ucsbieee / mapache64

Custom 6502 Video Game Console

Mapache 64

• Repository: github.com/ucsbieee/mapache64
• Website: mapache64.ucsbieee.org
• Discord Server: discord.ucsbieee.org

Description

Mapache 64 is is a custom video game console based around the 6502 microprocessor. This console uses a custom graphics processing unit (GPU) written in SystemVerilog and runs on a Cmod A7-35T. The firmware and games are programmed using C, and can be compiled with a custom linker script and cc65, an open-source C to 6502 assembly compiler. This project was developed by UC Santa Barbara's IEEE chapter, led by Ethan Sifferman.

Video screen:

Breadboard circuit:

References

Games List

• Asteroids (2-player asteroids)
• Flappy Bird
• Snake
• Pong
• Tetris
• Frogger

Guides

• Ben Eater 6502 Computer Video Series
• Ben Eater VGA
• NES PPU Explanation

Datasheets

• W65C02S Microprocessor
• AT28C256 32kB EEPROM
• AS6C62256 32kB SRAM
• Cmod A7 FPGA board
• VESA, 640x480 @ 60 Hz Video Timing guide

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Credits

RTL Development

• Ethan Sifferman (github)
• Jon Balkind (consultant) (github)

PCB Development

• Ethan Sifferman (github)
• Matthew Tom (github)
• Kogan Sam (github)
• Neil Balch (github)
• Daniel Van Dalsem (consultant) (github)

Firmware Development

• Ethan Sifferman (github)
• Neil Balch (github)

Game Development

• Ethan Sifferman (github)
• Max Fletcher (github)
• Guy Wilks (github)

Website Development

• Ethan Sifferman (github)
• Neil Balch (github)
• Max Fletcher (github)
• Xingbu Qin (github)
• Nicolas Guglielmin (github)

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Name Explanation

• Mapache is the unofficial mascot of UC Santa Barbara (source)
• Mapache 64 has 64kiB of address space