The MSX PC is barely recognized within the West, however it was Microsoft Japan’s massive Eighties play for elements of the Asian pc market. A joint challenge with the ASCII Company, the MSX was an try and create a ‘normal’ PC structure in the identical manner that VHS had grow to be the de facto videotape format.
The primary MSX techniques have been manufactured by Mitsubishi and launched in October 1983 in Japan (although the entire level was that any firm might manufacture them, which many together with Sony did). Seven million MSX machines could be offered in Japan over the following years, making it each a viable video games platform (the Steel Gear collection started on MSX2) and part of the cultural cloth. It was always an underdog (opens in new tab), however beloved in its day.
The co-founder of ASCII company is the terribly completed engineer Kazuhiko Nishi (opens in new tab), who in addition to co-designing the MSX is a creator, a businessman, and a professor. The opposite co-creator is Kazuyasu Maeda, who was from Matsushita R&D. There have been 4 generations of MSX {hardware}, with the final being 1990’s MSXTurboR (discontinued in 1993). The anticipated MSX3 by no means materialised.
ASCII grew to become defunct following a 2008 merger, however Nishi has now designed one thing outstanding in partnership with D4 Enterprise: the standalone MSX3, to be launched later this yr.
Pricey Mates,D4E president Mr. Suzuki agreed in the present day they’ll launch 1 chip MSX 3 as their main console for the EGG. As a possibility, could have a bay slot for DVDR or BDXLR and can help for CD, DVD, BD, BDUHD. Announcement for 1 chip MSX 3 by the top of summer season.greatest regards, pic.twitter.com/oDUFIFT2waJune 23, 2022
D4 Enterprise is a Japanese online game writer that specialises in recreation preservation, and operates Project EGG (opens in new tab). Its purpose is to get MSX video games on fashionable platforms, primarily, and hold the wealthy historical past of the {hardware} alive.
The “next-generation MSX” is considerably in step with that, however the intention additionally appears to be a machine that’s greater than only a hobbyist nostalgia piece. It has an Arm-based CPU and helps the C, Python, and LISP languages. The challenge started as an enlargement board which might be put in within the slot of an MSX or MSX2, however is now going to be launched as a standalone machine with an non-obligatory bay slot for DVDs / Blu-Ray disks.
Nishi writes that he had thought of making “1-chip” MSX {hardware} within the outdated days, however determined that on the time the potential options did not supply sufficient energy. He confirms that the brand new machine can be backwards-compatible. “After all outdated MSX logoed software program will run for future MSX,” writes Nishi. He additionally thinks that people programming ought to start utilizing extra fashionable instruments: “I’ll maybe be asking all potential customers cease writing z80 and r800 code anymore and write solely on excessive stage instruments for 64 bit VM code for long run binary compatibility. VM64 will run on X86, ARM32, ARM64, RISC V.”
Extra particulars on the MSX3 will observe this summer season, and Nishi says there can be three merchandise obtainable by the top of the yr: The MSX Engine 3 “for OEM and passion system builders”, a ‘Professional’ and a ‘Mild’ MSX3 keyboard, and MSX 3 IOT cartridge for use standalone or in live performance with MSX or MSX2 {hardware}.
Do not name it a comeback: Although it’s unimaginable to consider a {hardware} line that is been primarily useless for 3 a long time making its return. And the core concept of MSX, a standardised and highly effective PC platform for the lots, is one thing many firms in lots of contexts have tried to create through the years (the latest instance, if a bit specialised, is Steam Deck).
Nishi as soon as mentioned that the machine’s title got here from the design workforce’s guiding phrase: “Machines with Software program eXchangeability”, though he additionally at one level mentioned it was named after the MX missile, then in a 2020 ebook mentioned he went for a three-letter title to align with the VHS normal. Lastly, he is mentioned it may also be taken as which means “the following of Microsoft.” In order that’s crystal clear!
The MSX3 will launch later this yr.
