MSX-2

MSX-2

MSX-2 logo

The MSX-2 is a standardized home computer architecture, which was announced by ASCII Corporation in 1985 as the successor to the original MSX system. The MSX-2 standard introduced several enhancements over its predecessor, including improved graphics and sound capabilities, which made it a popular choice for gaming and educational purposes during the late 1980s.

History

The MSX-2 was developed as part of an effort to create a unified standard for home computers, which would allow software and hardware compatibility across different manufacturers. The original MSX standard, released in 1983, had already established a foothold in the market, and the MSX-2 sought to build on this success by offering more advanced features.

The MSX-2 standard was officially announced in 1985, and it quickly gained popularity in Japan and Europe. Several manufacturers, including Sony, Panasonic, and Philips, produced MSX-2 compatible machines, each adding their own unique features while adhering to the core specifications of the standard.

Technical Specifications

The MSX-2 introduced several key improvements over the original MSX standard:

Graphics

The MSX-2 featured enhanced graphics capabilities, including support for higher resolutions and more colors. It utilized the Video Display Processor (VDP) known as the Yamaha V9938, which supported resolutions up to 512x212 pixels and could display up to 256 colors from a palette of 512. This was a significant improvement over the original MSX, which was limited to 16 colors.

Sound

Sound capabilities were also improved in the MSX-2. While the original MSX used the General Instrument AY-3-8910 sound chip, the MSX-2 continued to use this chip but allowed for more sophisticated sound programming, taking advantage of the increased processing power and memory.

Memory

The MSX-2 standard required a minimum of 64 KB of RAM, with many models offering more. This increase in memory allowed for more complex software and games to be developed for the platform.

Storage

MSX-2 computers typically included a floppy disk drive, which was a significant upgrade from the cassette tapes used by many original MSX machines. This allowed for faster data access and more convenient software distribution.

Software

The MSX-2 was known for its extensive library of games, many of which took advantage of the system's improved graphics and sound capabilities. Popular game developers such as Konami and Hudson Soft released numerous titles for the platform, contributing to its success in the gaming market.

In addition to games, the MSX-2 was used for educational software and productivity applications, making it a versatile machine for both home and educational use.

Legacy

The MSX-2 was succeeded by the MSX2+ and later the MSX Turbo R, each offering further enhancements. However, the MSX-2 remains a beloved platform among retro computing enthusiasts, with a dedicated community that continues to develop new software and hardware for the system.

Related Pages

• MSX
• MSX2+
• MSX Turbo R
• Yamaha V9938
• General Instrument AY-3-8910