CV-NUC+ Miniature ColecoVision Clone Console

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The CV-NUC+ is the most compact ColecoVision clone ever produced that is still based on original-era chip designs. Created by hardware designer MyTek (of AtariBits fame), the CV-NUC+ packs a full ColecoVision-compatible system into a 4.5-inch square PCB — small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, while delivering 99% game compatibility including homebrew titles.

What started as a miniaturization project evolved into something far more capable. The CV-NUC+ features built-in Super Game Module (SGM) compatibility with 32× the original system RAM, a second sound chip (Yamaha YM2149F) adding three additional voices, USB mouse input that emulates the roller controller, an optional F18A VGA adapter for crisp video output, and a hardware pause button that can freeze any game in its tracks.

The system uses CMOS counterparts of the original ColecoVision chips to minimize heat and power consumption. It accepts standard ColecoVision cartridges and is compatible with all ColecoVision controllers and accessories — including the Roller Controller and Driving Module via the expansion interface. The CV-NUC+ is available as a fully assembled plug-and-play console or as a DIY bare board kit through The Brewing Academy.

The entire project is open source, with schematics, PCB Gerbers, firmware files, and 3D-printable case designs all publicly available.

📡

Palm-Sized

4.5-inch square PCB — the smallest ColecoVision clone ever made with real chip hardware.

🎮

99% Compatible

Plays 99% of all ColecoVision games including homebrew. Standard cartridge slot.

💫

Built-In SGM

Super Game Module compatibility with 32K RAM and Yamaha YM2149F second sound chip (6 voices total).

🖱

USB Mouse

USB wireless mouse input emulates the roller controller for smooth, modern trackball gaming.

⏸

Hardware Pause

Momentary push button freezes any game instantly. Resume when ready — works with every title.

🔧

Open Source

Schematics, Gerbers, firmware, and 3D case STLs all publicly available for DIY builders.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Designer	MyTek (AtariBits)
Sold By	The Brewing Academy
Type	Miniature ColecoVision clone console (real chip hardware, not FPGA)
PCB Size	4.5 × 4.5 inches (same footprint as 576NUC+ Atari clone)
CPU	Z80-compatible (CMOS variant for low power/heat)
Video	TMS9918-family VDP (CMOS); optional F18A VGA adapter
Sound Chip 1	SN76489 (standard ColecoVision — 3 tone + 1 noise)
Sound Chip 2	Yamaha YM2149F (SGM/MSX — 3 additional voices + 1 noise)
RAM	32 KB (32× original ColecoVision’s 1 KB — SGM compatible)
Cartridge Slot	Standard ColecoVision cartridge port
Controller Ports	2× ColecoVision-compatible DB-9 ports
Expansion Interface	Roller Controller / Driving Module compatible
USB Mouse Port	Emulates roller controller via CH554G MCU (Logitech wireless mice tested)
Video Output	Composite / S-Video (via A/V cable); VGA with optional F18A adapter
Hardware Pause	Momentary push button — works with all games
Built-In Keypad	Optional integrated numeric keypad (PIC16F630 MCU) for use with Atari/Genesis controllers
SGM Compatible	Yes — plays most SGM game conversions derived from MSX origins
Power	Low power CMOS design
Case	3D-printed (STL files available); based on 576NUC+ XL case design
Design	Open source — schematics, Gerbers, firmware, BOM all publicly available

SUPER GAME MODULE & MSX COMPATIBILITY

As the CV-NUC+ design evolved, MSX and SGM compatibility became a primary focus. The system achieves this through two key additions:

MSX Enhanced Memory Module

Dedicated MSX Module PCB piggybacks onto the main board

32 KB RAM (32× the original ColecoVision’s 1 KB)

CPLD-based MMU (ATF1500A-10JU) handles memory management

Enables most SGM game conversions derived from MSX computer origins

Second Sound Chip

Yamaha YM2149F — the same PSG used in MSX computers

Adds 3 additional tone voices + 1 noise channel

Grand total: 6 tone voices + 2 noise channels

Required for SGM-enhanced game audio

SGM Physical Cartridge Warning

Not all SGM physical cartridges are guaranteed to work with the CV-NUC+. However, the equivalent digital download versions running from an AtariMax Ultimate Cart often will work where the physical cartridges may not. This is a known compatibility consideration for the platform.

USB MOUSE ROLLER CONTROLLER EMULATION

One of the CV-NUC+’s most innovative features is its USB mouse input that emulates the ColecoVision Roller Controller. Finding a working original roller controller is increasingly difficult and expensive, so the CV-NUC+ offers a modern alternative: plug in a standard wireless USB mouse and enjoy smooth, quiet trackball-style gaming with minimal desk space.

The mouse adapter is powered by a CH554G microcontroller and is based on the open-source Atari-Quadrature-USB-Mouse-Adapter project by JJ Michel. It works with most Logitech USB wireless mice, and recognizes left, center, and right buttons — enabling features like firing from all three missile silos independently in CollectorVision’s Armageddon.

Mouse-Compatible Games

Armageddon — Left/Center/Right buttons = 3 missile silos

Slither — Left = Fire UP, Center = Fire DOWN, Right = Fire UP

Arkanoid — Any button = Ball Release

Turbo — Left button = Throttle

Bump’n’Jump — Left = Throttle

Victory — Left = Shields, Center = Doomsday, Right = Thrust

Switching Back to Roller Controller

Standard Roller Controller and Steering Wheel hardware can still be used by disconnecting the mouse receiver and power-cycling the system. This resets the mouse chip to a non-blocking state, allowing external roller controllers to function. This reset is also required for certain AtariSoft games to get past the startup screen.

CONTROLLERS & INPUT OPTIONS

Compatible Controllers

Standard ColecoVision controllers (with numeric keypad)

Super Action Controllers

Standard Atari/Commodore/TI joysticks (via DB-9 ports)

Sega Genesis controllers

Roller Controller (via expansion interface)

Driving Module / Steering Wheel

USB wireless mouse (roller controller emulation)

Built-In Keypad Option

Optional integrated numeric keypad on case lid

Driven by PIC16F630 microcontroller

Allows use of Atari/Genesis controllers for games requiring keypad input

Two lid versions available: with keypad or without

Supplements controllers that lack a numeric keypad

PURCHASE OPTIONS

The CV-NUC+ is available from The Brewing Academy in several configurations:

📦

Complete (No Keypad)

Fully assembled, tested, in 3D printed case. Plug and play — just add A/V cable and controller.

🔢

Complete + Keypad

Same as above plus built-in numeric keypad on the case lid for Atari/Genesis controller use.

📸

Complete + F18A VGA

Fully assembled with F18A VGA adapter installed for crisp video output on modern monitors.

🔧

DIY + Chips

All hard-to-find and programmable chips pre-flashed and soldered. You source remaining parts & assemble.

📋

DIY Bare Boards

All four bare PCBs (Main, MSX, Quad, Keypad) — beautiful blue. Full DIY from scratch.

🔌

ATF1500A + Socket

Pre-programmed CPLD chip for DIY builders who don’t have the expensive programmer required.

PROGRAMMABLE CHIPS & DIY DETAILS

The CV-NUC+ has four programmable devices that require flashing. For DIY builders, The Brewing Academy offers pre-programmed chips to ease the build process:

1. MSX MMU	ATF1500A-10JU (Microchip/Atmel CPLD) — Requires expensive programmer. Best purchased pre-flashed from The Brewing Academy.
2. BIOS ROM	AT28C64B-15PU (Microchip/Atmel EEPROM, 8 KB) — Can be flashed with standard TL866II Plus programmer.
3. Mouse Chip	CH554G (WCH MCU) — Flashed via USB cable with Linux or Windows PC. Requires double male USB-A cable.
4. Keypad Chip	PIC16F630-I/P (Microchip MCU) — Optional. Can be flashed with TL866II Plus programmer.

Open Source Downloads

All design files are freely available from the AtariBits website: PCB Gerbers for all four boards, complete schematics (Main, MSX, Quad, Keypad, CPLD logic), firmware flashing files including CH554G programming software, Bill of Materials (BOM), and 3D-printable case STL files.

CV-NUC+ vs COLECOVISION vs PHOENIX

Feature	ColecoVision	CV-NUC+	Phoenix VGS
Type	Original Console	Miniature Clone	FPGA Console
Technology	Original chips	CMOS original-era chips	FPGA (Cyclone V)
RAM	1 KB	32 KB (SGM)	32 KB (SGM)
Sound Chips	SN76489	SN76489 + YM2149F	SN76489 + AY-3-8910
SGM Compatible	No (add-on needed)	✔ Built-in	✔ Built-in
Video Output	RF	Composite / S-Video / VGA (F18A)	HDMI
USB Mouse	No	✔ Roller emulation	No
Hardware Pause	No	✔	No
Open Source	N/A	✔ Full	✔ Cores
Physical Size	Large	4.5″ × 4.5″	Medium
Built-In Keypad	On controllers	Optional on case	On controllers

RESOURCES & LINKS

ATARIBITS: CV-NUC+ THE BREWING ACADEMY ATARIAGE: DISCUSSION ATARIAGE: DIY BUILDERS CV-NUC+ BUILD BLOG ← BACK TO CV CLONES

ColecoVision™ is a trademark of its respective owner. CV-NUC+ designed by MyTek. The Brewing Academy is the authorized seller of CV-NUC+ products. All product names and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Information compiled from public sources for preservation and educational purposes.