Back to Home11/16/2025, 3:26:24 PM

FPGA Based IBM-PC-XT

113 points
22 comments

Mood

excited

Sentiment

positive

Category

tech

Key topics

FPGA

Retro Computing

IBM PC-XT

Debate intensity40/100

A developer has successfully implemented an FPGA-based clone of the original IBM PC-XT, sparking interest and enthusiasm among retro computing enthusiasts.

Snapshot generated from the HN discussion

Discussion Activity

Light discussion

First comment

21h

Peak period

4

Day 1

Avg / period

2.5

Comment distribution5 data points

Based on 5 loaded comments

Key moments

  1. 01Story posted

    11/16/2025, 3:26:24 PM

    2d ago

    Step 01
  2. 02First comment

    11/17/2025, 12:49:29 PM

    21h after posting

    Step 02
  3. 03Peak activity

    4 comments in Day 1

    Hottest window of the conversation

    Step 03
  4. 04Latest activity

    11/17/2025, 4:01:27 PM

    1d ago

    Step 04

Generating AI Summary...

Analyzing up to 500 comments to identify key contributors and discussion patterns

Discussion (22 comments)
Showing 5 comments of 22
drzaiusx11
1d ago
1 reply
This is exactly the type of content I come to HN for. Succinctly writen passion project posts like this one that actually inspire me to finish and document my own.

I started a (couple of) very similar project(s) for the VCS/2600 that I'm now motivated to take a second look at. One that used a modern 6502 equivalent, and another that was largely software based, but read and used the physical cartridges and controllers but passed the heavy lifting to software emulation.

That said, I do hope the author posts a follow-up on how the EGA graphics were implemented.

drzaiusx11
1d ago
I did end up publishing the libraries I wrote for VCS cart dumping [1] which handles the vast majority of custom bank switching schemes, with instructions on how to wire it to a rpi or Arduino to make a ROM dumper if anyone is curious.

Looks like past-me also posted an earlier/incomplete version of the paddle and joystick handler code as well [2]. I should find the finished one on my old laptop and push.

1. https://github.com/drzaiusx11/WiringVCS

2. https://github.com/drzaiusx11/AtariGamepad

ceving
1d ago
I had to upvote right after this sentence: "I wanted to be able to play the EGA version of Monkey Island 1 on it"
nullsmack
1d ago
I've been waiting on something like this for years, I'm surprised it took so long for someone to do it since there's been those gotek floppy drive emulators and things like bluescsi for forever.

This seriously just made my day.

BirAdam
1d ago
I love this, but I do prefer just using the NuXT. The NEC V20 is a great CPU, my personal favorite. It's a better 8088 that maintains compatibility while increasing performance and offered a great price to consumers at the time of its introduction.

17 more comments available on Hacker News

ID: 45945784Type: storyLast synced: 11/16/2025, 9:42:57 PM

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