GameTank: the open source 8-bit console financed on Crowd Supply enters production, delivery July 2026
In a world where “mini consoles” are closed commercial products, the GameTank takes the counter. total feet: it's a completely open source 8-bit console, designed from scratch by Clyde Schaffer, funded by the community on Crowd Supply, and now on the way to production.
🕹️ What is the GameTank?
The GameTank is an original 8-bit video game console, not a clone of NES or SNES, not an emulation in a box. It is new hardware designed specifically for homebrew development, with a simple, documented architecture, open specs, and a growing community of developers.
Its architecture is intentionally simple to encourage new developers to create their first games. No need to be an expert in Z80 or 6502 assembler to get started, the documentation and tools are designed to be accessible.
📋 Features< /h2>- Original 8-bit architecture (not a clone)
- Fully open source, hardware, firmware, tools, everything is on GitHub
- Designed for homebrew development
- Modern TV compatible video output
- Controllers included
- Comprehensive documentation e and active community
💰 Funding and production
The GameTank exceeded its goal of $30,000 on Crowd Supply. Production is now launched with delivery expected in July 2026. If you missed the campaign, monitor the Crowd Supply page, additional units may be available post-campaign.
🌍 Why is this interesting?
The GameTank is the embodiment of what the retro scene does best: instead of copying the past, it creates something new in the spirit of the past. A simple, open, documented, console, around which a community can build for years. This is exactly the kind of project that will ensure the vitality of retro homebrew for the next decade.
More info at Crowd Supply and gametank.zone.
Source: rom-game.fr