Australian FPGA developer Wizzo, best known for his innovative TapTo NFC system, has officially announced his departure from the MARS FPGA (Multi Arcade and Retro System) project, just months before the highly anticipated retro gaming platform is set to be publicly unveiled.
The news comes as the MARS FPGA community gears up for a major demonstration scheduled for June, following a delay to its original early 2024 release window. MARS FPGA has quickly garnered attention in the retro hardware and emulation communities for its ambitious goal of surpassing the capabilities of established systems like the MiSTer FPGA and Analogue Pocket.
With a projected retail price around $700 USD, the platform aims to offer enhanced support for a diverse range of classic gaming systems.
The MARS project team includes notable figures such as Flxel (recognized for work on 3DO and Dreamcast FPGA emulators), ToddsNerdCave (the designer behind acclaimed cases for OSSC, MiSTer, and RetroTINK 5X hardware), and RetroTINK’s creator Mike Chi. In a statement posted to Reddit, Wizzo clarified his status with the project: "I want to ensure there is no misunderstanding about my departure." He explained that his exit from the MARS FPGA team occurred a couple of months prior and emphasized that he remains fully dedicated to maintaining support for MiSTer, his other prominent contribution to the retro gaming world.
"It’s important for the community to know that my continued support for MiSTer is unwavering," Wizzo reiterated.
He chose not to disclose specific details behind his departure, citing privacy, and stressed that he left the team on positive terms. Wizzo’s work in the FPGA space, particularly with TapTo NFC, has been recognized as an influential force in advancing accessibility and functionality for hardware enthusiasts.
Although his departure marks a notable shift for the MARS FPGA initiative, the remaining development team continues progress toward their goals.
As of the latest update, collaborators Flxel, ToddsNerdCave, and Mike Chi are still actively involved in shaping the next generation of FPGA emulation hardware. With the MARS FPGA platform expected to be showcased to the public in June, the project remains closely watched by both industry veterans and retro gaming fans.
Key milestones, including its retail pricing, technical advancements, and the team’s pedigree, position MARS FPGA as a potential game-changer in the FPGA hardware landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as the MARS FPGA team prepares for its upcoming reveal and as Wizzo continues his work within the MiSTer and broader FPGA development communities.
The news comes as the MARS FPGA community gears up for a major demonstration scheduled for June, following a delay to its original early 2024 release window. MARS FPGA has quickly garnered attention in the retro hardware and emulation communities for its ambitious goal of surpassing the capabilities of established systems like the MiSTer FPGA and Analogue Pocket.
With a projected retail price around $700 USD, the platform aims to offer enhanced support for a diverse range of classic gaming systems.
The MARS project team includes notable figures such as Flxel (recognized for work on 3DO and Dreamcast FPGA emulators), ToddsNerdCave (the designer behind acclaimed cases for OSSC, MiSTer, and RetroTINK 5X hardware), and RetroTINK’s creator Mike Chi. In a statement posted to Reddit, Wizzo clarified his status with the project: "I want to ensure there is no misunderstanding about my departure." He explained that his exit from the MARS FPGA team occurred a couple of months prior and emphasized that he remains fully dedicated to maintaining support for MiSTer, his other prominent contribution to the retro gaming world.
"It’s important for the community to know that my continued support for MiSTer is unwavering," Wizzo reiterated.
He chose not to disclose specific details behind his departure, citing privacy, and stressed that he left the team on positive terms. Wizzo’s work in the FPGA space, particularly with TapTo NFC, has been recognized as an influential force in advancing accessibility and functionality for hardware enthusiasts.
Although his departure marks a notable shift for the MARS FPGA initiative, the remaining development team continues progress toward their goals.
As of the latest update, collaborators Flxel, ToddsNerdCave, and Mike Chi are still actively involved in shaping the next generation of FPGA emulation hardware. With the MARS FPGA platform expected to be showcased to the public in June, the project remains closely watched by both industry veterans and retro gaming fans.
Key milestones, including its retail pricing, technical advancements, and the team’s pedigree, position MARS FPGA as a potential game-changer in the FPGA hardware landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as the MARS FPGA team prepares for its upcoming reveal and as Wizzo continues his work within the MiSTer and broader FPGA development communities.
