One of the must-have accessories for your MiSTER Pi build is a high quality case to protect and showcase your setup! I’ve designed and crafted a premium range of MiSTER Pi cases specifically for Taki Udon’s Mega Pack based build. These cases provide essential protection from dust and damage, ensuring your MiSTER Pi stays in top condition. With a wide selection of colours available, these cases not only offer durability but also add a stylish touch to your setup. Whether you’re looking for practicality or to enhance the visual appeal of your build, these MiSTER Pi cases are the perfect choice!

The construction of the case is produced from genuine cast Perspex acrylic, this while being strong has also been designed for full protection of the MiSTer stack, but without compromising functionality. The transparent acrylic case is straight forward to assemble with the included fitting kit.

If you’re searching for a great alternative to a full case for your MiSTER Pi, I’ve got you covered! I offer a variety of protective cover plates tailored to your specific build. These options include a simple fan top plate, ideal if your build doesn’t require an IO board but you still want active fan cooling for your MiSTER Pi. For those with an IO board-based setup, I provide a sleek set of top and bottom cover plates available in a range of colours. Get the perfect protection and style for your MiSTER Pi today!

Martin Donlon, the developer behind the MiSTer Laggy and some excellent MiSTer FPGA cores, including the acclaimed Irem M72 and M92, featuring classics like R-Type, Ninja Spirit, and In the Hunt, is now diving into creating the M107 core. His latest work-in-progress core currently only supports Air Assault/Fire Barrel.

Information on the IREM M107 core and setup instructions are available on GitHub for the project.

MiSTer IREM M107 Core GitHub: https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Arcade-IremM107_MiSTer

The Irem M107 arcade PCB list of known published games includes “Air Assault/Fire Barrel” and “Dream Soccer ’94”, as well as “World PK Soccer”.

The MiSTer N64 SNAC adapter allows the Nintendo 64 core to interface with native controllers and accessories, including the Rumble Pak, Transfer Pak, Controller Pak, VRU, microphone, and more. For the lowest possible latency with Nintendo 64 controllers, using a MiSTer FPGA N64 SNAC adapter is the best option.

The Nintendo 64 MiSTer SNAC Adapter is an stand-alone accessory featuring four controller ports. This N64 SNAC (Serial Native Accessory Converter) eliminates the need for an additional level shifter board and connects directly to the MiSTer via a USB 3.0 extension cable plugged into the User Port on the MiSTer’s I/O board. The N64 SNAC adapter is only compatible with the MiSTer FPGA system and the respective N64 core, and is not compatible with any other gaming systems.

It is recommended to use a short USB 3.0 male to female extension cable when connecting the SNAC adapter to the IO board, in order to prevent straining the User IO USB connector on the MiSTer’s IO board.

Nintendo 64 SNAC Adapter Setup Instructions:

• Update to the latest MiSTer FPGA N64 core.
• Connect the Nintendo 64 SNAC adapter to the USB 3.0 extension cable.
• Connect the USB 3.0 extension cable to the User Port on the IO board.
• Load the N64 core in the menu set the controller up as Pad1 : Type –> SNAC.

Robert Peip (FPGAzumSpass) has dedicated considerable effort to developing a Nintendo N64 core for the MiSTer FPGA. Recently, his hard work has reached a milestone where it’s ready for the public release. By running the ‘update_all‘ script on your MiSTer, you will now find Robert’s core available for download, truly a remarkable accomplishment indeed.

Information on the N64 core and setup instructions are available on GitHub for the project.

MiSTer N64 Core GitHub: https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/N64_MiSTer

Get ready to relive classic titles and explore new possibilities with the Nintendo 64 core for MiSTer FPGA!

Exciting times lie ahead in the area of MiSTer FPGA arcade core development as in a recent update on his Patreon page, Jotego, the skilled developer behind many MiSTer FPGA arcade cores, shared the following news:

‘On the core development side, the focus is on closing the open betas. JTSHOUSE is one of them. We have continued working on it, and all Namco System 1 games boot up in the core now. However, most of them are unplayable due to graphics problems. Splatter House was already available, and we are adding Galaga ’88 this week. Pac-Mania is close to being ready for beta as well. The rest of the compatible games need more work, though.’

Galaga ’88 represented a significant evolution from its predecessor, Gaplus, in several key aspects. Firstly, the game introduced more advanced graphics and animations, leveraging improved hardware capabilities to create vibrant and visually appealing alien designs and backgrounds.

MiSTer Laggy is a lag testing device developed by Martin Donlon, also known as WickerWaka, a renowned MiSTer developer with many notable contributions to the MiSTer project, including creating the impressive Irem M72 arcade core. His latest MiSTer project is a hardware addon coupled with the new MiSTerLaggy core which is downloaded when you update your MiSTer FPGA and located in the Utility folder, using the MiSTer Laggy enables you to assess the lag or latency on your display devices.

Setting up the MiSTer Laggy is easy just connect it using a USB type A to type C cable. Plug the type A end directly into the User IO port on the MiSTer, and insert the type C end into the USB C socket on MiSTer Laggy.

Next boot up the MiSTerLaggy core from inside the Utility folder from the MiSTer main menu. The core operates by displaying a test pattern on the screen and gauging the time it takes for the sensor to detect this pattern. The resulting latency is displayed at the centre of the screen, accompanied by average, minimum, and maximum measurements in milliseconds. The test pattern comprises of three white flashing rectangle sections where the sensor can be positioned, allowing for latency measurement at the top, middle, and bottom of the screen.

More information and setup instructions are available on the GitHub for the project.

MiSTer Laggy GitHub: https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/MiSTerLaggy_MiSTer

If you have a MiSTer FPGA then this addon is an excellent low cost combined hardware and software solution capable of accurately measuring the lag on your displays.

In the late 1980s, amid the dimly lit arcades, one game redefined horror gaming forever. Splatterhouse unleashed players into a nightmare filled mansion as Rick Taylor, where every swing and strike against grotesque foes delivered an adrenaline rush. It’s visceral graphics and eerie soundscape set a new standard, pushing boundaries and offering a cathartic escape.

The talented MiSTer FPGA developer Jotego, in a recent Patreon post shared the following news:

‘Work started on JTSHOUSE, a Namco System 1 compatible core (Splatter House, PacMania, etc.). This is a very sophisticated system with four CPUs that can all talk to each other through several devices. This is quite unusual. Most arcade systems feature two CPUs and only one of them can talk to the other.’

As the anticipation builds I am sure many arcade horror fans are looking forward to delving back into the blood-soaked corridors of Splatterhouse on MiSTer.

Dangil has created an excellent YouTube step-by-step guide for all retro console and computing enthusiasts who do not yet own a MiSTer! If you are looking to embark on the exciting journey into the rewarding world of the MiSTer FPGA, but are unsure where to start this comprehensive build guide is for you.

Learn how to easily build a MiSTer FPGA, one of the best retro gaming devices around. Utilising the potent DE10-Nano dev board in tandem with a 128MB SDRAM module, USB hub, Digital I/O expansion board and acrylic case. Join Dangil as he dives deep into the process of assembling this MiSTer setup. Let’s get started!

Build Your Own Ultimate Retro Gaming Machine!

A question regularly asked is “What does dual SDRAM actually mean?” There exists some misunderstanding stemming from the fact that the MiSTer’s 128MB SDRAM memory module is populated with two memory chips. This leads some users to mistakenly believe this configuration translates to a MiSTer system with dual RAM. However, this assumption is inaccurate. In reality, a dual SDRAM arrangement involves the utilisation of two dedicated SDRAM modules, with each memory stick being connected to one of the dedicated 2×20 GPIO pin headers on the DE10-Nano mainboard.

Minimal configuration of the DE10-Nano is required to support dual SDRAM on the MiSTer, the first step is to locate the bank of toggle switches on the DE10-Nano mainboard, the toggle switch marked SW3 should be flipped into the ‘On’ position as shown in the image below.

What is currently required for a dual SDRAM setup are two SDRAM memory modules to enhance the MiSTer’s overall memory bandwidth. If you possess two memory modules of the same capacity, such as a pair of 128MB SDRAM sticks, you can install either of them onto the respective 40-pin GPIO headers, as demonstrated below. Nevertheless, if your memory modules have varying sizes, place the one with the greater capacity onto the GPIO 0 header, and the smaller capacity module onto the GPIO 1 header. Make certain that the memory module chip(s) are oriented inwards, facing each other, as illustrated below.

The main GPIO pin header designated for memory module installation is GPIO 0, clearly indicated in green on the image provided. When you possess a single memory module of any capacity, this is the designated location for installation. The secondary GPIO pin header GPIO 1, highlighted in red on the image, is the appropriate spot for adding a second memory stick.

Dual SDRAM Frequently Asked Questions

After installation, why doesn’t the second SDRAM memory module show an icon on the MiSTer menu?

Presently, the MiSTer main menu does not provide an extra visual indicator to signal the presence of a second SDRAM module. Cores will disregard the second SDRAM stick unless they are specifically programmed to utilise it.

Can I use the Analog IO board with a dual SDRAM setup?

Regrettably, the Analog IO board takes up one of the essential GPIO headers necessary to accommodate the additional memory module in a dual RAM configuration. It’s worth noting that only the digital IO board provides support for a dual SDRAM setup.

Can you mix memory modules sizes?

Yes you can, for an economical dual SDRAM setup, all you require is an extra 32MB memory module. The primary purpose of dual SDRAM setup is to enhance memory bandwidth rather than overall capacity, making 32MB adequate to achieve this goal.

What size memory module can I use?

Every current official MiSTer project memory module is compatible with a dual SDRAM setup. Among the frequently available options the 128MB and 32MB versions are popular.

Having received a number of requests from Digital IO board users to see if I could supply the useful MiSTer Addons DC Power Jumper, I reached out to Porkshop Express the designer and creator to purchase a batch for resale. The DC Power Jumper offers a neat fix for integrating the Digital IO board into your MiSTer setup, by creating a connection between the power outlets of the DE10-Nano and the USB Hub, and allowing you to use the On / Off switch on the Digital IO board to control the power of the whole MiSTer stack.

These have now arrived and the MiSTer DC Power Jumper is available in the online store.