Fantasy system emulators
TODO: Add these consoles and computers.
- For software that emulates other systems on these computers/consoles, see Emulators on Fantasy Computer.
- Main wiki: Fantasy Console Wiki
Fantasy consoles or fantasy computers are fictitious systems that aim to recreate the experience of retro gaming without the need to emulate real hardware, allowing specifications of their emulated hardware surpassing the real hardware specifications of the systems they are molded after.
Contents
Consoles[edit]
- Fantasy consoles are intended to replicate the experience of older video game consoles.
BrainFuckConsole74[edit]
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BrainFuckConsole74 | Website | Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ |
cel7[edit]
'cel7 is a fantasy console/framework based around the fe programming language, both created by rxi.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
cel7 | Website | Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ |
DRAK-0[edit]
'DRAK-0 is a fantasy console created by Drew Wibbenmeyer.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DRAK-0 | git | Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ |
DreamBox[edit]
DreamBox is a fantasy console created by Hazel Stagner, it recreates the look of 3D on 2000's consoles.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DreamBox | Itch.io | Proprietary | ~ | ✓ |
ESP LGE[edit]
ESP LGE is a fantasy console created by Igor (A.K.A corax89) for the ESPboy.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ESP LGE | ESPboy | Itch.io | ? | ✗ | ✓ |
Kate[edit]
Kate is a fantasy console created by Niini.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kate | Website Itch.io |
MPL 2.0 (Copyleft) | ✓ | ✓ |
Leikr[edit]
Leikr is a fantasy console created by Torbuntu.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leikr | git | Apache 2.0 (Permissive) | ✓ | ✓ |
LowRes NX[edit]
LowRes NX is a fantasy console created by Timo Kloss.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
LowRes NX | 1.2 libretro core |
zlib License (Permissive) | ✗ | ✓ |
MegaZeux[edit]
MegaZeux is a fantasy console created by Alexis Janson.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MegaZeux | |
2.70-2.93b | GPLv2 (Copyleft) | ✓ | ✓ |
MicroW8[edit]
MicroW8 is a fantasy console created by exoticorn.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MircoW8 | Website libretro core |
Unlicense (Public domain) | ✓ | ✓ |
PICO-8[edit]
Developer | Lexaloffle Games |
---|---|
Type | Fantasy console |
Emulated | ✓ |
PICO-8 is a fantasy console created by Lexaloffle Games. It recreates the limited graphics (color and resolution) and audio capabilities of the 1980s/8-bit machines it is modeled after.
The popular game Celeste was originally created in PICO-8 during a game jam before later being recreated for releases on computers and consoles, with the PICO-8 version being retroactively titled 'Celeste Classic'.
PICO-8 emulators
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PC/x86 | |||||
PICO-8 | 0.2.6b | Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ | |
Retro8 | libretro core | GPLv3 (Copyleft) | ✓ | ! | |
tac08 | git | MIT (Permissive) | ✗ | ! | |
Mobile/ARM | |||||
PICO-8 | 0.2.6b | Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ | |
fake-08 (libretro core) | git | MIT (Permissive) | ✓ | ! | |
P8GO | Website Google Play (0.2.6) |
Proprietary | ✓ | ! | |
Retro8 | libretro core | GPLv3 (Copyleft) | ✓ | ! | |
Web | |||||
PICO-8 | Website Education Edition |
Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ | |
Console | |||||
fake-08 | |
git | MIT (Permissive) | ✓ | ! |
PS4-P8 | git | MIT (Permissive) | ✗ | ! | |
PICO-8 Emulator | 2.0 | Proprietary | ✗ | ! | |
Retro8 | |
libretro core | GPLv3 (Copyleft) | ✓ | ! |
zepto8 | git | WTFPL 2.0 (Permissive/Public domain) | ✗ | ! | |
Other | |||||
PICOLOVE | LÖVE | git | zlib License (Permissive) | ✓ | ! |
Vircon32[edit]
Developer(s) | Carra (Vircon32) |
---|---|
Latest version | v1.1 (BIOS) v24.3.2 (emulator) |
Active | Yes |
Platform(s) | Windows Linux macOS Android iOS Raspberry Pi Switch |
Emulates | Vircon32 |
Website | Website |
Download(s) | Official emulator |
Programmed in | C and Assembly (BIOS) C++ (emulator) |
Source code | Console software Computer software |
Vircon32 (stylized as Vircon32) is a fantasy console created by Carra (A.K.A Vircon32), inspired by the 16-bit and 32-bit generations of video game consoles. The name is a combination of sections the words 32-bit virtual console.
Vircon32 has the specifications of a 15 MHz CPU, 16 MBs of RAM, 16-channel stereo sound, with support for 1 MB save games, and 4 controllers.[1]
The developer has stated that Vircon32 doesn't have 3D support to keep the project's simplicity[1]
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vircon32 | Website git libretro core |
BSD-3-Clause (Permissive) | ✓ | ✓ |
- External Links
- Vircon32: Games Games on the official Vircon32 website.
Computers[edit]
- Fantasy computers are intended to replicate the experience of old home computers.
3BC[edit]
3BC is a free and open-source (GPLv3 licensed)[2] fantasy computer created by Rodrigo Dornelles. It recreates 1960s computers.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3BC | git | GPLv3 (Copyleft) | ~ | ✓ |
atto[edit]
atto is a open-source (MIT licensed) fantasy computer created by DeviceFuture. It recreates elements of 1980s and modern computers.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
atto | Website git |
MIT (Permissive) | ~ | ✓ |
BASIC8[edit]
BASIC8 is a fantasy computer created by Tony Wang. It recreates elements of 1980s and modern computers.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BASIC8 | Steam | Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ |
Continuum 93[edit]
Continuum 93 is a fantasy computer developed by EnthusiastGuy, designed to emulate the experience of classic consoles while introducing modern enhancements. Its assembly language architecture draws inspiration from iconic systems like the ZX Spectrum, Amiga, NES, and other retro consoles, blending nostalgia with innovative features.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: Continuum 93’s CPU frequency is unlocked, adapting dynamically to the host system's performance—from 3-4MHz on low-end devices up to 100MHz or more on high-end systems.
- Memory: 16MB of RAM, with up to 1MB of DMA RAM shared with the video card.
- Graphics: Supports up to 8 layered video pages, each with 255 colors from a 16-million color palette.
- Audio: Generates complex soundscapes through parameters like frequency, envelope, vibrato, arpeggiation, duty cycle, retrigger, flanger, and low/high-pass filters.
Features:
- Advanced interrupt handling for:
* 2D acceleration * Keyboard, mouse, and gamepad input * Clock and filesystem operations * PNG sprites and font management
- Runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi (64-bit), and Steam Deck.
Development Tools:
- Extensive documentation and example code.
- Separate debugger, disassembler, and video inspector application that connects locally to the emulator.
Availability: Continuum 93 is free for personal use. Commercial software developed with Continuum is not currently supported by a licensing system.
Discord: For any news and feedback the author maintains this discord channel.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Continuum 93 | Itch.io | Proprietary | ✓ | ✓ |
C-Toy[edit]
C-Toy is a open-source fantasy computer created by Anaël Seghezzi based on TCC (TinyC Compiler) with live-editing and being cross-platform as the focus.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
C-Toy | git | zlib License (Permissive) | ✗ | ✓ |
imeight[edit]
Developer(s) | tchibo |
---|---|
Latest version | N/A |
Active | Yes |
Platform(s) | Web |
Emulates | imeight |
Download(s) | SourceForge |
Programmed in | JavaScript |
Source code | SourceForge |
An HTML5 emulator of a machine that never existed. The emulator brings back memories from the 1980s, offers graphical features like sprites, character generator, 16-color palette.
One goal is to create a framework for making games with 8-bit look and feel, including the process of programming.
The programming tutorial helps beginners enter the world of programming in a gamified way.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
imeight | Try-it Page | ? | ✓ | ✓ |
LIKO-12[edit]
LIKO-12 is a fantasy computer created by RamiLego4Game.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
LIKO-12 | homepage | MIT (Permissive) | ✗ | ✓ |
Micro16[edit]
Micro16 is a fantasy computer created by bitblitter inspired by PICO-8
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Micro16 | Itch.io | Proprietary | ✗ | ✓ |
TIC-80[edit]
Developer(s) | Vadim Grigoruk (Nesbox) |
---|---|
Latest version | N/A |
Platform(s) | Windows Linux macOS Android Raspberry Pi Browser 3DS Libretro Pocket CHIP iOS Apple TV |
Emulates | TIC-80 |
Website | tic80.com |
TIC-80 is a free and open-source (MIT Licensed)[3] fantasy computer created by Vadim Grigoruk (Nesbox). It recreates the limited graphics (color and resolution) and audio capabilities of the 1980s/8-bit machines it is modeled after.
Due to TIC-80 being open source, it supports developing programs in the following languages:
- Lua, MoonScript, JavaScript, Wren, Fennel, Squirrel, Ruby, Janet, Scheme and Python.
Name | Platform(s) | Latest version | License | Active | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TIC-80 | |
git iOS/Apple TV Website |
MIT (Permissive) | ✓[4] | ✓ |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.vircon32.com/index.html
- ↑ 3BC LICENSE.txt
- ↑ "TIC-80 / LICENSE" - GitHub
- ↑ Except for the iOS/Apple TV version.