What is it?

The Apple II Mockingboard Sound + VGA 2-in-1 Card is a modern expansion card for the Apple II, II Plus, and IIe—built around the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. It delivers crisp VGA video output and authentic Mockingboard-compatible sound from a single slot. Featuring dual AY-3-8910 programmable sound generators, it offers full 6-channel stereo audio, while simultaneously driving a standard VGA monitor with sharp, artifact-free visuals in all major Apple II graphics modes.

Why did you make it?

We designed this card to revitalize the Apple II experience for modern hardware. Vintage systems often rely on outdated composite video and lack rich audio capabilities. By combining VGA output and Mockingboard sound in one RP2040-based board, we eliminate the need for multiple cards and complex setups. Whether you're gaming, demoing, or developing, this card lets your Apple II connect to modern displays and speakers—without permanent mods or extra clutter.

What makes it special?

RP2040-Powered: Leverages the flexibility and performance of the Raspberry Pi Pico’s dual-core ARM chip for real-time video and audio processing.
Dual AY-3-8910 Sound: Fully compatible with Mockingboard software, offering 6-channel stereo audio for classic games and music.
VGA Video Output: Supports Text, Lo-Res, Hi-Res, Double-Lo-Res, and Double-Hi-Res modes—outputting clean 480p VGA to modern monitors.
All-in-One Design: Saves slots and simplifies your setup by combining sound and video on a single card. Plug-and-Play: Installs in any standard Apple II slot—no drivers, no soldering, no configuration needed. Open & Expandable: Firmware updates and alternate modes (like Wi-Fi or serial emulation) are possible via USB.
Improved Over Original Open-Source Design Compared to the original open-source project by Tronix286 (https://www.applefritter.com/content/a2vga-card-mockingboard-emulation-same-time), this version does not require Slot 4—both VGA and Mockingboard audio work perfectly in any slot, giving you full flexibility in your system configuration.

Perfect for retro computing enthusiasts, educators, and collectors who want to see and hear their Apple II in a whole new way—with modern clarity and classic soul.