Mirari Project Adds NVMe SSD Boot, Ethernet to Amiga Motherboard
▼ Summary
– The Mirari is a new Micro-ATX mainboard designed as a next-generation Amiga platform, with a planned release in mid-2026.
– It targets users seeking a modern AmigaOS4 or MorphOS system, not casual retro fans wanting to emulate classic 16-bit Amigas.
– The platform departs from the classic 68K architecture by using a PowerPC processor, continuing the lineage of modern PPC Amiga systems.
– Its current specifications include a quad-core PowerPC T1042 CPU, DDR3L RAM, PCIe and NVMe slots, USB3, and an FPGA socket.
– The board is expected to cost between $600 and $700, with developers currently refining drivers and hardware based on working prototypes.
For enthusiasts keeping the next-generation Amiga dream alive, the upcoming Mirari motherboard represents a significant hardware evolution. Slated for a mid-2026 release, this Micro-ATX board is engineered as a native PowerPC platform, moving beyond the classic 68K architecture to support modern operating systems like AmigaOS4 and MorphOS. Priced between $600 and $700, it’s designed not for casual retro gaming but for users and developers seeking a contemporary, capable Amiga experience with up-to-date connectivity.
The Mirari project specifically targets computing niches where a true, modern Amiga is desired. It continues the lineage established by earlier PowerPC-based systems like the Phase5 boards and the AmigaONE series, but with contemporary amenities. This board is a community-driven standard, offering a foundation for future development rather than just a nostalgic remake of vintage hardware.
Development is well underway, with the team several prototypes into the process. The design phase began in May 2024, and by mid-2025, the second prototype mainboards had arrived. Since then, the focus has shifted to refining drivers and ironing out issues, with recent progress on support for Intel HD Audio PCIe sound cards, the onboard fan controller, and crucially, the NVMe storage driver which now supports booting. An onboard NIC driver has also seen updates.
Based on a recent hardware preview, the specifications are compelling for the platform. The heart of the system is a T1042 quad-core, 64-bit PowerPC e5500 processor. It supports DDR3L SO-DIMM memory and offers substantial expansion through three PCIe slots. Storage options include two SATA 2.0 ports and two NVMe slots, alongside USB3 ports for modern peripherals. A dedicated FPGA socket allows for adding custom logic and functionality, a nod to the Amiga’s tradition of hardware expandability. This hardware configuration is built to run AmigaOS4, MorphOS, or certain PowerPC Linux distributions.
While the classic Amiga charm often lies in its legacy software, the Mirari is squarely focused on a forward-looking vision. It provides the essential PCIe slots, USB3, and NVMe support that developers and power users need to build capable systems today. The project’s progress can be tracked through its dedicated development page, which details the journey from initial design to functional prototypes showcased at various events.
The anticipated mid-2026 launch will offer a fresh hardware option for a dedicated community. It’s a specialized product for those invested in the modern Amiga ecosystem, providing a much-needed injection of current technology into a platform with a passionate following.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)