pico-pcePlus
pico-pcePlus: A focused open-source firmware project for embedded PC Engine hardware. Ranked #15 of 32 in TurboGrafx-16 Emulators by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Open source; best for embedded PC Engine hardware projects.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forEmbedded PC Engine hardware projects
- Paid fromFree
- Console coverageMulti_system
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports HuCards, SuperGrafx, CD-ROM², and Super CD-ROM² formats
- Offers manual and automatic save states plus backup RAM persistence
- Supports SD storage, USB drive mode, metadata, and several controllers
Where it doesn't
- Requires an RP2350-based board and suitable hardware
- RP2040 Pico 1 is unsupported
- Not intended for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android
Our verdict on pico-pcePlus
pico-pcePlus is open-source emulator firmware for RP2350-based microcontrollers. It targets hobbyists and developers building dedicated retro-gaming hardware around PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 software. HuCard ROM support covers both PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games, while boards with PSRAM can handle SuperGrafx emulation. The firmware also supports CD-ROM² and Super CD-ROM² software when suitable hardware and BIOS files are provided.
Its feature set is aimed at a self-contained console project rather than a basic ROM launcher. Games can be stored on an SD card, and USB drive mode provides another storage option. Manual and automatic save states cover HuCard and supported CD-based play, while backup RAM persistence supports CD-ROM² games. Metadata, box art, and a recently played list add library organization. Input options include USB, NES/SNES, and Wii Classic Controllers, with HDMI or DVI display output available through supported Raspberry Pi Pico-compatible boards.
The main consideration is hardware scope. An RP2350 board is required, and RP2040 Pico 1 is unsupported, so this project fits builders who are comfortable selecting compatible boards and assembling an embedded setup. It is not a conventional desktop or mobile emulator for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Choose pico-pcePlus for a focused PC Engine or TurboGrafx-16 device with CD support, save states, and physical-controller options; choose another emulator if you want software that runs directly on a general-purpose computer or phone.
Your product? Our editors can test pico-pcePlus in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
pico-pcePlus pricing
pico-pcePlus fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Not verified |
| Console coverage | Multi_system |
| Save states | Yes |
| Cheat support | Not verified |
| Netplay | Not verified |
| Video filters | Yes |
| License | Open_source |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to pico-pcePlus
- GeargrafxA free, open-source choice for multi-platform TurboGrafx-16 and PC Engine emulation.9.4
- RetroArchA broad, free emulator frontend with strong collection, controller, video, and netplay tools.9.2
- MednafenA free, open-source emulator with broad system support and advanced playback tools.8.9
See all pico-pcePlus alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used pico-pcePlus for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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