MSX is a standard developed by Microsoft (argh!) in 80´ies. The main goal was to create an 8-bit machine which would have standard specifications, produced by different companies but be able to run same software and use same peripherials. Microsoft achieved their goal and production of MSX computers started. Companies like SONY, JVC, TOSHIBA, SANYO, SPECTRAVIDEO, PIONEER, PHILIPS, PANASONIC, DEAWOO... (a lot more) released their respective computers which were compliant with MSX standard. Some of the computers did have extra features, besides the standard which made them special. The system was built around a Z80 (Zilog) 3,5 MHz processor, was able to play 3 channel sound, show 256x192 graphic resolution in 16 colurs and display 32 sprites. A lot of games were written especially and only for MS. Some was also ported from other platforms. Konami was a big supporter of MSX system to the end. They released a bunch of ROM modules (games) which had brilliant quality for that time. Games like Metal Gear and Metal gear 2 - Solid Snake, were released first on the MSX system ! In 1986 a more enhanced MSX system, MSX2 was born. It utilized higher screen resolution, higher amount of colours, 16 out of 512 or 256 fixed. This lead to better games and more fun. Soon after release of MSX2 in Europe, Microsoft ceased the support of MSX system. Though MSX was not abandoned in Japan, where ASCII, continued on. MSX was alive but strictly in Japan, it became an internal market. In 1988, sony, panasonic and sanyo released MSX2+ computers in Japan. These were enhanced MSX2 machines with 9 channel FM sound synthesizer and yet able to display up to 19k colurs at once which was pretty much for that time! MSX was very popular in Japan. Despite MSX´s death in Europe, lot of hardcore MSX fans continiued their journey. MSX hardware was imported from Japan, aswell software. Many amateur MSX groups started releasing MSX games of a quality equal to what real developers were able to achieve. A lot of music demos, demo discs, disc magazines were released through years. In 1990, Panasonic released yet another MSX2+ computer, MSX Turbo-R. It was highly enhanced 2+, with R800 CPU which boosted the Z80 to 26MHz, had GUI (MSX-Wiev) builtin, japanese characters JIS1,2, 512KB RAM, 720KB FDD, PCM, MIDI ports, a lot of builtin software etc. This version became the most wanted and ofcourse best MSX ever. Many units were sold in Japan and it was a huge sucsess. The system was still 8-bit and few years after also ASCII ceased the support. The system became slowly obsolete in era of 32bit machines. MSX lives still in manay MSX user´s hearts and the msx community is still going on, though. MSX is turning slowly to a collectors item, and it´s value rises...

I´m one of these hardcore MSX fans. I´ve been playing with MSX for many years now and no wonder if you find it a bit odd :-). I simply like MSX system, it can´t be replaced by any other machine. It is unique, has a unique history and there is simply noothing else like MSX!!!!!

It´s a pity that the MSX2 computers were not distributed in scandinavian countries. Only MSX1 was available here for a short period of time. What a loose.

You can still check out the system. Get an msx emulator for your PC / MAC... etc. platform and try the games you missed :-).

I have a special page dedicated exclusively to the MSX system. You will find there a link to The Ultimate MSX-FAQ, where you should find answers on all remaining questions you might have :-).