FujiNet – a project started in 2021 – is a multi-peripheral emulator for 8-bit computers based on the ubiquitous ESP32 system-on-a-chip. Initially targeting Atari 8-bit systems like the 400, 800, and XE/XL range, there are now versions for the Apple II & III, Coleco ADAM, Commodore 64, and Tandy CoCo, with more being added.
In the case of the Atari 8-bit – as you may expect, the most mature of the supported platforms – FujiNet adds online functionality via WiFi, including the ability to download and run disk images of games and applications, virtual printing via a web interface, up to 8 emulated disk / cassette drives, a virtual modem, and more advanced functionality including the ability to run the CP/M operating system in a virtual machine.
What’s more, FujiNet is 100% open source hardware and software and maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers, who also produce their own applications for these vintage machines including a weather app, access to Wikipedia, an image viewer, and rather impressive online multiplayer games such as 5 Card Stud poker and a Yahtzee clone.
Personally I think that FujiNet is an indespensible device that breathes new (online!) life into these old machines, and well worth investigating.
