The 8-Bit Computer is Back, Ready to Hack, and Plays NES Games to Boot
March 27th, 2009
When you think of 8-bit computers, classics like the Atari 400/800, the Commodore 64 and the Apple II probably come to mind. But there’s a new kid on the block that hopes to bring 8-bit computing back – this time for the hacker community.
This bare-bones looking “TV Computer” is based on the same 1MHz 6502 processor chip that powered many of the great 8-bit systems of days gone by. And like the home programming movement of the 1980s, the guys over at Playpower.org are encouraging the use of these cheap imports for the development of homebrew and open-source apps, to spur computer-aided education in developing countries.
Not only can the system run simple programs written in BASIC, it comes with a cartridge pre-loaded with an 8-bit music application, a “Visual Theremin” (whatever that means), a sprite manipulation program and a Chinese language GUI. As an added bonus, the system can play old school NES games (with the use of an optional 60 to 72 pin adapter).
So if you’re ready to get to brush up on your BASIC skills, or just want to play some Mario Brothers, you can find the 8-bit TV computer over at the MakerSHED for just $49.99 (USD).
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Categories: Hacks + Mods Retro Technology Video Games
Tags: 1980s 6502 8 bit basic computer education hack homebrew open source Retro
The “Visual theremin” refers to the first all-electronic musical instrument, the Theremin, named after its inventor. The first successful commercial recording to use it was “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys. Beach Boy founder Brian Wilson pioneered the use of this and other new techniques in popular music. One of his less successful ideas was the barking dogs used a few years later.
Yes, I am the fount of all useless trivia!