MiSTer Multisystem
An FPGA based console, arcade and classic computer gaming system
What is the MiSTer Multisystem?
The MiSTer Multisystem FPGA based gaming platform is a design collaboration between Heber Ltd, RMC Retro and The Retro Collective.
The Multisystem is an all-in-one motherboard that combines a number of existing MiSTer hardware developments, and adds more expandability whilst keeping 100% compatible with the MiSTer Project. The MiSTer Multisystem will allow you to run a large range of FPGA ‘Cores’ that provide a simulation of the actual hardware used in classic computers, consoles, arcade and entertainment electronics from the 1970’s, 80’s and 90′s.
The board has a combined V6.1 I/O board / 7 port USB Hub / SDRAM 128MB / ADC In & Out / SNAC port with integrated level shifter / HDMI isolator / RGB SCART / Multi purpose Expansion I/O port / TOSlink optical and both overcurrent and overvoltage protection, along with an integrated power on/off switch. All of this in a 170mm x 170mm mini-ITX console formfactor.
Where can I get the Multisystem?
As of July 2023 the MiSTer Multisystem board design is now only available as full open source hardware. The schematic source, PCB, Gerber’s etc are available here: https://github.com/Heber-co-uk/Multisystem. We are continuing to create many more developments and add ons for the retro gaming and classic computer market and the Multisystem is just the start!
The Multisystem Datasheet can be found here: https://cp7597.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Heber_MiSTer_Multisystem_Datasheet_80-23043_Issue2_08_11_2022.pdf
Also available as open source downloadable files are the 3D print schematic files for the bespoke Multisystem case. These are available at: printables.com/mister-multisystem-v6.
What is MiSTer?
The MiSTer project started as a previous custom FPGA Design (the MiST) around 2014, this was designed to replicate the custom hardware found in the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga 16bit computers from the late 80’s.
The MiSTer Multisystem will allow you to run a large range of FPGA ‘Cores’ that provide simulation the actual hardware used in classic computers, consoles, Arcade and entertainment electronics from the 1970’s, 80’s and 90′.
A number of other FPGA ‘cores’ were developed and several thousand MiST boards were sold over the years until the DE10-Nano development board was released in late 2017. MiST was ported over and the project grew into multiple different cores and hardware add-on’s.
The Heber MiSTer Multisystem is designed to work with the popular open-source MiSTer Project. – misterfpga.org
The lead MiSTer designer is Alexey Melnikov (sorgelig), he has developed both the open-source hardware and operating system running on MiSTer. You can support Alexey and the many of the FPGA core developers via Patreon, links can be found via the dedicated forum for the MiSTer FPGA project.
The project can also be explored via the Wiki – https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Main_MiSTer/wiki
RMC Retro and The Retro Collective
Neil Thomas, also known as RMC Retro, has a very popular YouTube channel dedicated to the restoration of classic computers, consoles and technology. Working in conjunction with Heber and The Retro Collective, Neil helped throughout the developement of the Multisystem. His YouTube episode on the Multisystem can be found here A First Look at the MiSTer Multisystem
The Retro Collective is a visitor attraction comprising two hands-on retro technology and gaming museums, The Cave and Arcade Archive. With an expanding assortment of old computers, consoles and arcade cabinets to try out, there is a whole history of technology and gaming to explore across several nostalgic exhibits, including a comprehensive retro magazine archive and recreated high street store. You can find out more here: The Retro Collective
For more information go to: Multisystem Console