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| Concept: MacintoshX - Game like its 1991, compute like its 1986! |
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Nixontheknight Tinkerer -------- Joined: Nov 3, 2021 Posts: 190 Likes: 34 |
Jul 1, 2025 - #1
I've been developing a concept that combines the hardware legacy of the original Macintosh with the flexibility of the Sega Genesis. The goal is to create a cartridge-based add-on for the Genesis that effectively transforms it into a Macintosh Plus clone while still allowing for normal Genesis game playback.
The project is called MacintoshX. What is MacintoshX? MacintoshX is a hybrid cartridge that contains its own 68010 CPU, memory, MMU, and framebuffer logic. The Genesis's onboard 68000 CPU is electrically disabled via the cartridge interface (/HALT), and the cartridge-mounted 68010 takes over as the system's CPU. The cartridge manages the transition between Macintosh and Genesis environments through clean bus arbitration and memory isolation, enabling both systems to operate independently but share the same processor. Features:
The MacintoshX operates similarly to the Sega 32X or Power Base Converter, but instead of extending the Genesis into a newer (or older) generation of game hardware, it expands the system into a fully functioning compact Macintosh. Projects like the Plus Too have provided inspiration for simplifying the Macintosh hardware logic, making this idea more viable. Why do this? This project is born from a fascination with retrocomputing and the idea of pushing shared architecture to the limit. The 68010 is capable of handling both systems, and with proper arbitration, can switch between modes cleanly. By isolating the memory and peripherals for each environment, you can play Genesis games or run Macintosh software without the two interfering. Project Status: This will be an open hardware and open software community project. Collaboration is encouraged. Hardware developers, FPGA enthusiasts, 68K aficionados, and anyone with experience in bus arbitration or Macintosh internals are welcome to contribute. Links: GitHub Repository (including full README and): https://github.com/twinec/MacintoshX Thanks for reading, and I'm looking forward to feedback from the community. Two systems. One CPU. Game like it's 1991. Compute like it's 1986. Apologies for the AI-ness of this description, I thought about this with ChatGPT Liked by JDWanderic |
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bakkus Moderator -------- Joined: Mar 18, 2022 Posts: 110 Likes: 75 |
Jul 1, 2025 - #2
Holy moly!
I'm speechless! And intrigued! |
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Nixontheknight Tinkerer -------- Joined: Nov 3, 2021 Posts: 190 Likes: 34 |
Jul 1, 2025 - #3
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