MiSTer FPGA
Hardware-level accuracy
The open-source FPGA project that recreates vintage computers and consoles in hardware, achieving accuracy impossible with software emulation.
Overview
MiSTer is an open-source project that uses FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology to recreate vintage computer and console hardware at the gate level. Unlike software emulation that interprets instructions, MiSTer’s “cores” are actual hardware implementations running on configurable silicon, achieving accuracy and latency that software cannot match.
Fast Facts
- Project start: 2017
- Hardware: Terasic DE10-Nano FPGA board
- Cores: 100+ systems
- Philosophy: Hardware recreation, not emulation
- Community: Open source, active development
FPGA vs Software Emulation
| Aspect | Software Emulation | FPGA |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Interpret instructions | Recreate hardware |
| Latency | Variable | Hardware-level |
| Accuracy | Very good | Exceptional |
| Flexibility | Easy to modify | Requires HDL knowledge |
| Cost | Free (software) | Hardware purchase |
How It Works
FPGA recreation:
- Study original hardware schematics
- Write HDL (Hardware Description Language)
- Synthesise to FPGA gates
- Connect to original controllers/displays
- Run original software unmodified
Supported Systems
Popular MiSTer cores:
| Category | Systems |
|---|---|
| Computers | C64, Amiga, Atari ST, Apple II, etc. |
| Consoles | NES, SNES, Genesis, TurboGrafx, etc. |
| Arcade | Many CPS1/2, Neo Geo, etc. |
| Handhelds | Game Boy, Game Gear, etc. |
Add-on Hardware
MiSTer ecosystem:
- IO Board - VGA, audio, buttons
- SDRAM - Required for many cores
- Analog Board - Better video output
- USB Hub - Controller connections
- Cases - Various enclosures
Why MiSTer Matters
For preservation:
- True hardware behaviour - Not approximated
- CRT compatibility - Proper analogue output
- Low latency - Important for precision gaming
- Original peripherals - Can use real controllers
- Long-term preservation - Hardware, not software
Accuracy Examples
What FPGA achieves:
- Cycle-perfect timing
- Analog quirks reproduced
- Copy protection compatibility
- Obscure hardware features
- “Impossible” games work
Limitations
Trade-offs:
- Hardware cost (~$200-400)
- Core development requires HDL expertise
- Some systems not yet implemented
- Less convenient than RetroArch