The MSX turns 30!...

[dave4shmups]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_lS6thWwEI Very nice! MSX games look really fun, from what I've seen Now if I could just find an NTSC MSX 2+ for a decent price (under $200) that would be great! Any suggestions on where (apart from Ebay) to shop for one?

[Specineff]

Try emulation first and see if you like the overall feel of the system. There are some free demos out there. The only games I wanted to play on it were the Metal Gears, and I can already play them on the MGS3 Subsistence compilation. Which doesn't justify the purchase of the actual computer.

[rancor]

Check out the one-chip MSX:



Recently produced machine with 2 cart slots, USB support, SD card support, as well as s-video out. Reasonably priced if you can find one. I've seen a few in shops around here for ~$175.

[kid aphex]

Check out the one-chip MSX:



Recently produced machine with 2 cart slots, USB support, SD card support, as well as s-video out. Reasonably priced if you can find one. I've seen a few in shops around here for ~$175.

That is interesting...

[Obiwanshinobi]

I like the idea, but with neither RGB nor VGA output, I wouldn't have much use for it. Properly modded, however, would be welcome under my roof even in a bigger box. Is it region locked, cartridge-wise?

[rancor]

It's got VGA out. Read the wiki here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1chipMSX

[Obiwanshinobi]

Here's hoping the wave of other such clones will follow. Shame there is no way to get the most out of it without piracy.

[Super Laydock]

Is it region locked, cartridge-wise?

MSX never had a region lock.

And according to the wiki of the 1chipMSX it does have VGA support as well.

[dave4shmups]

I've seen enough gameplay to know for sure that I want an MSX; the only questions that remain are where to buy one (NOT on Ebay!), and what model and brand to buy? A number of years ago, someone on these forums recommended the MSX 2+, but there were so many different companies that manufactured the MSX, that I have no idea where to start. Of course, I want one that's durable and won't die on me instantly.

[Specineff]

Sony or Panasonic would be a safe bet.

[rolins]

I've seen enough gameplay to know for sure that I want an MSX; the only questions that remain are where to buy one (NOT on Ebay!), and what model and brand to buy? A number of years ago, someone on these forums recommended the MSX 2+, but there were so many different companies that manufactured the MSX, that I have no idea where to start. Of course, I want one that's durable and won't die on me instantly.

I've owned 3 MSX2+ models in the past: Sony F1XDJ, Sony F1XV, and the Panasonic FS-A1FX. All 3 are great computers and they break just as easily. I'd say find one MSX2+ model whether made by Sony, Panasonic, or Sanyo.

The only MSX2+ model don't recommend is the Panasonic FS-A1FX, this model doesn't have MSX-Music built-in. If you have this model you'll need to buy a FM-Pac cartridge to have MSX-Music.

[dave4shmups]

I've seen enough gameplay to know for sure that I want an MSX; the only questions that remain are where to buy one (NOT on Ebay!), and what model and brand to buy? A number of years ago, someone on these forums recommended the MSX 2+, but there were so many different companies that manufactured the MSX, that I have no idea where to start. Of course, I want one that's durable and won't die on me instantly.

I've owned 3 MSX2+ models in the past: Sony F1XDJ, Sony F1XV, and the Panasonic FS-A1FX. All 3 are great computers and they break just as easily. I'd say find one MSX2+ model whether made by Sony, Panasonic, or Sanyo.

The only MSX2+ model don't recommend is the Panasonic FS-A1FX, this model doesn't have MSX-Music built-in. If you have this model you'll need to buy a FM-Pac cartridge to have MSX-Music.

OK, thanks, very useful information! Are most MSX games on cartridge format? I know there are some on disk. And where's the best place to buy one?

[rolins]

OK, thanks, very useful information! Are most MSX games on cartridge format? I know there are some on disk. And where's the best place to buy one?

Yes, most games were on cartridge but also cassette tapes too. There's also laserdisc games but only a handful exist and they require a special hardware that's too rare & expensive.

As for the best place to buy one, I've had lots of success on ebay, YHJ, and trading forums like MRC. Prices have definitely soared in the past 5 years, so expect to shell out $200 more or less for a loose MSX2+ computer and that's the price before shipping costs. Also, always ask the seller if the disk drive is working because the drive belts deteriorate like the ones inside the Famicom Disk System.

[SuperDeadite]

Speaking for Japan, most MSX1 games are carts. (Japanese tapes exist, but not so many, and seriously fuck tapes). MSX2 however is a mix of carts and floppies. Games that require a 2+ are mostly floppies. Turbo-R games are all floppies. Before you purchase, I'd take a good look at the games and make a list of what you want to play, 2+ is a good starter unit, but Turbo-R adds a few more greats if you can afford one...

For example, Turbo-R required: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSLgbwj0kT4

The big issue is that it's not a good time to start collecting MSX. Especially if you want the popular cart games boxed in decent condition... MSX is the NeoGeo of Japanese Computer gaming. The games are typically triple the price when compared to NEC/Sharp versions, and the top tier exclusives are getting absurd these days.

Either way if you buy an MSX, be sure to buy one with a good working floppy drive.

[BIL]

For example, Turbo-R required: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSLgbwj0kT4

I can never get enough of "Horming" weapons. Only the third instance I've seen of this glorious Engrish after Metal Black and Blazing Star!

Speaking of horming weapons - very nice Thunder Force IV Strite tribute there.

[dave4shmups]

Speaking for Japan, most MSX1 games are carts. (Japanese tapes exist, but not so many, and seriously fuck tapes). MSX2 however is a mix of carts and floppies. Games that require a 2+ are mostly floppies. Turbo-R games are all floppies. Before you purchase, I'd take a good look at the games and make a list of what you want to play, 2+ is a good starter unit, but Turbo-R adds a few more greats if you can afford one...

For example, Turbo-R required: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSLgbwj0kT4

The big issue is that it's not a good time to start collecting MSX. Especially if you want the popular cart games boxed in decent condition... MSX is the NeoGeo of Japanese Computer gaming. The games are typically triple the price when compared to NEC/Sharp versions, and the top tier exclusives are getting absurd these days.

Either way if you buy an MSX, be sure to buy one with a good working floppy drive.

Yeah, the prices of MSX games on Ebay confirms that the MSX is the Neo Geo of Japanese Computer gaming!