Breaking News from MSX Co-creator
Kazuhiko Nishi, co-creator of the MSX computer standard, has recently announced exciting plans for the upcoming line of new MSX machines, particularly the MSX0 Stack. In a surprising development, Nishi revealed that these devices might soon support emulation for several classic gaming consoles.Planned Emulation Support
The following systems are being considered for emulation:- Nintendo Famicom
- NEC PC Engine
- Atari 2600
- ColecoVision / Coleco Adam
- Sega SG-1000 (already demonstrated)
Current Status
As of now, the MSX0 Stack is limited to playing MSX games, with a somewhat complex process for loading ROMs. However, Nishi has demonstrated progress by showcasing a Sega SG-1000 emulator running Space Invaders on the MSX0 Stack.Challenges and Considerations
While this news is exciting for retro gaming enthusiasts, there are several challenges to overcome:- Copyright Concerns: Nishi acknowledges the need for caution due to strict copyright laws in Japan.
- Distribution Method: The team is still determining how to deliver this functionality to MSX owners legally and efficiently.
- Technical Implementation: Details on how the emulation will work across different MSX models are yet to be finalized.
Potential Solutions
One proposal under consideration is to allow users to copy their own ROMs to a cartridge, which could then be played using an in-development adapter for the machine. However, this is still in the planning stages.Looking Ahead
While many details remain uncertain, this announcement signals a potentially significant expansion of the MSX0's capabilities. It could transform the device into a versatile retro gaming platform, capable of emulating a wide range of classic consoles.Retro gaming enthusiasts and MSX fans should stay tuned for further updates as Nishi and his team work out the details of this ambitious project.