Fantasy MiSTer FPGA console

After Richard and Neil (from Retro Collective) mentioned they were open to ideas for the form-factor of the MiSTer Multisystem FPGA console, it got me thinking: what would my dream console look like?

Taking what they already have in the Multisystem, I figured I'd make the display module a permanent fixture - but instead of pointing upwards, angle everything to face either front or back - keeping the top and sides clean. That had a hi-fi look about it, which led me to retro hi-fi stacking systems (I remember my dad being very proud of his 90s hi-fi stack!). The core layer would sit on top, and beneath it you'd stack expansion layers with generic caddy bays. Multisystem could design and sell modules (SNACs) for controllers, or even modules for their new floppy disk drive or their Game Boy cart reader, letting people build their own dream machines!

The core layer and expansion bay concept.

There could be different layer sizes too - a 1-bay XL layer big enough for a CD/DVD-RW drive, or a standard 2-bay layer for cartridge interfaces, floppy drives, extra ports, whatever you want. Mix and match to suit your setup.

A retro computing setup with the stack at its centre.

A Nintendo fan's dream stack in Nebula Purple.

Had a lot of fun with this little thought experiment - what would your stack look like? Let me know over in my guestbook!