For MiSTer FPGA players, “When will there be a real MiSTer handheld console?” has been one of the most frequently asked questions in the community for many years. Now this wish is finally beginning to come true. The MiSTer FPGA Multisystem 2 development team recently officially confirmed that it is currently developing a handheld MiSTer FPGA device, hoping to bring the complete MiSTer experience to portable devices.
Although the product is still in the development stage, officials said that the progress is going very smoothly. If everything goes according to plan, it may be officially unveiled before the end of this year at the earliest.
MiSTer FPGA is coming out of the living room
MiSTer FPGA has become one of the most popular platforms among retro gamers in recent years.
By simulating the hardware architecture using FPGA technology, MiSTer can highly restore a large number of classic consoles, handheld consoles and arcade systems, thus attracting the investment of many players who pursue an authentic experience.
However, MiSTer has mostly existed in the form of desktop devices. Although various DIY modification solutions have appeared in the community, there has never been a truly mature and large-scale handheld product.
Now the MiSTer FPGA Multisystem 2 team has decided to end the game in person. Officials stated on the social platform that they hope to create a device that “puts all the fun of MiSTer in your pocket” and also invites community players to participate in discussions on development directions.
Still exploring the best body design
According to the latest development video released by the team, the core direction of the hardware has been established, but the appearance and body design are still in the research stage.
The developers said they are evaluating the handheld size, screen ratio and operation method that are most suitable for MiSTer, hoping to strike a balance between portability and actual gaming experience.
Since MiSTer covers a wide range of platforms, ranging from Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Mega Drive to various arcade systems, the choice of screen size and ratio has become an important issue for the development team.
The mysterious “Wide Boy” unexpectedly steals the spotlight
However, compared to the official handheld machine itself, another prototype accidentally exposed in the development video attracted the attention of many players. In the video, Richard Horne demonstrates a special device that the team nicknamed “Wide Boy.” This prototype is equipped with an ultra-wide screen and runs the corresponding core of TAITO’s classic shooting game “Darius”.
Since one of the biggest features of the arcade version of “Darius” at the time was the extremely horizontally extended three-screen display, the ultra-wide screen can actually bring the experience closer to the original version. However, the official also emphasized that this “Wide Boy” is only a proof-of-concept device during the development period and is not the final design direction of future handheld consoles.
In other words, if anyone has begun to fantasize about MiSTer launching an ultra-wide screen handheld machine, they may have to calm down first.
Competition in the MiSTer handheld market is getting more and more exciting
Competition in the FPGA handheld market has gradually heated up in recent years.
From Analogue Pocket to various FPGA development board solutions, more and more players are beginning to hope to retain the precise simulation characteristics of FPGA while also having the convenience of a modern handheld console.
The MiSTer community itself has a large core support lineup and a mature ecosystem. If this handheld console is finally successfully launched, it will definitely become one of the new products that the FPGA player circle pays close attention to.
The official hardware specifications, price or launch date have not yet been announced, but according to the progress disclosed by the development team so far, MiSTer players may not have to wait too long before they can truly put a complete FPGA game library in their pockets.