Capitole du Libre is one of France's largest community-driven Free Software and
Open Source events. It is held every year in Toulouse, and I have had the pleasure
of speaking there in 2018, 2019, and 2022. The 2026 edition takes place
on November 14–15 at INP-N7, and the Call for Proposals is now open.
Submission deadline: July 20, 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Paris).
Topics
All submissions must relate to Free Software or Open Source. The committee welcomes
proposals on:
- Tools and technologies, especially hands-on return-of-experience talks
- Privacy, digital sovereignty, and the societal implications of emerging tech
- Self-hosting and DIY practices
- Community building in Free Software projects
Purely commercial pitches and topics unrelated to Free Software are not accepted.
Travel reimbursement
Conference and workshop speakers can claim up to €150 in travel and accommodation
expenses (receipts required, advance payment available on request). Booth operators
are not eligible for reimbursement.
The committee actively encourages first-time speakers and welcomes beginner-friendly
proposals.
Submit your proposal: cfp.capitoledulibre.org/cdl-2026/cfp.
Open-Source Hardware
Open-source hardware is gaining traction, with recent events showcasing community collaboration, advancements in design, and innovative projects that bridge technology and creativity. Here’s a digest of the latest happenings and resources in the world of open-source hardware.
Events and Community Initiatives
This section highlights significant events and community engagements that emphasize the growing interest and collaborative spirit within the open-source hardware community.
Innovative Projects
Creative projects that embody the spirit of open-source hardware are being developed, showcasing unique applications and designs that can inspire makers and enthusiasts alike.
As the open-source hardware movement continues to evolve, these articles serve as a testament to its vibrant community, innovative spirit, and the myriad possibilities that open-source design unlocks for makers worldwide.
Open-Source Hardware
The realm of open-source hardware encompasses a variety of innovative projects and technologies. This week's articles reflect the ongoing evolution, challenges, and potential of open hardware, bringing together aspects of community engagement, technological development, and educational resources.
Open Hardware Innovations
This section highlights groundbreaking developments and projects that contribute to the open-source hardware landscape.
Community and Resources
Articles in this group focus on community-driven projects and shared resources that empower makers and developers within the open hardware space.
Practical Projects and Applications
This section showcases various practical open-source hardware projects that individuals can undertake or learn from, reflecting the DIY spirit that drives this movement.
Challenges and Discussions
This group addresses the ongoing debates and challenges faced by the open-source hardware community, illustrating the complexities involved in balancing open innovation with commercial needs.
Open-Source Hardware
This week saw a diverse range of developments in open-source hardware, showcasing the growing community and innovations across various projects and platforms.
Open Source Hardware Projects
The open-source hardware community continues to flourish, with various projects being highlighted for their creativity and practicality. These projects often take the form of DIY solutions that introduce users to hardware ownership.
Industry Trends and Evolutions
Recent trends among major tech companies indicate a shift in their approach to open-source hardware. This includes both advances being made and notable program closures, highlighting a dynamic landscape.
Creative DIY and Maker Culture
Innovative DIY projects continue to inspire creativity within the maker community. From printer upgrades to practical tools, these projects showcase how open-source hardware empowers individuals to create custom solutions.
Educational and Community Resources
Various platforms and publications offer extensive resources and guidance for those interested in open-source hardware. These resources include curated lists, community discussions, and project showcases.
Retro console development has experienced a renaissance in recent years,
thanks to passionate homebrew communities and modern open-source tooling.
What was once the domain of professional game studios with expensive
proprietary SDKs is now accessible to anyone with a Linux machine and a
passion for classic gaming hardware.
This guide catalogs the best open-source game engines and frameworks
available for developing games on classic consoles, from the 8-bit Game
Boy Color to sixth generation systems like the PlayStation 2. All tools
mentioned are compatible with Linux development environments, making them
perfect for a fully free and open-source workflow.
GB Studio
For those wanting to create Game Boy games without writing code,
GB Studio is the perfect starting point. This visual game editor
features a drag-and-drop interface that lets you build complete RPGs,
adventure games, platformers, and shooters without touching a single
line of code.
Key Features:
- Full visual scene editor with intuitive drag-and-drop
- Built-in sprite and background editors
- Integrated music tracker
- Event system for complex game logic
- Exports to actual GB/GBC ROMs that run on real hardware
- Cross-platform support (Linux, Windows, macOS)
License: MIT
Links: GitHub |
Website |
Documentation
GBDK-2020
For developers who prefer code, GBDK-2020 is a modern fork of the
classic Game Boy Development Kit. It brings C99 support and modern
toolchain features to Game Boy development.
Key Features:
- Modern C99 compiler
- ROM banking support for large games
- Libraries for sprites, backgrounds, and sound
- Compatible with both Game Boy and Game Boy Color
- Strong toolchain integration
License: Various (mostly permissive)
Links: GitHub |
API Documentation
Butano
Butano is a modern C++17 game engine built on devkitARM that makes
GBA development feel contemporary. It abstracts the hardware complexity
while still giving you full control over the system's capabilities.
Key Features:
- Modern C++17 syntax and features
- Sprite management with affine transformations
- Regular and affine background layers
- Audio support (DMG and DirectSound)
- Scene management system
- GBA-optimized math utilities
- Documentation and examples
- Active Discord community
License: zlib License
Links: GitHub |
Documentation
Tonclib
Tonclib is the veteran of GBA development. While less actively
developed, it remains stable and is accompanied by some of the best
documentation in retro game development.
Key Features:
- Hardware abstraction layer
- Advanced sprite and background management
- Mode 7 (affine) support for pseudo-3D effects
- Built-in text rendering
- Excellent tutorial and documentation (Tonc)
- Used by many commercial-quality homebrews
License: MIT-like (custom permissive)
Links: GitHub |
Tonc Tutorial
NightFox's Lib
NightFox's Lib provides a high-level 2D game library built on top
of libnds, making DS development more approachable.
Key Features:
- Sprite engine with rotation and scaling
- Tiled background support
- Collision detection
- 2D and 3D text rendering
- Sound and MOD music playback
- File system access
- Includes examples and templates
License: MIT
Links: GitHub
libnds + devkitARM
For those wanting full control, libnds is the official devkitPro
library providing low-level access to all DS features.
Key Features:
- Complete hardware access to both screens
- 2D and 3D graphics support
- Touchscreen and button input
- WiFi networking support
- FAT file system access
- Audio subsystem control
- Most flexible but requires hardware knowledge
License: zlib License
Links: GitHub |
Documentation |
Examples
citro2d / citro3d
The citro libraries are the official devkitPro solution for 3DS
development, providing hardware-accelerated 2D and 3D graphics.
Key Features:
- Hardware-accelerated rendering via PICA200 GPU
- 2D sprite batching (citro2d)
- Full 3D graphics pipeline (citro3d)
- Shader support
- Stereoscopic 3D rendering
- Text rendering
- Used by most modern 3DS homebrew
License: zlib License
Links: citro3d |
citro2d |
Documentation |
Examples
PVSnesLib
PVSnesLib is a modern C library bringing contemporary development
practices to the Super Nintendo.
Key Features:
- Modern C API
- Sprite management (OAM)
- Background and tilemap support
- Mode 7 support for rotation and scaling
- Sound driver integration
- Gamepad input handling
- DMA and HDMA operations
- Documentation
License: MIT
Links: GitHub |
Wiki
libSFX
libSFX is a powerful macro assembler framework for SNES
development, optimized for performance.
Key Features:
- Assembly-first with C support
- Highly optimized for speed
- Full hardware access
- Super FX (GSU) support
- Music and sound effects
- Can integrate with C code
- Steeper learning curve but very capable
License: MIT
Links: GitHub |
Wiki
SGDK (Sega Genesis Development Kit)
SGDK has become the industry standard for Mega Drive homebrew
development, with an incredibly active community and extensive
documentation.
Key Features:
- Complete development framework
- Sprite engine with hardware scrolling
- Multiple background plane support
- VDP (video display processor) management
- Z80 sound driver with XGM music format
- DMA operations
- Built-in collision detection
- ResComp resource compiler for assets
- Extensive tutorials and documentation
- Large, active community
- Excellent Linux support
License: MIT
Links: GitHub |
Wiki |
Forums
NGDK (Neo Geo Development Kit)
NGDK brings C development to the Neo Geo arcade platform and AES
home console.
Key Features:
- C framework for Neo Geo development
- Sprite system management
- Background and fix layer handling
- Input handling for arcade controls
- Sound support (Z80 + YM2610)
- Asset conversion tools
- Example games included
License: Custom permissive
Links: GitHub |
Wiki
HuC (Hudson C Compiler)
The classic HuC compiler has been maintained by the community and
remains a solid choice for PC Engine development.
Key Features:
- C compiler for PC Engine
- Support for HuCard and CD-ROM²
- PSG sound support
- Sprite management
- Background and tilemap support
- ADPCM audio for CD games
- Standard C library subset
License: BSD-like
Links: GitHub
Squirrel (HuDK)
Squirrel (HuDK) is a more modern alternative to HuC with improved
optimization.
Key Features:
- Modern PC Engine framework
- Better optimization than classic HuC
- CD-ROM support
- Active development
- Growing community
License: Open source
Links: GitHub
PSn00bSDK
PSn00bSDK is a modern, lightweight SDK that makes PS1 development
accessible and enjoyable. It's cleaner and more approachable than the
old Psy-Q SDK.
Key Features:
- Modern, clean API design
- Hardware 3D graphics (GTE) support
- 2D sprite and primitive rendering
- CD-ROM file system access
- SPU sound support with ADPCM and XA audio
- Memory card management
- Controller input (standard and analog)
- Serial I/O support
- Examples
- Excellent Linux support
License: MPL 2.0
Links: GitHub |
Wiki |
Examples
Jo Engine
Jo Engine is a high-level 2D and 3D game engine that makes Saturn
development approachable.
Key Features:
- High-level API for 2D and 3D
- Sprite engine with scaling and rotation
- 3D model support with converter tools
- Audio support (PCM, CD audio)
- Save game management
- Collision detection
- Map and tilemap support
- USB dev cart support for rapid testing
- Video tutorials available
License: MIT
Links: GitHub |
Website |
Wiki
Yaul
Yaul is a modern alternative to the old Sega Basic Library,
offering a clean API for advanced Saturn developers.
Key Features:
- Modern library design
- Clean API
- VDP1 and VDP2 support
- SCU DMA operations
- CD block support
- SCSP (sound) support
- USB dev cart support
- Excellent documentation
License: BSD
Links: GitHub |
Documentation
libdragon
libdragon has revolutionized N64 development by making it far more
accessible than the old Nintendo SDK.
Key Features:
- Modern N64 development library
- 3D graphics via RDP/RSP
- Audio subsystem support
- Controller input
- ROM file system
- Hardware sprites
- Much easier than old SDKs
- Very active community
- Good documentation
License: Unlicense (public domain)
Links: GitHub |
Documentation
KallistiOS (KOS)
KallistiOS is the de facto standard for Dreamcast homebrew, with an
incredibly mature ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Complete OS-like framework
- 2D and 3D graphics (PowerVR)
- Network support (modem, broadband adapter)
- VMU (Visual Memory Unit) support
- Input device support
- CD-ROM file system (ISO9660)
- AICA SPU audio support
- Threading and multitasking
- USB development support
- Extensive library ecosystem
- Very mature and well-documented
License: BSD-style
Links: GitHub |
Documentation |
Forums
Additional KOS libraries include GLdc (OpenGL-like API) and SDL ports,
making cross-platform development easier.
PS2SDK
PS2SDK provides complete access to the powerful PlayStation 2
hardware.
Key Features:
- Complete PS2 development SDK
- Graphics Synthesizer (GS) support for 2D/3D
- Emotion Engine and I/O Processor access
- Vector Unit (VU) programming
- Sound library (audsrv)
- USB and network support
- Memory card management
- DVD file system access
- Excellent Linux compatibility
- Large, active community
License: BSD/Academic Free License
Links: GitHub |
Website |
Examples
devkitPPC + libogc
The official devkitPro toolchain for GameCube and Wii provides
hardware access.
Key Features:
- Official devkitPro toolchain
- Full hardware access for both systems
- GX 3D graphics library
- ASND audio library
- Controller support (PAD/WPAD)
- Network library
- USB and SD card storage
- DVD reading
- Homebrew Channel integration (Wii)
- Large community
License: Various (permissive)
Links: GitHub |
Documentation |
Examples |
devkitPro
PSPSDK
PSPSDK is the complete homebrew SDK for PSP development.
Key Features:
- Complete PSP SDK
- 3D graphics (GU library) with hardware acceleration
- 2D sprite rendering
- Multi-format audio support
- WiFi and networking
- USB support
- Memory Stick access
- Save data management
- MP3, AAC playback
- Mature and stable
- Great Linux support
License: BSD/GPL
Links: GitHub |
Forums |
Examples
Vita SDK
Vita SDK provides a complete homebrew development solution for
Sony's handheld.
Key Features:
- Complete PS Vita SDK
- OpenGL ES-like graphics
- Touch screen support
- Accelerometer and gyroscope
- Camera support
- Network and WiFi
- Trophy system support
- Save data management
- Multi-format audio
- Very active homebrew scene
License: Various
Links: GitHub |
Website |
Documentation |
Examples
nxdk
nxdk is a clean-room open-source Xbox SDK with no Microsoft code.
Key Features:
- Open-source Xbox SDK
- Direct3D 8-like graphics API
- Audio support
- Controller input
- Network support
- Hard drive access
- SDL port available
- Growing community
License: Various (LGPL/MIT)
Links: GitHub |
Wiki |
Examples
8-bit/16-bit:
- GB Studio (GBC): Visual editor, no coding required
- GBDK-2020 (GBC): Simple C development
- SGDK (Mega Drive): Excellent documentation and community
Fifth/Sixth Generation:
- PSn00bSDK (PS1): Clean, modern API
- Jo Engine (Saturn): High-level engine with tutorials
- PSPSDK (PSP): Well-documented and stable
8-bit/16-bit:
- libSFX (SNES): Assembly-first, highly optimized
- citro3d (3DS): Direct hardware access
- libnds (DS): Low-level control
Fifth/Sixth Generation:
- PS2SDK (PS2): Complex but powerful
- Yaul (Saturn): Modern low-level library
- libdragon (N64): RDP/RSP programming
- nxdk (Xbox): Direct3D 8 development
The retro console homebrew scene has never been more vibrant or accessible.
With modern open-source toolchains, documentation, and active communities,
developing games for classic consoles is now within reach of any motivated
developer with a Linux machine.
Whether you want to create a simple Game Boy puzzle game with GB Studio's
visual editor, or push the limits of the PlayStation 2's Emotion Engine with
assembly-optimized code, the tools are available and the communities are
welcoming.
The best part? This entire workflow can be accomplished with 100% free and
open-source software, from the development tools to the graphics editors to the
music trackers. This guide should give you everything you need to start your
retro game development journey.
Happy coding, and may your sprites never flicker!