MSX2

The **MSX2** is the second generation of the MSX home computer standard, introduced in 1985 as an evolution of the original MSX architecture. Rather than a single console, MSX2 defines a common hardware and firmware platform implemented by multiple manufacturers such as Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Toshiba, Yamaha, and others. It targeted the home computer and gaming markets in Japan and Europe, competing with systems like the NEC PC‑8801, Sharp X1, Commodore 64, and early Amiga/Atari ST machines. MSX2 retained backward compatibility with first‑generation MSX software while substantially upgrading its video and memory capabilities. The most significant change was the new Yamaha V9938 VDP (Video Display Processor), which added higher resolutions, more colors, hardware‑assisted scrolling, a powerful blitter for block transfers and line drawing, and bitmap modes suitable for advanced games and productivity software. This allowed MSX2 titles to feature richer graphics than most 8‑bit contemporaries and enabled sophisticated adventure games, RPGs, and arcade conversions. Internally, MSX2 machines continued to use a Zilog Z80‑compatible CPU, typically clocked at 3.58 MHz, with system RAM starting at 64 KB and VRAM increased to 64 KB or 128 KB, depending on the model. The standard provided cartridge slots for ROM games and expansions, along with cassette or floppy disk drives for data storage. The BIOS and MSX BASIC were updated (MSX BASIC 2.0/2.1) to expose new graphic modes, sprite features, and disk commands directly from the built‑in interpreter, making it easier for hobbyists to exploit the hardware. MSX2 saw strong software support in Japan, including early works from Konami, Falcom, and other major publishers. Iconic series such as **Metal Gear**, **King’s Valley**, and **Ys** appeared on MSX2, often in versions that pushed the platform’s graphic and audio capabilities. The system’s architecture also encouraged extensive use of sound expansion cartridges (e.g., SCC/SCC+, MSX‑Music with the YM2413 FM chip, and later MSX‑Audio), giving games richer soundtracks than the base PSG alone. Although MSX2 never achieved mass‑market dominance worldwide, it became an important step in the MSX lineage, bridging the gap between the original MSX and the more advanced MSX2+ and TurboR standards. Its combination of cartridge‑based gaming, robust BASIC environment, and relatively powerful video hardware has made it a favorite among retro computing enthusiasts and an enduring platform for homebrew development and preservation.

audio

AY-3-8910 compatible 3-channel PSG (often YM2149F); optional sound cartridges: SCC/SCC+, MSX-Music (YM2413 FM), MSX-Audio (YM3526/Y8950)

cpu

Zilog Z80A compatible @ ~3.58 MHz (NTSC) or ~3.55 MHz (PAL)

gpu

Yamaha V9938 VDP: up to 512×212 (interlaced 512×424), 256 colors from 512 palette (simultaneous colors depend on mode), 32 hardware sprites (up to 8 per line), hardware scrolling and blitter

media

ROM cartridges (up to 2 slots typical), cassette tape, 3.5" or 5.25" floppy disks (via built-in or external FDD), ROM/RAM expansion modules

ram

Typically 64 KB or 128 KB main RAM; 64 KB or 128 KB VRAM (V9938)

releaseYear

1985

resolution

Text: 40×24, 80×24; Graphics: 256×212, 512×212 (up to 512×424 interlaced) in various bitmap and pattern modes