Olimex has recently launched NEO6502 an open-source hardware retro computer designed for educational and entertainment purposes, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be used for retro gaming. The board is very unique as it’s built around a 65C02 MPU and Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 MCU in a dual-processor configuration. The MOS6502 handles the Apple II, Oric, and Commodore 64 emulators whereas the RP2040 handles everything else including HDMI (DVI) video output using the PicoDVI project.
Previously we have written about similar retro computer kits such as the CERBERUS 2100, TinyLlama x86, DevTerm with ClockworkPi v3.14, Olimex AgonLight2, and many others feel free to check those out if you are interested in retro tech with a modern twist.
Olimex NEO6502 board specifications
- Processors
- Western Design Center W65C02S 8-bit microprocessor @ 6.25 MHz with 64kB RAM, 32kB Graphics RAM
- Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core Cortex-M0+ MCU @ 133 MHz with 264 KB SRAM
- Storage – USB Key (optionally can use SD Card)
- USB – USB-A ports for keyboard and game controllers
- Video output – HDMI port
- Audio – 3.5mm audio jack
- UEXT Port for hardware extensions
- Power – USB-C power supply connector
- Dimensions – 80×55 mm with four 3.3mm mounting holes
As mentioned earlier the board features a two-processor setup that outperforms older 6502-based systems, making the Neo6502 faster and more efficient. Additionally, it has an onboard buzzer that can be used for notifications or as a speaker while playing games.
The programming part of this board is interesting, as you will need a USB-C cable for programming the Neo6502 and that also powers the board, but to program the RP2040 you need a USB-A to USB-A cable. The Neo6502 can be programmed with BASIC, PASCAL, and C via various compilers including Mad Pascal, Mad Assembler, and CC65. All the firmware, hardware design files (KiCad), and software are open-sourced, so all that along with example code and schematic can be found on Olimex’ Github repository.
The setup process for the NEO6502 is very easy, all you need is a USB keyboard, an HDMI cable, and a TV/monitor. With these items, you can get up and running in no time. To play classic games on the NEO6502, you will need to run Apple2 and Oric/Atmos emulators. These emulators are available online and can be easily installed on the NEO6502. For more information on the setup process and other details, Olimex refers to Paul Robson’s user manual and Wiki page.
The Olimex NEO6502 can be purchased for EUR 30.00 or around $32.21 on Olimex’s online store. [Update by CNXSoft: Olimex has just launched the Neo6502pc kit based on the board with an enclosure housing an LCD display with a touch panel, a LiPo battery, and a USB hub for 128 Euros.
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Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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This is just silly — it’s retro fetishization. The 6502 CPU is completely unnecessary here: the RP2040 could emulate it without breaking a sweat. (I recently saw a project where an RP2040 emulates a Macintosh 512K’s 8MHz 68000.)
IIRC, the idea was to run on a real 6502 CPU, with all the inherent quirks and bugs, to ensure 100% software compatibility (instead of realying on the hard to achieve fully cycle-accurate emulation/simulation).
As a whole, though, the product is meant to be “modern” 6502-based computer (not a replica/targer for a specific “retro” system).