This is a CHIP-8 emulator built from scratch to replicate the original COSMAC VIP (1977) behavior.
It supports the full legacy instruction set, executes at ~700 instructions per second, and updates timers and display refresh at 60 Hz.
I have tested it with titles such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Wall Breaker. Some ROMs require minor compatibility adjustments or modern quirks to run correctly, which are not yet automated but can be added in future improvements.
Through this project I gained experience with:
- Implementing a CPU interpreter and decoding opcodes
- Regulating execution speed (~700 IPS) with accurate 60 Hz timers and display refresh
- Handling low-level input, audio and graphics
- Using SDL3 for graphics and input
- Debugging across different CHIP-8 ROMs to validate emulator behavior
This project deepened my understanding of low-level systems, instruction sets, and emulator design.
- Legacy CHIP-8 instruction set support
- Accurate execution (~700 IPS with 60 Hz timers and display refresh)
- Runs many classic games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Wall Breaker
- Lightweight and portable
| CHIP-8 | Keyboard |
|---|---|
| 1 2 3 C | 1 2 3 4 |
| 4 5 6 D | Q W E R |
| 7 8 9 E | A S D F |
| A 0 B F | Z X C V |
Currently there is no automated build system. To run this project:
- Clone the repository.
- Open the project in Visual Studio (C++ selected).
- Install and link SDL3 manually to the project.
- Compile and run from within Visual Studio.
- Load a ROM (e.g. Pac-Man, Space Invaders, or Wall Breaker).
The repository includes a selection of CHIP-8 ROMs for convenience:
Game-Files/→ classic CHIP-8 game ROMs (e.g. Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Wall Breaker, etc.)Test-Files/→ test ROMs for debugging and validation (opcode tests, display tests, timers, etc.)
These ROMs are widely available online and are provided here for educational purposes.
- Compatibility enhancements → add modern quirks support to run titles like Space Invaders without manual changes
- Flickering handling → address screen flicker behavior for stricter authenticity
- Input behavior → original hardware beep on key hold removed (can be reintroduced as option)
- Display sync → currently does not wait for vertical blanking; could be added for stricter timing
- Raspberry Pi port → run the emulator on a Raspberry Pi for a more authentic retro experience
Built by Sahin Halil (all rights reserved).