MSX

MSX is a video game platform
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MSX is a standardized home computer architecture. It was popular in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Netherlands, France, Spain, Finland, Arabian Gulf countries and former Soviet Union during the 1980s. Like the PC of today, the MSX computers were manufactured by many different companies.

History

The MSX home computer architecture standard was conceived by Microsoft Japan executive Kazuhiko Nishi. Inspired by the success of VHS as a standard for video cassette recorders he had proposed the MSX standard as a single industry standard for home computers. Trying to create something the PC later became.

The MSX standard was first formally announced in 1983 and was followed by three other standards: MSX2 (1986), MSX2 (1988) and MSX turbo R (1990).

Over a hundred different companies have manufactured MSX computers. The list of companies includes: Sony, Panasonic, Sanyo, JVC, Spectravideo, Toshiba, Canon, Casio, Dragon, Dyndata, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Sharp/Epcom, Pioneer, Alalamia, Mitsubishi, NEC, Philips, Radiola, Schneider, Talent, Telematica, Yamaha, Yashica, Aster International, General, Samsung, Hyosung, Limco, Oric, Radofin.

Although being a Microsoft-led initiative, the MSX-based machines were seldom seen in the United States. Most of the Japanese companies decided to avoid the intensely competitive U.S. market, only Spectravideo and Yamaha decided otherwise. The MSX computers became popular in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Netherlands, France, Spain, Finland, Kuwait and former Soviet Union. A total of 5 million MSX-based units were sold world-wide.

Standard definition 

MSX
  • Processor: Zilog Z80A 3,579 MHz (8-bit)
  • ROM: 32 KB
  • RAM: 8 KB minimum (Most machines provided 64K.)
  • Video Display Processor: Texas Instruments TMS-9918/TMS-9928/TMS-9929
  • Video RAM: 16 KB (Maximum resolution: 256×192 pixels with 16 colors)
  • Sound chip: General Instrument AY-3-8910 (PSG)
  • Connector for tape/data recorder.
  • A Centronics interface (interface for connecting printers and other parallel devices)
  • At least one joystick/mouse/paddle/trackball/graphic tablet connector. (Most computers have two.)
  • At least one expansion port.
  • A keyboard with At least 70 keys (including five function keys with ten programmable functions and four arrow keys).

MSX2 (only changed to MSX listed)
  • ROM: 48 KB
  • RAM: 64 KB minimum
  • Video Display Processor: Yamaha V9938
  • Video RAM: At least 64kB (usually 128kB)
  • Sound chip: Yamaha YM2149 (PSG)
  • Clock chip: Ricoh RP5C01 (or compatible)
  • A 3.5" Floppy disk drive was common

MSX2+ (Only released in Japan)
  • Processor: Zilog Z80 compatible running at 3.58 MHz or more (5.37 MHz versions were available)
  • ROM: 64 KB
  • RAM: At least 64 KB
  • Video Display Processor: Yamaha V9958
  • Sound chip: Yamaha YM2149 (PSG)
  • Optional sound chip: Yamaha YM2413 (OPLL) (MSX-Music)
  • Clock chip: RP5C01
  • 3.5" Floppy disk drive was very common

MSX turbo R (Only two machines were made and they were only released in Japan)
  • Processor: R800 (7.16 MHz) and Zilog Z80A compatible
  • ROM: 96 KB
  • RAM: 256 KB (FS-A1ST) or 512 KB (FS-A1GT)
  • Video Display Processor: Yamaha V9958
  • Sound chip: Yamaha YM2413 (OPLL) (MSX-Music)
  • Sound chip: PCM synthesizer 8-bit (sample rate 16kHz)
  • Sound chip: MIDI in/out (FS-A1GT only)
  • 3.5" double sided double density (720kB) disk drive
MSX games Edit
Name Platforms Developer
How Many Robots? MSX Artdink
Yakyuudou II PC88, PC98, MSX Nihon Create
Zoku Ougon no Haka: Sphinx no Nazo - GOLDEN GRAVE II MSX, 6001 Magical Zoo
Ougon no Haka FM7, MSX, X1, 6001, PC88 Magical Zoo
Lizard FM7, PC98, PC88, 6001, MSX, X1 XTALSOFT
Soap Land Story II: Memory MSX, PC98, PC88 HARD
Soapland Story MSX, FM7, PC98, PC88 HARD
Bishoujo Shashinkan Bangai-Hen: OutSide Story PC98, PC88, MSX HARD
Kudokikata Oshiemasu Part II: Kind Gals MSX, PC98 HARD
Kudokikata Oshiemasu FM7, MSX, PC98, PC88 HARD
MSX 6 images
General Information Edit
Platform Name: MSX
Release Date: Nov. 24, 1983
Online Support: False
Install Base: 5,000,000
Original Price: $0
Producing Company: Microsoft Studios
Aliases MSX 2
MSX II
Total Games: 778 games
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High Score first in Space Invaders
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Cheat Code first in Frogger
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Knife first in Jungle King
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Spaceship first in Spacewar!
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Armor first in Samurai
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