virtbit is an 8-bit computer emulator and framework for learning assembly programming in an 8-bit environment, similar to the Nintendo GameBoy or Nintendo Entertainment System.

Download virtbit (Win64) (virtbit-20200516-win64.zip)

The archive contains an assembler, the emulator, and some utility scripts. Check the README file for instructions on how to get started.

Features

• CPU
  • 8-bit processor
  • 1 MHz frequency
  • 16 8-bit registers or 8 16-bit registers
  • Support for memory-mapped I/O and port-mapped I/O
• Memory
  • 16-bit addresses
  • 64 KB (65536 bytes) of addressable memory
  • Memory bank switching
  • DMA transfers
• Video
  • 256x192 pixel screen, 8x8 pixel characters
  • 256 tiles
  • 40 sprites
  • 16 RGB colors
  • 1-bit color scheme
  • Transparency mask
  • Horizontal and vertical mirroring of tiles and sprites
• Audio
  • 1 channel
  • 4 waveforms: sine, saw, pulse, noise
• Input
  • Two controllers
  • D-pad, SELECT, START, A, B

The full specification of the system can be found in the DOCUMENTATION file.

Disclaimer

This project is in an early stage of development. The implementation and configuration of the assembler and emulator are subject to change.