FabGL is software for ESP32, and its reference board is hardware for putting that software to work. The library brings together graphics and display output, keyboard and mouse input, sound, a graphical interface, terminal functions, and retro-computer emulation. The board packages useful connections—especially VGA and PS/2—so developers can explore those functions without wiring every interface from scratch.
What FabGL is—and what the board adds
FabGL is an ESP32 display-controller and graphics library, not a standalone computer. Its features span several kinds of projects: video output, input peripherals, sound, user interfaces, terminal emulation, games, and retro-computer emulation. The reference development board provides a physical platform with interfaces suited to those projects.
The project describes support for VGA and composite video, as well as I2C and SPI displays. It also includes PS/2 keyboard and mouse control, a sound engine, a graphical user interface, a game and emulation engine, and an ANSI/VT terminal. See the FabGL project README for the project’s current feature and setup information.
What you can build or explore with FabGL
- Graphics and display output: Render graphics to VGA or composite video, or use supported I2C/SPI displays. VGA requires an external digital-to-analog converter; the README describes resistor-network approaches for 8- or 64-color output.
- Keyboard and mouse projects: Use PS/2 peripherals as input for interactive applications.
- Sound and interfaces: Try the sound engine and graphical user-interface features in ESP32 projects.
- Terminal applications: Build an ANSI/VT terminal rather than a conventional graphical application.
- Games and emulation: Explore the game and emulation engine. The presence of an emulator does not establish full compatibility with every feature or software title of the systems it targets.
Hardware limits still matter. FabGL’s README notes that large numbers of sprites, or large sprites, can lower frame rate and cause flicker. Treat performance as dependent on the application and its workload rather than assuming the board guarantees a particular result.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What the reference board announcement described
Hackster’s 2022-copyright coverage of the announcement describes a board based on an ESP32-WROVER-E, with 4 MB of PSRAM, 16 MB of flash, microSD expansion, VGA, line-level audio, PS/2 keyboard and mouse connections, and a 16-GPIO input/output expander. It also describes a companion board with 11 LEDs and five buttons. These are the specifications reported for the board in that coverage, not universal specifications for every board later sold under the FabGL name. Read the Hackster announcement coverage for its description and attributed statements.
The interfaces explain the board’s purpose: VGA and PS/2 make common FabGL display and input experiments accessible, while the GPIO expander and companion controls give projects additional ways to interact with external signals. The board is a development platform for FabGL applications, not a requirement for using the library.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Current Olimex listing: a different memory configuration
Olimex currently lists an ESP32-SBC-FabGL built around an ESP32-WROVER-E, but its listed memory differs from the announcement-era configuration: the product page specifies 4 MB of flash and 8 MB of PSRAM, rather than Hackster’s 16 MB flash and 4 MB of PSRAM. Do not combine those values into one specification. Check the exact board revision and seller listing before choosing software or storage plans.
Olimex lists VGA, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, microSD, USB-C power/programming/debug, a buzzer, 3.5 mm audio, UEXT, AccessBus, and LCD-hat connectors. Its page gives dimensions of 104 × 64 mm. At the time the listing was accessed on October 4, 2026, it showed a price of 15.00 EUR and “In Stock”; price and availability can change. Consult the Olimex ESP32-SBC-FabGL product page for the current listing.
The Tool Desk
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Other compatible boards
The FabGL project’s board list names other compatible options, including a FabGL development board with an I/O extender and PSRAM, and the TTGO VGA32 1.2. The project wiki describes the TTGO VGA32 1.2 as having two PS/2 ports, VGA, audio, and an additional UART. The FabGL boards wiki is useful for identifying options, but the available descriptions do not provide an apples-to-apples performance comparison.
| Option | Documented details | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement-era reference board | Hackster reported 4 MB PSRAM, 16 MB flash, microSD expansion, VGA, line-level audio, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, and a 16-GPIO expander. | These are article-reported specifications; confirm the exact revision before buying. |
| Olimex ESP32-SBC-FabGL listing | Olimex lists 4 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM, VGA, PS/2, microSD, USB-C, audio, and several expansion connectors. | Current price, stock, and revision-specific details on the product page. |
| FabGL development board with I/O extender and PSRAM | Identified as compatible in the FabGL board list. | Specific memory, connectors, price, and availability are not stated in the cited board list. |
| TTGO VGA32 1.2 | The FabGL wiki lists two PS/2 ports, VGA, audio, and an additional UART. | Check its current availability and exact hardware revision. |
Choose by the interfaces and memory you need, expansion options, current availability, and verified software compatibility—not by an unsupported claim that one option is the fastest or best.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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Check software compatibility before setup
At the time the FabGL README was accessed on October 4, 2026, it warned that the latest supported Espressif Arduino ESP32 library version was 2.0.17 or earlier. The project said later versions leave too little memory for FabGL applications to function as intended. This is a FabGL-specific compatibility warning, not a claim about all ESP32 libraries or all newer ESP32 hardware. Because software support can change, check the current README before starting a new project and use a supported library version for the setup you are building.
What the announcement claims do—and do not—mean
Hackster attributes to FabGL maintainer Fabrizio Di Vittorio the statement: “Supports all FabGL applications, including the PC Emulator: Now you can program your I/O pins using GWBasic or QBASIC under MSDOS!” The same article attributes this statement to him: “Install Arduino [IDE] and [the] FabGL library, and you have a PC IBM, a Commodore VIC 20, etc., and a development board for your FabGL projects!” These are quotations reproduced by Hackster, not independently verified interview transcripts. They convey the board’s intended appeal, but should not be read as proof of full compatibility with every PC or Commodore program or peripheral.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
