MSX

1983 - No generation identified

MSX is a standard for home computers that was developed by Microsoft and ASCII Corporation in 1983. The standard was created to establish a single standard for home computers in Japan, but it was also adopted in other countries. MSX computers were produced by a variety of manufacturers, including Panasonic, Yamaha, Sanyo, and Philips. The MSX standard specified the hardware and software requirements for the computers, which included a Z80 or R800 CPU, at least 16KB of RAM, a keyboard, a cassette tape interface for storage, and a video display controller capable of displaying at least 256x192 pixels with 16 colors. Most MSX computers also featured built-in basic programming language and a variety of expansion ports. The MSX had a relatively large library of software available, including games, educational software, and productivity software. Some popular games for the MSX include: Metal Gear: A stealth action game developed by Konami, it was a hit on the MSX and it was one of the most popular games of its time. The Goonies: An action adventure game based on the movie of the same name. Snatcher: A Cyberpunk adventure game developed by Hideo Kojima, it was a hit on the MSX and it was one of the most popular games of its time. King's Valley: A puzzle-platformer game developed by Konami, it was a hit on the MSX and it was one of the most popular games of its time. Knightmare: A action-adventure game developed by Konami, it was a hit on the MSX and it was one of the most popular games of its time. The MSX was popular in Japan, Europe, and South America, but it did not gain as much traction in North America. The MSX was eventually replaced by more advanced home computers and consoles in the late 1980s and early 1990s.