Amiga CD32

The Amazing Amiga CD32 Console

Released in Europe in September 1993, the Amiga CD32 was a 32-bit video game console built on the architecture of Commodore's A1200 computer. Although initially launched in Europe, it was also sold in Canada, Australia, and Brazil.

The CD32 enjoyed a strong start in Europe, quickly capturing a 50% share of the UK’s CD-ROM-based console market. However, Commodore’s expansion into the US was halted when 30,000 CD32 units were seized in the Philippines due to a patent dispute. This legal setback had a serious impact on the company’s already fragile financial state. As a result, the console was discontinued in April 1994.

• It is estimated that only 200,000 units of the CD32 were ever produced

CD32 AT A GLANCE

CD32 is a re-designed and reconfigured Amiga 1200, as it shared most of A1200 internal components, including full compatibility with earlier Amiga software. CD32 replaced the traditional Floppy Disk Drive with a CD-ROM drive and a game controller.

Key Specifications:

• CPU: Motorola 68EC020 @ 14.28 MHz, 32-bit architecture
• Graphics: AGA chipset (Advanced Graphics Architecture)
  • Improved support for hardware sprites and smoother scrolling compared to earlier Amigas (OCS/ECS)
• Color Depth: 24-bit (16.8 million colors)
• Sound: 4 PCM audio channels @ 27 kHz
• Memory: 2 MB Chip RAM (70 ns), expandable up to 64 MB Fast RAM via expansions
• Custom Chips: Includes the Akiko chip (system address decoder)
• Operating System: AmigaOS 3.1
• Game Library: 148 officially listed titles (per Wikipedia)
• Compatibility: Backward-compatible with OCS and ECS Amiga games

Graphics and Display Capabilities

Powered by the same AGA chipset as the Amiga 1200 and 4000, the CD32 supported advanced graphics for its time:

Color Output:

• 256 colors on-screen (standard mode)
• 262,144 colors on-screen using HAM-8 mode

Resolution Range:

• PAL: 320×256 to 1280×512 (up to 1504×576 with overscan)
• NTSC: 320×200 to 1280×400 (up to 1504×484 with overscan)
• VGA: 640×480

Audio Capabilities

The CD32 offered the traditional Amiga sound system, complemented by CD-quality playback:

• CD audio playback
• 2 stereo audio channels (4 × 8-bit PCM)
• Independent volume control (65 levels)
• Max 28 kHz DMA sample rate
• Software-controlled low-pass filter

I/O Ports & Connectivity

On the Left

• 2 × Mouse/Gamepad 9-pin ports (compatible with classic Amigas)
• AUX port (suitable for adding a keyboard, etc.)

On the Back

• S-Video out (French versions had an RGB output instead of the classic S-Video)
• RF audio/video out
• Composite video out (RCA)
• Audio out Left & Right (2 × RCA)
• Expansion slot behind a plate (check below)

On the Front

• Headphone jack 3.5 mm

Monitor Compatibility

The CD32 supports a range of display options:

• RGB monitors (via expansion) -Supporting the classic Commodore monitors
• RF-compatible TVs (poor output quality)
• SCART or S-Video (good output quality)
• 15 kHz VGA monitors with an adapter (not very stable output)
• Modern VGA/HDMI monitors via video scalers (stable output)

CD32 Upgrades

The CD32 is highly upgradeable thanks to its rear expansion slot. Third-party add-ons can transform it into a full-fledged Amiga computer.

Popular Upgrades:

• CD32 Riser: Adds RGB output and a PS/2 keyboard port
• Terrible Fire TF328: Adds 8 MB Fast RAM + 2.5" IDE CF/SD support
• Terrible Fire TF330: Adds 68030 CPU along with TF328 features
• Paravision SX-1 / SX-32: Classic expansions with optional 68030 CPU support

Adding 8 MB Fast RAM and a flash-based hard drive allows the use of WHDLoad, enabling thousands of classic Amiga games and software titles.

CD32 -Noatable CD32 Real-World Applications

Despite its short commercial life, the CD32 found use beyond home gaming:

• 1993: Over 100 units installed at the London Transport Museum for multilingual interactive exhibits

• 1994: Used by Sylvan Learning Systems at Wall Street Institute education centers

• 1995: Powered Italian arcade cabinets known as the CUBO CD32

□ For the full CD32 games list, you can visit Wikipedia here: » https://www.wikiwand.com/en/List_of_Amiga_CD32_games

■ Amiga CD32

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