WASM-4
Build retro games using WebAssembly for a fantasy console
Website • Showcase • Docs • Discussions
About
WASM-4 is a low-level fantasy game console for building small games with WebAssembly. Game
cartridges (ROMs) are small, self-contained .wasm files that can be built with any programming
language that compiles to WebAssembly.
Key Features
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No Glue Code: If you've ever tried to write even a simple "Hello World" with WebAssembly before, you'll know it usually involves writing a bunch of JS and HTML glue. WASM-4 removes all of that, games interface directly with the system through a small API.
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Minimalist: Fantasy consoles force developers to work with limited resources. This makes them simple to learn, and easier to focus on finishing your game.
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Language Agnostic: Use any programming language, as long as it can compile to WebAssembly. Out of the box we currently support: AssemblyScript, C/C++, D, Go, Nelua, Nim, Odin, Rust, WAT, and Zig.
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Portable: WASM-4 is designed to run on any device that can execute WebAssembly, even outside of the web! It includes a lightweight runtime written in C that runs even low-powered microcontrollers and obsolete hardware.
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Netplay: Instant online multiplayer, featuring rollback netcode. All games that support local multiplayer automatically support netplay. WASM-4 handles syncing controller inputs over the Internet.
🚀 60 Second Quickstart
# Install the w4 command
npm install -g wasm4
# Create a project
w4 new --assemblyscript hello-world
# Setup toolchain
cd hello-world
npm install
# Build and run your game!
npm run build
w4 run build/cart.wasmFor more info and guides, check the full documentation.
🎮 Hardware Specs
- Display: 160x160 pixels, 4 customizable colors, updated at 60 Hz.
- Memory: 64 KB linear RAM, memory-mapped I/O, save states.
- Cartridge Size Limit: 64 KB.
- Input: Keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, up to 4 gamepads.
- Audio: 2 pulse wave channels, 1 triangle wave channel, 1 noise channel.
- Disk Storage: 1024 bytes.
🙏 Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Here are just a few ways to help:
- Build a game or experiment, we'll feature it on wasm4.org!
- Improve our documentation or write a tutorial.
- Submit a bug report or feature request on Github.
- Answer questions on the discussions forum.
- Implement support for a new tool or language.
- Give the project a star on Github for visibility.