In a new video from Blood Mosher’s Hack Lab, the SYSOP-64 for C64 makes its debut. This FPGA-powered cartridge transforms the Commodore 64 into a modern hybrid machine. Built around the DE10-Nano board, it delivers HDMI video, a DMA engine, and a shared frame buffer. It also runs a Linux OS, enabling powerful new features.
Right away, SYSOP-64 for C64 shows its versatility. The carrier board handles level shifting and connects directly to the DE10-Nano. A passthrough port lets users stack additional cartridges. On top of that, GPIO access and control lines provide advanced hardware interaction.
Setup is simple for anyone who’s used the IceVIC. Three wires connect to the CPU’s key lines. An SD card contains the FPGA core, Linux system, and a C64 software library. Users must power the DE10-Nano board before turning on the C64. Once booted, HDMI video appears with a forced reset confirming Linux has started.
The HDMI output runs at 1080p, offering a clean, sharp display. This alone upgrades the visual experience. But it doesn’t stop there. The FPGA core brings powerful tools to the table. These include a DMA engine, bus sampler, and a separate frame buffer. Overlays can appear directly on the C64’s video output.
SYSOP-64 for C64 isn’t just a graphics boost. It’s a foundation for entirely new workflows on the C64. Users can launch apps, analyze bus traffic, or even prototype new systems. The Linux environment makes development accessible without removing the charm of original hardware.
Blood Mosher plans to explore these features in detail in upcoming videos. For now, SYSOP-64 already offers an exciting leap forward. It invites developers and hobbyists to rethink what the C64 can do.
