MSX1
The first-generation MSX home-computer standard, introduced in 1983 with compatible hardware from many manufacturers and a broad software library.
About MSX1
MSX1 is the first generation of the MSX home-computer standard developed by ASCII and Microsoft. Announced in 1983, it gave participating manufacturers a compatible hardware and software target instead of defining one vendor-specific computer.
A typical MSX1 system combines a Z80-compatible processor, TMS9918-family video, AY-3-8910-compatible sound, MSX-BASIC, cartridge slots, and common peripheral interfaces. The shared specification supported a broad international software library across games, education, productivity, and programming.
Explore MSX1 games
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Roller Ball
MSX1Pinball1984
Technical specifications
- Processor
- Zilog Z80A-compatible 8-bit processor at approximately 3.58 MHz.
- Graphics
- Texas Instruments TMS9918A, TMS9928A, or TMS9929A-compatible video display processor with 16 KB of video RAM.
- Memory
- At least 8 KB of system RAM under the standard; many commercial machines included 64 KB.
- Display
- Common 256 x 192-pixel graphics mode with 16 colors, plus 40 x 24 and 32 x 24 text modes.
- Audio
- General Instrument AY-3-8910-compatible programmable sound generator with three sound channels.
- Storage media
- ROM cartridges and cassette tape, with floppy-disk support available on equipped systems.
- Controllers
- Integrated keyboard with standard joystick ports and model-dependent peripheral interfaces.
Release history
- June 1983International
ASCII and Microsoft announced the MSX compatibility standard for home computers.
Notable games
MSX1 questions
Catalog, discovery, and browser compatibility answers.
How many MSX1 games are in the catalog?
MSX1 currently has 2 active entries in the EmuGamers catalog.
How can I find a MSX1 game?
Use the platform directory filters or search by title, genre, series, and first letter. Open a game detail page for its controls and compatibility status.
Can I play every MSX1 game in the browser?
No. Browser play is title-specific. A configured runtime is not the same as a dated compatibility test, so review the status shown on each game page.