[jbb555]

I think we should define a low level learning virtual machine. Basically something like a C64 but updated to be a bit more modern. Have a virtual 4 core CPU that runs a fake machine code, have memory mapped IO so that you can put a pixel on a screen by writing a byte to memory, you can read a mouse position from a fixed memory address etc.

You could make it more advanced by using the IO. We could define things like a 3d graphics interface by defining virtual registers that take commands. Pretend hardware instead of an API.

Basically a fake blank computer for learning fun stuff on that's a bit more modern than an old spectrum of C64 but still (emulated) basic hardware and no layers or libraries...

Perhaps if it became popular people might create the actual hardware... Hmm, I might make one :P

[vanderZwan]

Pico-8 is pretty much exactly what you're talking about, including having hardware for it.

http://www.lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php

https://getchip.com/pages/pocketchip

[qznc]

Like the BBC Micro Bit, for example? https://www.microbit.co.uk/