Technology

Enterprising developer somehow writes an x86 CPU emulator in plain CSS — no Javascript, no WASM, just stylesheet computing

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Feb 25, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

Lyra Rebane, a developer, created an x86 CPU emulator using only CSS, without JavaScript or WASM. The emulator includes a display, keypad, and preinstalled programs like Fibonacci sequence calculations. While it can't run Doom due to missing key functionalities, it's a remarkable achievement. Rebane's project showcases the creative potential of CSS beyond styling websites and challenges the notion of CSS as just a design language.

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SNK is launching the NeoGeo AES+ - a modern version of its 90s console starting at $250

SNK is releasing the NeoGeo AES+, a modern version of its 90s console, available for pre-order starting at $250. The console retains the original design but includes modern features like HDMI output, language selection, and high-score saves. It uses re-engineered ASIC chips for emulation, supporting both new and original NeoGeo AES cartridges. The standard version is priced at $249.99, with premium editions available for $349.99 and $999. The console comes with an Arcade Stick and initial game titles like Metal Slug and The King of Fighters 2002.

TweakTown•

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Emulation-based SoC Security Verification (U. of Florida)

Researchers at the University of Florida have published a technical paper titled "Emulation-based System-on-Chip Security Verification: Challenges and Opportunities," focusing on the importance of security validation in semiconductor design due to increasing system-on-chip (SoC) complexity. The paper highlights hardware emulation as a crucial pre-silicon verification technology that allows for high-throughput execution of designs under realistic conditions for security analysis. It covers various aspects of emulation-based security verification workflows, including instrumentation, stimulus generation, and runtime monitoring. The paper also discusses emerging trends like AI-assisted emulation and automated vulnerability assessment, positioning emulation as a key element in ensuring hardware security.

SemiEngineering•

2 weeks ago

From Wooden Boards to White Gloves: How FPGA Prototyping and Emulation Became Two Worlds of Verification… and How the Convergence Is Unfolding

FPGA prototyping and hardware emulation initially developed separately to address the need for implementing digital designs in reconfigurable hardware. Emulation focused on managing complexity, while prototyping aimed for speed and real-world execution. Over time, market forces and technological advancements have brought these two approaches closer together under the hardware-assisted verification (HAV) umbrella. The convergence of emulation and prototyping has led to more complementary workflows spanning functional correctness, performance analysis, power validation, and software-stack system bring-up. The evolution from manual breadboarding to sophisticated verification platforms reflects the semiconductor industry's shift towards full-stack system validation in the era of software-defined systems.

SemiWiki•

2 weeks ago

PlayStation 3 emulator makes Cell CPU 'breakthrough' that improves performance in all games — 'All CPUs can benefit from this, from low-end to high-end!' says RPCS3 devs

The developers of the RPCS3 PlayStation 3 emulator have made a significant breakthrough in emulating the PS3's Cell Broadband Engine processor, resulting in improved performance for all games. Lead developer Elad identified new SPU usage patterns and implemented more efficient code paths, leading to a 5-7% average FPS improvement in titles like Twisted Metal. This optimization benefits all CPUs, from low-end to high-end systems, with reports of enhanced audio rendering and performance on budget hardware. The emulator now supports over 70% of the PS3 game library and has added native Arm64 architecture support.

Tom's Hardware•

3 weeks ago