PicoVerse 2040: The Multi-Function MSX Cartridge

The PicoVerse 2040 transforms any MSX into a modern, extensible system, without losing the authenticity of real hardware. Built on the RP2040 dual-core platform, it doesn’t just emulate cartridges. It actively participates in the MSX bus, delivering cycle-accurate behavior while unlocking features that simply didn’t exist in the 8-bit era. From running massive ROM libraries to acting as storage, MIDI interface, or even a USB keyboard bridge—this is the most versatile MSX cartridge ever built.

Engineered for Durability

As a specialist-grade hardware solution, the PicoVerse 2040 is manufactured to industrial standards to ensure reliable performance across decades-old hardware:

• Injection-Molded ABS Case: Unlike 3D-printed alternatives out there, our factory-quality ABS housing provides superior structural integrity and a precise fit for standard MSX cartridge slots, protecting the internal logic from physical wear and environmental factors.
• Gold ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) Contacts: The PCB edge connector utilizes a high-grade ENIG finish. This ensures maximum oxidation resistance and optimal electrical conductivity, maintaining a reliable connection to the MSX bus that far outlasts standard lead or tin-plated finishes.
• PIO-Driven Bus Architecture: The “secret sauce” of the PicoVerse is its use of the RP2040’s Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines. By utilizing PIO for passive bus snooping, the cartridge achieves cycle-accurate timing without interfering with the MSX’s sensitive Z80 bus logic unless a valid access is detected.
• Cycle-Accurate /WAIT Synchronization: To guarantee stability across varied MSX models, the cartridge utilizes a low-latency /WAIT signal synchronization (Active-Low on GPIO 28). This freezes the Z80 during I/O and memory read cycles just long enough for the RP2040 to supply data, ensuring 100% compliance with Z80 bus timing regardless of the complexity of the emulated mapper.

Run Virtually Any MSX Software

The PicoVerse 2040 includes a software-defined mapper engine supporting all major standards:

• Konami / Konami SCC
• ASCII 8 / 16 / 16-X
• Plain (16 / 32 KB)
• Planar (48 / 64 KB)
• NEO 8 / 16
• And more

It handles everything from simple ROMs to large MegaROMs seamlessly.

The Six Specialized Firmware Modes

The PicoVerse 2040 can be configured via specialized firmware images to transform the cartridge into different functional tools. These are easily generated using the loadrom.exe or multirom.exe tools.

• MultiROM: Your Entire Library in One Cartridge
  • Function: A high-level interface for launching a library of up to 128 ROMs.
  • Smooth navigation with keyboard
  • Supports long names (50 chars) with scrolling.
  • Instant boot of selected game
  • Built-in configuration system
  • Built-in Nextor and Nextor + Mapper (192KB) options with the -s and -m options.
• Use Konamiman’s Nextor OS with your old friend
  • USB Storate + Nextor + 192KB Memory Mapper
    • Function: Boot directly into Nextor DOS with optional 192KB memory mapper and use USB drives as storage.
    • Full Sunrise IDE emulation.
    • USB-C becomes a disk interface
    • Load ROMs, DSKs, and tools directly
    • Optional 192KB memory mapper
• USB Keyboard Interface
  • Function: Plug a modern USB keyboard directly into your MSX.
  • Bridges the USB HID boot protocol to the native 11×8 MSX matrix with 6-key rollover support and minimal latency.
  • Full matrix coverage (all MSX keys)
  • Up to 6 simultaneous keys
  • Modifier mapping (SHIFT, GRAPH, CODE, etc.)
  • Important: Only tested in some MSX computers. Check the compatibility table on the GitHub repository.
• MSX-MIDI Interface
  • Function: Emulates the Panasonic FS-A1GT standard (8251/8253-based) MIDI interface.
  • Full MSX-MIDI standard (8251-based).
  • Bidirectional communication
  • Works with MIDRY, SZMMP, and more
  • No drivers needed
• MIDI-PAC Converter
  • Function: A passive PSG-to-MIDI translator that monitors AY-3-8910/YM2149 writes. Give your games a new kick… hear your MSX like never before.
  • Converts PSG audio into musical MIDI.
  • 50Hz frame-based processing for stability.
  • Vibrato → pitch bend (smooth, realistic).

Flexible Firmware Modes

PicoVerse is not one device… it’s many. You use loadrom.exe or multirom.exe tools to transform it.

How to use