MSX comments.... (Re:)

From: Cord Coslor <coslor_at_pscosf.peru.edu>
Date: Thu Jun 12 15:58:01 1997

On Thu, 12 Jun 1997, Mr. Self Destruct wrote:
> On Thu, 12 Jun 1997, Marvin wrote:
> > > - I'd like a MSX machine as well (never even seen one in anything other
> > > than magazine articles)
> > >
> >
> > What is an MSX machine?
>
> >From what I gather, it was an early attempt ('84-'85) at computer
> "standardization" by a number of large companies (Sony, Yamaha, Panasonic,
> Sanyo, Hitachi, Goldstar, and a bunch of others. The systems were all (?)
> Z80 based with a TI graphics chip and generally had 48-64k of memory.
>
> MSX stands for Microsoft Extended (oh no!) and the OS, called MSX-DOS was
> format compatible with MS-DOS and apparently had smoe CP/M functionality.
> MSX failed miserably, mostly because for the time period, the technology
> was old. (Amiga's, Macs, and ST's on the way)
>

Actually, to make a few clarifications, as far as I know, on the above
questions and answers. MSX does NOT stand for Microsoft Extended. That
basically was a bad rumor. The MSX was an attempt and a world-wide
standardization of computers by several companies. I'm not quite sure if
MSX-DOS was format compatible with MS-DOS.... I don't think it was.

And, finally, this project (the MSX) did NOT fail miserably. In the United
States, teh MSX did fail miserably... but mainly because of the fact that
it was not widely marketed here. The MSX was VERY popular in Asia and, I
believe, in Europe. To tell you the truth it still is! I happen to be a
fan of the MSX, and can to you the quality of the many, many, game titles
for it are quite similar to that of first Nintendo Entertainment System.
Many of the games were sold on both platforms.... such as Metal Gear,
Donkey Kong, Dig-Dug, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Frogger, Galaga, The Goonies,
Zelda, Thexder, Zaxxon, etc., etc. A large manufacturer of game software
for the MSX was Konami, and world-wide leading game manufacturer. So, that
should let you know about some fo the MSX capabilities.

Anyway, maybe some of our European and Asian friends out there could let
us know more about the MSX? I personally do not have a machine, but have
tons of MSX software running on emulators on my PC. I would love to get
one, so again, if anyone has one for sale, please let me know.


Look forward to hearing from you,

CORD G. COSLOR
Archive Software
PO Box 308
Peru, Nebraska 68421
(402) 872- 3272
Received on Thu Jun 12 1997 - 15:58:01 BST