Choosing an Aq+
In which we determine which type of Aquarius+ is best for your needs
Abstract:
The Aquarius+ system comes in a variety of form factors and price-points. Below are the current options, along with pros and cons for each to help you decide which is best for your needs...
AVAILABLE NOW!
Aquarius+ Standard Signature Edition
Pros
Includes an actual Zilog Z80 CPU!
Fully assembled & tested
Includes legacy Aquarius Ports: cartridge, controllers, printer, cassette
Includes SD Card & USB Micro cable
US$219 (eBay) - SUPPLY IS LIMITED!
Cons
Most costly
Popular (often out of stock)
Larger footprint on desktop
Aquarius+ Mini vZ
All New Cost-Reduced Model
Pros
VERY cost-effective!
Fully assembled & tested
Includes SD Card & USB Micro cable
Smaller footprint / easier to store and transport
Ultra-fast virtual Z80 turbo mode
US$99 (eBay) - Available Now!
Cons
System does not have a Z80 CPU*
Does not support legacy Aquarius peripherals
*The Zilog Z80 CPU is no longer in production. System runs without it using a virtual CPU core (T80/TV80) in the FPGA.
Aquarius+ Emulator
Pros
FREE!
Works on Windows, macOS, & Linux
Frequently updated
Portable: take it with you on your laptop!
IN DEVELOPMENT
Aquarius+ Standard vZ
Populated PCB
Pros
Slot for optional PLCC-44 Z80 CPU
(minimum 8Mhz)*Includes legacy Aquarius Ports: cartridge, controllers, printer, cassette
In Development
Cons
Enclosure not included (system SHOULD be operated within an enclosure)
Does not include SD card or USB Micro cable
*The Zilog Z80 CPU is no longer in production. It must be acquired separately. System runs without it using a virtual CPU core (T80/TV80) in the FPGA.
Aquarius+ Moda
Populated PCB & Daughtercards
Pros
Fully tested
Upgradeable with optional daughtercards
Flexible configuration
Includes SD Daughtercard & cable
In Development
Cons
Enclosure not included (system SHOULD be operated within an enclosure)
Does not include Z80 daughtercard
Does not include SD card or USB Micro cable
*The Zilog Z80 CPU is no longer in production. It must be acquired separately when used with the Moda Z80 Daughtercard. System runs without it using a virtual CPU core (T80/TV80) in the FPGA.
Discontinued (But still supported!)
Aquarius+ Mini Signature Edition
The last of the Z80 Minis!
Pros
Includes an actual Zilog Z80 CPU!
Fully assembled & tested
Includes SD Card & USB Micro cable
Smaller footprint / easier to store and transport
Discontinued - SEP 2024
Due to Z80 production discontinuation
Cons
Does not support legacy Aquarius peripherals
Aquarius+ Standard
Populated PCB
Pros
More cost-effective
Fully tested
Includes legacy Aquarius Ports: cartridge, controllers, printer, cassette
Discontinued - SEP 2024
Due to Z80 production discontinuation
Cons
Enclosure not included (system SHOULD be operated within an enclosure)
Does not include SD card or USB Micro cable
Aquarius+ Mini
Populated PCB
Pros
Very Cost-effective
Fully tested
Discontinued - SEP 2024
Due to Z80 production discontinuation
Cons
Enclosure not included (system SHOULD be operated within an enclosure)
Does not support legacy Aquarius peripherals
Does not include SD card or USB Micro cable