Bad Apple Demo On Atari Jaguar (MiSTerFPGA: Jaguar Reworked Core,single RAM 25.07.24)
4#misterfpga #jaguar #badapple
What is MiSTerFPGA?
The MiSTer FPGA is an open-source project that uses the Terasic DE10-Nano board to recreate classic computers, consoles, and arcade systems in hardware-accurate form via FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology. Unlike software emulation, which mimics hardware behavior through code, MiSTer reconfigures the FPGA chip to function like the original hardware itself, delivering highly accurate timing, input response, and audiovisual fidelity. The original circuitry is interfaced to the outside world through an ARM core running a version of Linux that handles in/output etc. It supports a wide range of systems, from the NES, Sega Genesis, and Amiga to arcade boards and obscure 8-bit micros, with ongoing community-driven development constantly expanding its library. Its modular design allows for add-ons like SDRAM, analog output boards, and USB hubs, making it adaptable for both CRT purists and HDMI users, while preserving the experience of retro hardware with modern convenience.
What is the BasApple Scene Demo?
The Bad Apple!! scene demo is a legendary cross-platform phenomenon that began as a music video from the Touhou Project series and quickly became a favorite challenge for retro programmers and demo-scene coders. Its striking black-and-white shadow animation—over three minutes of continuous motion—was both visually simple and technically demanding, making it the perfect test subject for retro hardware. Enthusiasts have ported the demo to an enormous variety of systems, from early 8-bit computers like the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and MSX, to consoles such as the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and even handhelds like the Game Boy Advance. Each version adapts the animation to the strengths and weaknesses of the host hardware, often stretching those machines beyond what was thought possible.
The technical challenge lies in the video’s long runtime, frequent transitions, and need for smooth animation. On limited systems like the ZX Spectrum or Commodore 64, developers had to compress frames into blocky silhouettes or rely on creative data streaming techniques to fit the video into tiny memory spaces. Because it appeared on so many platforms, Bad Apple!! has become a visual benchmark for comparing retro hardware. Over time, the Bad Apple!! demo sort of has become an "unofficial mascot" of the global demo-scene, transcending the Touhou origins to stand as a universal programming challenge. For us retro fans, each new Bad Apple!! port might not just be one of those technical curiosities but can be seen as a creative act of homage.
Notable platforms that have received a Bad Apple!! demo:
[][]Consoles & Handhelds[][]
Atari Jaguar - Black & White versions, as well as colour versions.
NES / Famicom – Flickery, blocky silhouettes due to sprite and tile limits, but surprisingly watchable.
SNES – Much smoother, using Mode 7 and DMA tricks; closer to grayscale fidelity.
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive – Very clean playback with audio, leveraging its faster CPU and scrolling hardware.
Game Boy (DMG) – Monochrome, tiny resolution, very minimal but charming.
Game Boy Advance – Runs with fairly fluid motion and good sound, one of the stronger handheld versions.
PlayStation 1 – Practically full-quality, showing off CD-ROM storage and 2D video handling.
PSP – Plays almost like the original video, little compromise needed.
[][]Home Computers[][]
ZX Spectrum – Chunky black-and-white playback, heavily optimized for memory; an impressive 8-bit feat.
Commodore 64 – Blocky but fluid, with clever use of character sets and raster tricks.
MSX – Multiple versions exist; performance varies but often smoother than Spectrum/C64.
Amiga – Near-perfect silhouette reproduction with synced audio, very close to the original look.
PC-98 (NEC) – Strong grayscale fidelity, often cited as one of the “best” early computer versions.
Apple II – Low-res monochrome playback, but astonishing given the machine’s limitations.
IBM PC (DOS) – Several VGA demo versions; generally very fluid, depending on machine specs.
Do you know more examples?
Thanks for watching, Mark Vergeer
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