I think we can all agree that the name Atari doesn't need any introduction. The introduction of the Atari 400 and 800 computers in 1979 would be pivotal in the world of home gaming, paving the way for the consoles of the future. While it's debatable as to whether Atari knew the significance of their new machines and what they would mean for gamers in 2025, I'm pretty sure that they would never have even imagined that someone could take all of their hardware and install it in a chip the same size as a coin or a regular postage stamp.
This project comes to us from Polish engineer and hobbyist Piotr Ostapowicz. It's called the Atarino and is possibly the smallest 8-bit Atari computer on the planet right now. According to Ars Technica, all of the system's gubbins, the processors, graphics chips, memory controllers, and sound hardware fit on a board that measures 20mm x 15mm!
Piotr uses FPGA to recreate the individual components of an Atari Computer on the Atarino rather than simulating specific pieces of hardware. It means that this tiny little marvel can play old games and even hook up to existing retro peripherals as though you were plugging them into the original machine.
While the project is still ongoing, Piotr has made some great headway with his pint-sized creation, especially when it comes to the memory system's independent channels and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with the console's graphics, with the system outputting at 60Hz via VGA and accommodating a HDMI out. Check out Piotr's interview with Atari back in 2024 to get an in-depth feel of the project from the man himself!
