which MSX computer to buy

[+grips03]

which MSX computer to buy? Mainly for games

 

I've been thinking about buying an MSX. Are certain models better than others? Is MSX2 backward compatible with MSX? Does it make sense to get one with a floppy disk drive or do folks just add a SD card type interface to them? I'm in CT, USA if that helps.

[Pixelboy]

And this thread belongs in the ColecoVision sub-forum because...?

[goldenegg]

It might not be the best place to ask, but I'm sure some people here have feedback given the number of MSX ports on the CV.

[NIAD]

I think also because of the very knowledge MSX'ers that frequent this forum like Opcode, Youki and all the European AA'ers. Plus the MSX is the kissing cousin of the ColecoVision!

 

If you haven't already, grips03, I would check out the tremendous BlueMSX emulator as well as some of the following MSX related websites:

 

http://www.bluemsx.com/

http://www.msx.org/

http://www.generation-msx.nl/msxdb/softwareinfo/3034

[+grips03]

thanks for the links NIAD and emulation might be the way to go to try some MSX games out. I have a mac so downloaded openmsx, perhaps BlueMSX will work under Fusion. Have any others tried that?

[goldenegg]

thanks for the links NIAD and emulation might be the way to go to try some MSX games out. I have a mac so downloaded openmsx, perhaps BlueMSX will work under Fusion. Have any others tried that?

 

OpenMSX with NekoLauncher (http://nekocan.sitemix.jp/?page_id=17) is the way to go on a Mac. It works great.

 

BlueMSX works well under VMware Fusion, as long as your VM has sufficient resources assigned to it.

 

EDIT:

 

Looks like NekoLauncher hasn't been updated for the latest build of OpenMSX. You'll be fine without it, but keep an eye out for an update, as it makes configuring the emulator much easier.

[+grips03]

OpenMSX with NekoLauncher (http://nekocan.sitemix.jp/?page_id=17) is the way to go on a Mac. It works great.

 

BlueMSX works well under VMware Fusion, as long as your VM has sufficient resources assigned to it.

 

EDIT:

 

Looks like NekoLauncher hasn't been updated for the latest build of OpenMSX. You'll be fine without it, but keep an eye out for an update, as it makes configuring the emulator much easier.

 

Downloaded. Certainly does make it easier.

 

thanks

[youki]

Hi,

In term of emulation for me , BlueMSX is the best. (and its emule as well the colecovision! ).

 

MSX2 are backward compatible with MSX . Of course MSX 2 are better than one, but more expensive and harder to find in general.

 

There are also MSX 2+ and Turbo-R , even more expansive and more rare.

 

Very few software are specfic to 2+ and Turbo-R . Most of the game have been done for MSX 1 and MSX 2.

 

MSX 1 is about about the equivalent of the Colecovision with the SGM in term of game quality. MSX 2 are at another level because of 512 colors modes , more sprites... etc... MSx 2+ include i think also Hardware Scrollings. and the Turbo-R is a kind of Ferrari , but due to the lake of sofware support the interrest is more in collection than in gaming.

 

For a first MSX , i would take an MSX1 one, it is not expensive and quiet current (at least in europe). More or less they are all equivalent technically . (some include better sound capabilites like the Yamaha ones) but difference are generally more in the Look, Keyboard quality and memory inside. Don't take an MSX with less than 64k.

 

Personally i have Sony HitBit and Canon V20 , i'm quiet happy with them.

[+nanochess]

I would recommend a Japanese MSX (just make sure it is not modified to European) because them have composite NTSC output as standard and accept 110 V.C.A (the better for USA), I don't think RF would work because it is for Japanese Channel 1 and 2.

 

If you want to play every MSX game the better is a MSX2+ as it includes video V9958 (enhanced V9938, better scroll for Space Manbow) and FM sound by default (the FM-Pac cartridge is pretty expensive), almost every model includes 128K video RAM and look for models with 128K base RAM, although generally expanded to 256K (Sony) and 512K (Panasonic).

 

The floppy disk drive is a must to load most MSX2 games available online (test Sonyc, it sounds and plays great). Also I remember there is a Flash cartridge at http://www.msxcartridgeshop.com

 

Myself I have a Sony HB-F1XDJ (MSX2+) and it was pretty well manufactured, even the stickers still are attached , only some external scratches and I had to replace two capacitors that dried in FM sound.

 

Other recommendation: check eBay, visit msx.org, give a look at retroclasificados.com. There is a price anarchy, always ask for photos.

[+nanochess]

I forgot completely, yes, the MSX2+ is backward compatible with MSX1. I'm not sure about the SD interface, I'm using floppy disk.