Recommend me a MSX!

I'm looking to acquire an MSX, or an MSX2.

what's the differences between MSX and MSX2? Will an MSX2 play MSX games?

I can't find alot of information.

I mostly just want to play games, cart and disk.

 

http://www.faq.msxnet.org/

Basically, this should have the info you need.

 

i've been there.

Another question I've been wondering, is it possible to run patched versions of the games? say metal gear, play an english patch of that on the MSX?

 

Well OK then.. Yeah, MSX2 can play MSX1 games, it's kind of like the Commodore 128 and 64, except there were actually games made for the MSX2.

 

and the MSX2+? Is that just a higher spec MSX type, or is there games just for the MSX2+?

 

I've emulated it, and I like the games. I know for a fact I want one. And I don't want to spiral down the "collect a ton of MSX crap" tunnel like I've already done for the Famicom and NES. I just one one solid MSX unit that'll play all the MSX games I throw at it with the best quality.

When you say money, how much are we speaking?

 

The Turbo-R is kickass.
You can get a bit less advanced MSX computers on yahoo for about 150-200$ (unboxed), add about half of that for SAL shipping.

 

The philips nms msx2 series are probably the most popular today, at least in europe, not sure what is available in US though. You'd probably be best with an msx with a detatchable keyboard unless you are solely going to be playing cart games with a stick. they are generally proper keyboards too - i've found the cursor keys on all-in-one msx tend to be very worn/poor in the first place, obviously very bad if you intend to do anything in basic or dos.

Wouldn't bother getting a turbo r as there are few 2+ and turbo games and turbos tend to run £300.

Also be prepared to spend a lot of money, many msx games tend to be very expensive, especially carts.

Oh and I myself have a Pioneer PX-7 - its only a MSX 1 though but has a very nice keyboard, plus great video capabilities.

 

i've got a sony hitbit MSX2 for 10 bucks. but really expensive are the games. even lose.

 

They're well worth it I guess, at least those from Konami.
But if you ask me, honestly I think an X68k is more impressive. Just listen to those sounds man (Akumajo Dracula, Gradius)! :O

 

I've got a Sanyo Wavy-10 with a few loose carts I'll be selling. It's seen better days, so it won't be expensive. Then again, if you're just looking for ONE awesome system, go with an MSX-2 at least.

 

Good to see some x68k shouts, I was just trying to drum up some interest on another forum for me doing a blog on the large amount of shooters for the platform. The sound on the x68k is brilliant, I'm going to have to get a real Roland MT-32 at some point.

 

hmm...only 2 MSX2+ games? I think I can live without that. What's a nice MSX2 with detachable keyboard? I understand the games are costly ^_^; been lookin into them for a while.

 

A lot of cartridge based games are just MSX 1 games anyway.

Still The MSX 2 with a working disc drive is probably the lowest minimum you should aim for as most disc based games are likely to be MSX 2 based.

The MSX 2+ is slightly improved MSX which has better sound and slightly better graphics hardware, there aren't many games that take advantage of it, one that does is Space Manbow which scrolls smoothly instead of jugging along as it does on the MSX 2. The MSX 2+ does have graphics modes that wee over the Atari ST from a great height.

The Turbo R is a great little machine if you want to write stuff for the MSX. However the number of playable (ones that don't require you to speak Japanese) can be counted on one hand.... Still I one a Panasonic Turbo R FSA1 T and a Sony Hitbit HB-F1XDJ (MSX 2+).

The cheapest MSX 2 you can buy would be the Philips one, however this would be using a PAL graphics chip and would be running 17.5% slower...

The MSX still has a following in Japan and in Europe so there are lots of nice things you can get like SD card readers and hard disc interfaces. Games are still also being written, there is a great Bomberman clone on the machine too.

The MSX is easier to find then the X68000 and you shoud be able to find a decent MSX 2 for around $200.

Games can be expensive, especially the Konami ones and the games that people have heard of. Ironically the same game on the MSX, X68000, PC-9801 and FM-Towns will likely be the most expensive on the MSX then FM Towns then X68000 then PC-9801...

 

any particular MSX2 model that people fancy?

 

LOL collectors