Philips MSX - 3-minute retro-revival of the

This is the third episode of the 3-minute retro-revival about the MSX1 computer. I hope you're excited about diving into the fascinating history and technology of these classic machines.

Over the course of the series, I will be taking a deep dive into the world of vintage computing, exploring the hardware, software, and games that made these machines so special. I'll cover many systems, from iconic models like the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum to lesser-known gems like the MSX and Acorn Archimedes.

0:00 Introduction to the Philips MSX VG-8020 computer
0:39 Overview of MSX1 peripherals
0:48 VU-0005 Joystick
1:20 D-6600 Data recorder
1:52 Loading programs from cassette
2:12 SD-512 Memory Mapper cartridge
2:38 Outro featuring 1942 Game

Music from various MSX games.

[lovemadeinjapan]

The tape unit was a huge step back from its predecessor, the P2000T, which had superfast fully automatic mini-tapes.

[panyo]

I want to see Mac Attack, including its intro. 🥺

[lovemadeinjapan]

I bought 2 Philips MSX models, but not only the tape loading was a step back from the P2000T, the entire machine was. I have a huge collection of Japanese made gear (as my nick may tell), but MSX is one of the few examples where Japan did not get it: both a hardware and software mess. Going to Microsoft was also a bad decision. The P2000T had good BASIC, also MS made, but Philips must have tweaked it a lot to make it really great, they even removed any Microsoft mention from the ROM. MSX BASIC and MSX DOS are really bad on the other hand. I can really enjoy a P2000T with great disk OS in 2025, the MSX not so much. I will sell both my machines soon.