MARS: Multi Arcade & Retro System

Over the previous few months the MARS crew has been teasing a brand new FPGA-based system: Multi Arcade & Retro System. The idea is much like the MiSTer, however operating by itself customized, extra highly effective {hardware}. They’re anticipating to launch it early subsequent yr at a $700 value level, with all of the MiSTer cores, in addition to some cores that received’t have the ability to run on the MiSTer able to go at launch. Whereas I’ll be doing an interview with a number of the crew members quickly, I wished to place a submit collectively to reply a number of the questions folks have about it. Test all of it out after the hyperlink:
Essential Web page: https://linktr.ee/marsfpga
First off, MARS is a chunk of {hardware} that’s much like a small console, or set-top field. As soon as once more, the discharge date is most definitely early 2024 they usually’re aiming for a $700 value level. There will likely be worldwide distribution as nicely. Your $700 buy will get you the whole lot you want inside an injection-molded case, with no different {hardware} required…aside from bringing your individual controller / controller adapter / and many others. Whereas that is double the value of a “barebones” MiSTer setup, it’s actually not far more costly than a fully-loaded setup. Additionally, you’re solely paying for the {hardware}: There’s completely no paywall or “improve” for cores and software program – You pay for one piece of {hardware}, that’s it.
It has a strong FPGA inside, in addition to a ARM64 CPU. This could permit for extra FPGA cores than MiSTer can assist and there’s potential for respectable software program emulation by way of the ARM chip. There’s additionally the potential for hybrid emulation, for issues like Mortal Kombat II – Your complete arcade board may very well be FPGA, however the DSP audio chip could be emulated on the ARM chip.
Personally, I’d like to see MAME operating on MARS’ ARM64 chip, simply to carry folks off till extra video games are ported to FPGA. I’d additionally prefer to see the potential of the ARM chip used to run one thing like Kodi – This fashion, when you have it related to a CRT, possibly it’s also possible to use it to play movies like you are able to do with a Raspberry Pi emulation field.
Talking of CRT’s, MARS will output HDMI as much as 4K, in addition to RGB by way of a dsub connector which can even assist different codecs (like MiSTer and Analogue consoles); Positively YPbPr and VGA, nevertheless it must also deal with composite and S-Video as nicely. JAMMA out can even be supported, by eradicating a canopy on the facet of the console (suppose Sega CD). You’ll NOT have to buy additional {hardware} for JAMMA (until you’d like an extension cable or one thing) – JAMMA’s included within the value.
It’ll even have MIDI in & out ports, in addition to gigabit ethernet, bluetooth and some USB ports.
It is going to assist USB controllers, in addition to controller modules that snap into the entrance. These work the much like SNAC adapters on the MiSTer, permitting for non-multiplexed, direct entry to the FPGA pins. This can permit zero latency inputs for controllers and lightweight weapons (assuming you’re utilizing a CRT) as nicely. Un-like MiSTer SNAC adapters, there’s deliberate assist for full menu management by way of controller modules…so, no needing a USB keyboard concurrently a controller.
Additionally, MARS will likely be fully open supply and function much like MiSTer: The primary MARS devs will launch all their code and contributors can function the way in which they presently do. Mentioned in a different way, different dev’s are welcome to proceed releasing non-public beta cores to subscribers, so long as there’s an eventual public launch. The one factor that’s not deliberate on being open supply is the {hardware} design itself…however neither is the DE-10, in order that’s honest.
The crew’s precipitated fairly a stir on social media, teasing some future cores they’ll be making an attempt. Stuff like Dreamcast, PolyGame Grasp, 3DO and Jaguar have all been mentioned and whereas they received’t be straightforward, it’s at the very least technically attainable on that {hardware}. Additionally, they’ve began assembling fairly the crew, with folks to cowl many features of the venture. One of the thrilling issues for me, was seeing Wizzo’s tackle the upcoming person interface:
We wish to announce that the ultra-talented @wizzomafizzo has joined the MARS crew!
Wizzo is the creator of “MiSTer Extensions”, a venture that features the Distant Script, BGM participant, NFC card reader, and plenty of different utilities. Wizzo has elevated the MiSTer FPGA platform to… pic.twitter.com/HxZPiNOXFc
— MARSFPGA (@MARSFPGA) October 2, 2023
So, there’s clearly much more to debate…and most significantly, we nonetheless have to see one in motion. Hopefully it will all occur quickly, together with an interview with a number of the crew members to ask all of the little questions that I didn’t get to right here. Total I’m actually excited for the venture and suppose it has tons of potential!