BEEP8

BEEP-8

BEEP-8 is a modern fantasy console designed for C/C++ developers. It emulates a tiny ARM-v4a–style CPU, provides a 16-color graphical environment, and runs entirely inside a web browser. Games are compiled into ROM images using a GCC-based toolchain, then executed by a lightweight, high-performance JavaScript emulator.

Overview

BEEP-8 aims to capture the spirit of classic embedded development while keeping the workflow simple, fun, and approachable. Unlike most fantasy consoles that use a scripting language (Lua, JS, etc.), BEEP-8 runs **real compiled machine code**, allowing developers to:

• Write games in standard C or C++
• Use a predictable, cycle-accurate execution model
• Learn low-level programming concepts (fixed-point math, registers, interrupts, timers, etc.)
• Enjoy retro-style constraints similar to handheld consoles

System Specifications

CPU

Emulated ARM v4a running at approximately 4 MHz

Two-stage pipeline, integer-only ALU

Banked registers, simple exception handling

No floating-point support (fixed-point math recommended)

Memory

1 MB RAM

1 MB ROM (for compiled binaries)

Display

Resolution: 128 × 240 (portrait)

Color depth: 4-bit (16-color palette, PICO-8–style)

Background layers, sprites, wireframe line drawing

Sound

Namco C30-like PSG synthesizer

Implemented in JavaScript for emulator playback

OS / Kernel

Custom lightweight RTOS (b8OS)

Supports threads, system calls, timers, and IRQs

Applications interact with hardware through memory-mapped devices

Development Environment

BEEP-8 uses a GCC cross-compiler to convert C/C++ code into ARM-v4a machine code. A typical workflow:

1. Write your program in C/C++ using the BEEP-8 SDK
2. Compile it into a ROM image
3. Load the ROM into the browser-based emulator
4. Run and debug using logging, tracing, and visual debugging tools

The SDK includes:

• Graphics API (PICO-8–compatible layer + low-level PPU commands)
• Fixed-point math library (fx8, fx12)
• Sound API
• Input handling (touch, mouse, virtual buttons)
• File system and hardware abstraction
• Example projects and templates

Graphics System

BEEP-8 provides two layers of graphics APIs:

PICO-8–style High-Level API

Simple drawing for beginners:

• line(x0, y0, x1, y1, color)
• circ(x, y, r, color)
• spr(index, x, y)
• map(x, y)
• clip(x, y, w, h)

Low-Level PPU API

For advanced users:

• Ordering tables (OT)
• Direct sprite attribute writes
• Depth-sorted primitives
• Wireframe polygon renderer
• Palette updates and flushes

This dual approach allows both beginners and experts to work comfortably.

Example Games

Several example projects are included in the SDK:

• 1D-Pacman
• Flappy-like demo
• PenPen
• Yukiss
• Bird-Post
• Hom-Post
• Wireframe experiments and physics demos

These serve as learning material for new developers.

Philosophy

BEEP-8 is built around three core ideas:

1. Real low-level programming should be fun
2. Constraints spark creativity
3. A retro console can live inside the modern web browser

Unlike other fantasy consoles, BEEP-8 does not interpret a scripting language. Instead, it runs **actual machine code**, meaning any high-level language that can compile to ARM could theoretically be supported.

External Links

• Official play page: https://beep8.org
• SDK (GitHub): https://github.com/beep8/beep8-sdk