What we know

Russian semiconductor companies have showcased custom CPU and system-on-chip (SoC) designs based on Arm and Elbrus architectures. These chips were demonstrated by running retro video games, highlighting their operational capabilities. The event also featured chips built on the RISC-V architecture, reflecting a range of domestic development efforts in Russia’s semiconductor sector.

Why it matters

Facing international sanctions and limited access to Western technology, Russia is intensifying efforts to create its own semiconductor technologies. Demonstrating chips using Arm, Elbrus, and RISC-V architectures signals progress toward reducing dependence on foreign hardware. Using retro games as a demonstration tool provides a familiar way to show these chips’ functionality, but it does not clarify how they perform compared to global competitors.

What is still unknown

Details on the chips’ performance accuracy, software support, and language compatibility have not been disclosed. There is no information on when these chips might be commercially available or how they compare to international standards in real-world applications.