DosLogo’s latest video showcases Sonic Pixel Precision on the Commander X16, pushing an 8-bit system far beyond expectations. He presents a fully playable version of Sonic, downloadable now, and sets it against the legacy of 16-bit and 32-bit Mario titles to highlight the technical achievements behind his project.
From Devlog to Full Game
Originally intended as a step-by-step devlog, the project accelerated once the Commander X16’s direction shifted. Instead of waiting, DosLogo prioritized a complete 8-bit version of Sonic. Written in 6502 assembler after less than a year of practice, the results are remarkable. Pixel-perfect movement and multi-level interactions are not only included but executed with a clarity that rivals later console generations.
The Mario Comparison
The video contrasts his Sonic with titles such as Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. for DS, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. These games struggled with multi-level interaction, screen wrapping, and collision accuracy. DosLogo shows how his Sonic avoids snapping issues and platform glitches that even Nintendo never fully solved. By introducing interactive monitor blocks that react to walls, platforms, enemies, and Sonic himself, he achieves Sonic Pixel Precision across the board.
Hardware Limits, Creative Solutions
Running on an 8 MHz 6502 with only 512 KB RAM, the game maintains smooth 60 FPS updates. Even under stress, slowdown frames remain accurate, preserving pixel alignment. Compared to the Nintendo DS’s 67 MHz RISC CPU, the achievement is striking. DosLogo argues that modern games often compromise accuracy for physics shortcuts, while his 8-bit approach delivers cleaner results.
The Future of the Commander X16
The announcement that the upcoming X16 GS will adopt a 16-bit CPU complicates matters for developers invested in the current 8-bit platform. With more RAM and processing power, comparisons will inevitably shift toward Super Mario World-level expectations. For now, though, DosLogo’s Sonic stands as proof of what 8-bit code can still accomplish.
