested in this you might be interested in 8-bit Guy's new computer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayh0qebfD2g

tyingq May 13, 2021 View on HN

Looks like it emulates a Z80 with 64k and selectable Osbourne, ADM/3A, Hazeltine, or VT52 screen output.

The 8-bit guy is building this:https://www.commanderx16.com/forum/index.php?/home/Which might fit what you are looking for.

wvenable Jan 15, 2021 View on HN

Building a 6502 breadboard computer and a graphical 6502 computer emulator. Close to releasing a beta version of the emulator. Some challenges building both the hardware and the emulator at the same time!

empressplay Oct 2, 2015 View on HN

Looks like fun! We're building something quite similar to this, but compatible with / inspired by existing 8-bit computers / consoles (Apple II, C64, etc...) Good to see some validation for the space though =)

rollcat May 3, 2025 View on HN

You may be interested in this: https://www.hackster.io/news/building-a-brand-new-c64-96e803...

stevekemp May 17, 2025 View on HN

Custom hardware running CP/M :)