MSX Standard
Japan's answer to the chaos. A standardized architecture supported by Sony, Panasonic, Yamaha, and others.
Historical_Context
In the early 80s, every computer was incompatible with every other. Microsoft and ASCII Corporation (Japan) tried to fix this with MSX (Machines with Software eXchangeability).
It was a standard, not a single machine. Any company could build an MSX. It used off-the-shelf parts: Z80 CPU, TI Video, and General Instruments Sound. It became massive in Japan, South America, and parts of Europe.
The MSX evolved into a graphics powerhouse. The MSX2 and TurboR models featured video chips that arguably surpassed the NES, hosting legendary series like *Metal Gear* and *Castlevania* before they were console hits.
Notable_Models
MSX 1 Standard
1983The standard defined by Microsoft and ASCII. Machines made by Sony, Toshiba, Yamaha, etc.
MSX 2
1985The serious upgrade. V9938 video chip allowed bitmapped graphics.
MSX 2+
1988Added hardware scrolling and YJK high-color mode (19,268 colors).
MSX TurboR
1990The final evolution. 16-bit R800 CPU. Fast.
MSX 1
1983The baseline. Hardware sprites, 16 colors.
Tech_Specs
- CPU Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
- Graphics TMS9918 (MSX1) -> V9938 (MSX2)
- Audio AY-3-8910 (PSG) + MSX-Music (FM)
- OS MSX-BASIC + MSX-DOS
Key_Silicon
Texas Instruments VDP. Used in ColecoVision and SG-1000 too.
Powerful blitter, 512 color palette, vertical interrupts.
Sound Custom Chip included in game cartridges for wavetable audio.
A fast, pipelined Z80 compatible RISC-like CPU.