Carnivore 2+

Carnivore2+ is a next-generation multi-functional cartridge for the MSX platform, developed by RBSC (Russian Bear Service Crew) in 2024. As the successor to the highly popular Carnivore2, it delivers even more flexibility, expandability, and powerful features for MSX enthusiasts.

Its key advantage is the unique EFU (Easy Firmware Updating) technology, which allows safe and convenient firmware updates directly on any MSX system using an SD or CF card. No USB Blaster programmer is required.

The Carnivore2+ platform is designed with future growth in mind. New software and hardware features can be added over time, allowing users to choose the firmware configuration that best fits their system. For example, if your MSX computer already includes built-in FMPAC, you can load alternative firmware with another music module such as SFG (OPM) and expand your sound capabilities even further.

With Carnivore2+, a single MSX computer can support up to five different sound cards, making it an ideal solution for users who want maximum compatibility, performance, and audio flexibility.

Key Features

• Powerful FPGA: Altera Cyclone II EP2C8Q208C8N with increased capacity compared to Carnivore2
• Dual external storage: supports both CompactFlash (CF) and MicroSD cards
• 2 MB RAM: includes 1024 KB RAM with MMM mapper and 1024 KB Shadow RAM, with flexible memory allocation options
• 8 MB FlashROM: stores boot menu, BIOS files, and game ROMs
• Dual-Slot support: load two ROMs simultaneously
• Wide mapper compatibility: Konami4, KonamiSCC, ASCII8, ASCII16, Planar mode, and custom mappers
• Advanced sound support: PPI and PSG emulation, Dual-PSG, SCC, SCC+, and SN7 (SN76489AN) emulation by Jotego
• Multiple music modules: OPLL (MSX Music / FMPAC / YM2413), OPM (SFG / YM2151), and OPL (MSX Audio / Y8950)
• Built-in emulation: FMPAC SRAM (8 KB) and MSX Audio sample RAM (256 KB)
• ADPCM sample playback: supported with MSX Audio firmware
• Easy firmware updates: directly from SD or CF card on any MSX computer
• Improved audio circuitry: upgraded design with TDA1387T DAC chip
• Magnetic deactivation: disable the cartridge with a magnet, without opening the case

Carnivore2+ is the perfect all-in-one cartridge platform for MSX users who want storage expansion, memory, mapper support, advanced sound options, and long-term upgrade potential in a single device.