# OtterX 8-Bit Retro Computer

6502-based computer with Commander X16 compatibility

- **Seller:** [Wavicle's store](https://lectronz.com/stores/wavicle), Bothell, Washington, United States
- **Price:** $235.00 (USD, before shipping and taxes)
- **Availability:** Sold out
- **Categories:** Retrocomputing, Gaming
- **HS code:** 854290
- **Certified Open Source Hardware:** [OSHW US002763](https://certification.oshwa.org/us002763.html)
- **Product page:** https://lectronz.com/products/otterx-8-bit-retro-computer

## Options

**RAM Option**

- 512K
- 2MB w/ Memory Expansion Module [Add $30.00]

**ROM Socket**

- 32-pin standard socket
- 32-pin ZIF socket [Add $2.00]

**CPU**

- 65C02
- 65C816 [Add $5.00]
- 65C02 + 65C816 CPU Switcher [Add $30.00] (9 left)

**Power Supply**

- Not Included - User Supplied
- Power Otter! USB C to ATX PSU [Add $17.00]

**Kit or Fully Assembled**

- Kit Only
- Fully Assembled [Add $85.00] (2 left)

## Links

- [Documentation](https://hackaday.io/project/194634-otterx)
- [Code](https://github.com/RetroRemake/OtterX)

## Images

![OtterX 8-Bit Retro Computer](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDEyODYsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--50dbcda92c07dcab3988789e15f76d2c90ac44c7/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJKUEciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--a1419a086f227676aca33a49760ac51e58b523e3/2025-08-05T23-3A54-3A17.735Z-OtterX_Mktg_1142.JPG)
![OtterX 8-Bit Retro Computer](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDEyODcsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--e8b765054e96899c6ea4c2599d471e36486c4060/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJKUEciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--a1419a086f227676aca33a49760ac51e58b523e3/2025-08-05T23-3A54-3A17.735Z-OtterX_Mktg_1126.JPG)
![OtterX 8-Bit Retro Computer](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDEyODgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--c100c9ec73b614fce094b893e31c8c149c4c111e/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJKUEciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--a1419a086f227676aca33a49760ac51e58b523e3/2025-08-05T23-3A54-3A17.735Z-OtterX_Mktg_1134.JPG)
![OtterX 8-Bit Retro Computer](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDEyODksInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--a25fd8aac625c3d63170b5d4b3b75261dabf712a/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJKUEciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--a1419a086f227676aca33a49760ac51e58b523e3/2025-08-05T23-3A54-3A17.735Z-OtterX_Mktg_1130.JPG)
![OtterX 8-Bit Retro Computer](https://lectronz-images.b-cdn.net/lectronz/active_storage/representations/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDEyOTAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--85225ec6f120d27e7df8284e3da292624fe766ae/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJKUEciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls5NjAsNjQwXSwic2F2ZXIiOnsic3RyaXAiOnRydWV9fSwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--a1419a086f227676aca33a49760ac51e58b523e3/2025-08-05T23-3A54-3A17.735Z-OtterX_Mktg_1138.JPG)

## Description

## New Version 1.5!

After 18 months of feedback from customers all over the world, the OtterX design has been updated to reduce build errors and improve functionality. Read below for a list of the design updates.


# OtterX

For those looking for a DIY 8-bit computer with huge capabilities and a large community supporting it, the OtterX is an all-through hole, Commander X16-compatible, ITX form factor, 8-bit retro computer kit with an adorable Otter mascot for the industrious retro enthusiast!

## OSHW Certified!

OtterX is now certified by the Open Source Hardware Association. OSHW #US002763

## The kit

This kit contains all through-hole components and ports for mounting to the PCB. All boards with surface mount components come pre-assembled and tested, including: "VERA" video board; OPM2151 "chiplet" drop-in replacement for the Yamaha YM2151; and I2S DAC replacement for Yamaha YM3012.

## Key features:

- 8MHz W65C02
- W65C816 drop-in ready
- Compact, Mini-ITX form factor
- 40K low RAM
- 512K banked high RAM
- 512K ROM
- Silkscreen labeling designed to ease assembly
- Informative/Educational PCB design with detailed silkscreen
- "Commander X16" Compatible
- 2x SNES-compatible controller ports
- Header for legacy IEC-compatible serial/disk port
- Stable overclock to 10MHz with 20MHz user-supplied oscillator
- YM2151 clock stretch disable jumper
- Real-time clock with battery backup
- I2C Grove Connector

Assembly time: approximately 5 hours, depending on experience and soldering equipment.

## Version 1.5 improvements

The board for sale here is the new OtterX 1.5 design which has the following changes:

- No more "bodge board". Cartridges work flawlessly on this board design without needing a special board and bodge wires.
- IEC port removed. The IEC port was used by less than 5% of customers and its location put it in conflict with the upcoming digital video output board. A 6 pin IDC-style box header is provided to allow a passive connection to an IEC "dongle" to add this functionality back in.
- TO-92 transistor footprints changed to new footprint with wider spacing. Microscopic solder bridges between transistor pins was the #1 cause of build issues with the original OtterX. This change should remove this issue entirely.
- NES 3&4 ports have moved to a 6-pin IDC-style box header. A "dongle" to make these easily available is coming soon.
- TVS diode footprints have been corrected so that bidirectional or unidirectional ESD protection diodes will work.
- Cartridges with a shell now fit the card edge connector without conflicting with the memory expansion module.
- Memory expansion module has been redesigned to provide space for cartridges and a standoff to ensure that the memory expansion doesn't short contacts against the battery clip below it.

## Not included:

NOT INCLUDED: PS/2 keyboard, VGA monitor, ATX power supply, and PS/2 mouse (optional).

ATX power supply options are available as an order option.

## Shipping policy

Shipping outside of the United States will be fulfilled via GlobalPost.