Vectrex StudioVectrex StudioDownload IDE
Open Source · Free · For Vectrex Devs

Vectrex Development Made Easy
Write in Python. Deploy as ROM.

Vectrex Studio is the modern IDE for retro game development. Write games in VPy — a Python-like language for Vectrex — instead of assembly. Compile with a 9-phase Rust compiler. Test instantly in the cycle-accurate emulator. No hardware required.

Download IDEView on GitHub
Vectrex Studio IDE — editor, emulator, debugger and build output

Features

Everything you need for Vectrex game development.

VPy language, Python-like syntax, Rust compiler, cycle-accurate emulator, and professional tools.

VPy Language

Python-like syntax designed for the Vectrex. Full access to BIOS calls, clean control flow, typed variables, and readable game logic — no raw assembly.

9-Phase Rust Compiler

From source to ROM in nine discrete Rust phases — parse, unify, codegen, assemble, link, debug symbols. Targets Vectrex, PiTrex, RP2350, and UVM2.

Cycle-Accurate Emulator

JSVecX runs your ROM directly in the IDE. CPU registers, frame metrics, memory inspector, BIOS call monitor, and PSG audio log — no hardware needed.

Source-Level Debugger

Set breakpoints in VPy source or MC6809 assembly. Step over, step into, inspect registers, memory, and a live instruction trace. PDB debug symbols included.

Vector & Animation Editors

Draw vector shapes, bezier curves, and walkable areas visually. Compose multi-frame animations from .vec assets with per-frame inline paths.

Visual Level Editor

Full visual level editor for .vplay files. Place platforms, enemies, and hotspots. Paint walkable areas, set scroll limits, and test with live physics simulation.

Enemy System

Define enemy types with sprites, AI behaviour (patrol, wander, chase, flee), stats, and an optional state machine — all compiled to ROM tables automatically.

Music Editor

Piano roll composer for the AY-3-8910 PSG. Three tone channels, noise track, loop points, and MIDI import with merge, separate, or Tim Follin multiplex modes.

SFX & Instrument Editors

ADSR envelope editor with pitch sweep, noise mix, and arpeggio — with live Web Audio preview. Design instruments (.vinstr) with an audio analyser that maps real sounds to PSG parameters.

Multibank ROMs

Ship games bigger than 32KB with zero code changes. One META directive sets the ROM size up to 4 MB; the compiler handles bank allocation and switching automatically.

Git Integration

Full Git client built into the sidebar. Stage, commit, push, pull, branch, stash, view diffs, resolve merge conflicts with a three-panel editor, and browse history.

PyPilot — AI Assistant

Built-in generative AI that understands VPy and Vectrex hardware. Supports Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, Groq, DeepSeek, GitHub Models, and local Ollama — no cloud required.

Multi-target Builds

Build for the original Vectrex MC6809, PiTrex ARM Pi Zero, RP2350 debug cartridge, or UVM2 — switchable from the Settings panel with automatic SD card deployment for PiTrex.

EPROM Programmer

Flash your compiled ROM directly to a physical EPROM chip (27C256, 27C512, 27C010…) using a TL866, T48, or T56 programmer — erase, write, verify, and blank-check without leaving the IDE.