RISCBoy: Open-Source Portable Game Console Built on RISC-V Soft Core in FPGA
Tags Hardware · OSS · Infrastructure
RISCBoy is an open-source portable games console designed from scratch, implementing a RISC-V CPU (hazard5 core) on a Lattice iCE40 FPGA using fully open toolchains (Yosys, nextpnr, Project IceStorm). The processor passes RISC-V compliance and formal verification suites. The design fits on a 5x5 cm 4-layer board with a 128x128 color LCD, buttons, and audio. Rev B is in development pending gateware maturity.
Technical significance
This demonstrates a complete open-source SoC — CPU, GPU, memory controllers, peripherals, and PCB — fitting on a $25 FPGA using fully open toolchains. It proves RISC-V soft cores can deliver Game Boy Advance-class performance in 7.6k LUTs, providing a reference for embedded RISC-V designs and FPGA-based retro computing. The formal verification of the hazard5 CPU core is notable for safety-critical applications.