MSX
Info, platforms and system requirements for thousands of games
Metal GearMSX ยท 1987Nemesis 2MSX ยท 1987Ninja-kun: Ashura no ShouMSX ยท 1987Project A Part IIMSX ยท 1987SalamanderMSX ยท 1987Shalom: Knightmare IIIMSX ยท 1987Shiryou Sensen: War of The DeadMSX ยท 1987Star DustMSX ยท 1987Super Laydock: Mission Striker Network VersionMSX ยท 1987The Maze Of Galious: Knightmare IIMSX ยท 1987The Treasure of UsasMSX ยท 1987Ultima II: The Revenge of the EnchantressMSX ยท 1987
Ultima IV: Quest of the AvatarMSX ยท 1987Xanadu: Dragon Slayer IIMSX ยท 1987Ys: Ancient Ys VanishedMSX ยท 1987Albatross - Tournament Golf -MSX ยท 1986AvengerMSX ยท 1986Castle ExcellentMSX ยท 1986Cross BlaimMSX ยท 1986Dragon QuestMSX ยท 1986Exoide-ZMSX ยท 1986Exoide-Z Area 5MSX ยท 1986Final Zone WolfMSX ยท 1986Gall Force: Defence of ChaosMSX ยท 1986Green BeretMSX ยท 1986GuardicMSX ยท 1986Hydlide 2 - Shine of DarknessMSX ยท 1986Hydlide II: Shine of DarknessMSX ยท 1986Jackie Chan in The Police StoryMSX ยท 1986King Kong 2: Yomigaeru DensetsuMSX ยท 1986King's KnightMSX ยท 1986KitaheiMSX ยท 1986Knight LoreMSX ยท 1986KnightmareMSX ยท 1986LaydockMSX ยท 1986Magical Kid WizMSX ยท 1986NemesisMSX ยท 1986Penguin AdventureMSX ยท 1986PlayballMSX ยท 1986Q*bertMSX ยท 1986QbertMSX ยท 1986Romancia: Dragon Slayer Jr.MSX ยท 1986StarquakeMSX ยท 1986Takahashi Meijin no Bouken JimaMSX ยท 1986The Black Onyx II: Search for the Fire CrystalMSX ยท 1986The GooniesMSX ยท 1986Twin BeeMSX ยท 1986Ultima I: The First Age of DarknessMSX ยท 1986Valis: The Fantasm SoldierMSX ยท 1986Vampire KillerMSX ยท 1986ZanacMSX ยท 1986Zanac-ExMSX ยท 1986Camelot WarriorsMSX ยท 1985Deus Ex MachinaMSX ยท 1985Dragon SlayerMSX ยท 1985Game MasterMSX ยท 1985HydlideMSX ยท 1985Hyper RallyMSX ยท 1985Hyper Sports 3MSX ยท 1985Jackie Chan in Spartan XMSX ยท 1985Jackie Chan in The ProtectorMSX ยท 1985Jet Set WillyMSX ยท 1985Jet Set Willy IIMSX ยท 1985King's ValleyMSX ยท 1985Konami's BaseballMSX ยท 1985Konami's BoxingMSX ยท 1985Konami's GolfMSX ยท 1985Konami's Ping PongMSX ยท 1985Konami's SoccerMSX ยท 1985Konami's TennisMSX ยท 1985Lode RunnerMSX ยท 1985Lode Runner IIMSX ยท 1985Magical TreeMSX ยท 1985Mopi RangerMSX ยท 1985Penguin-Kun WarsMSX ยท 1985PippolsMSX ยท 1985PooyanMSX ยท 1985Road FighterMSX ยท 1985SorceryMSX ยท 1985Yie Ar Kung-FuMSX ยท 1985Yie Ar Kung-Fu 2: The Emperor Yie-GahMSX ยท 1985Athletic LandMSX ยท 1984BadlandsMSX ยท 1984BlaggerMSX ยท 1984Cabbage Patch KidsMSX ยท 1984Circus CharlieMSX ยท 1984Comic BakeryMSX ยท 1984GalagaMSX ยท 1984
GhostbustersMSX ยท 1984Hyper Olympic 1MSX ยท 1984Hyper Olympic 2MSX ยท 1984Hyper Sports 1MSX ยท 1984Hyper Sports 2MSX ยท 1984Jackie Chan in Project AMSX ยท 1984Konami's BilliardsMSX ยท 1984Konami's MahjongMSX ยท 1984Monkey AcademyMSX ยท 1984Polar StarMSX ยท 1984Sky JaguarMSX ยท 1984XyzologMSX ยท 1984Antarctic AdventureMSX ยท 1983Bee & FlowerMSX ยท 1983Bomber ManMSX ยท 1983Crazy TrainMSX ยท 1983FroggerMSX ยท 1983Juno FirstMSX ยท 1983Kung Fu MasterMSX ยท 1983SparkieMSX ยท 1983Stop The ExpressMSX ยท 1983Super CobraMSX ยท 1983Time PilotMSX ยท 1983Pac-ManMSX ยท 1980MSX, where Japanese home computer history gets playable
MSX arrived as a standardized home computer and game system, announced in 1983 and officially released that October. It was most at home in Japan, but it also turned up in other countries, with a library that stretches from 1980 to 2015 in our catalog. That is a long run for a machine with a standards committee behind it, and a surprisingly lively one too. You can feel the era in the games, all sprites, speed, and stubborn charm.
What MSX is
MSX was designed as a shared hardware standard, meant to make different makers play nicely together. Microsoft conceived the project, ASCII Corporation announced it, and the system was especially popular in Japan. Few MSX-based machines reached the United States, but in Japan the format became a serious home for game development. Before Nintendo's Family Computer took over the conversation, studios like Konami and Hudson Soft were already making games for it. That matters, because the machine was never short on ambition, or on cartridges full of ideas.
The platform has 247 games in our catalog, and the names attached to it say a lot. Konami leads the way here with 78 games, followed by Compile, T&E Soft, Pony Canyon, and Nihon Falcom Corp. The library ranges from early 1980s curiosities to later releases, so MSX can feel both quaint and oddly busy. It is a format built for people who like seeing how a system grew up while it was already at work.
Where to start in our catalog
If you want a quick tour through MSX history, begin with Antarctic Adventure, Aleste, Aleste 2, A-Ressha De Ikou, and Arkanoid II: Revenge Of Doh. Each shows a different side of the machine, from brisk action to slower, more considered play. Then move to 1942, After Burner, Aliens, and AcroJet if you want to lean into the arcade leanings that suited MSX so well. The catalog has room for racing, shooting, puzzle play, and the sort of game that makes you mutter at the screen in a very specific way.
For a slightly deeper cut, try A1 Spirit: The Way to Formula-1, Albatross - Tournament Golf -, Albatross II: Masters' History, Aleste Gaiden, and Arctic. Those titles show how broad the platform could be without losing its identity. MSX games often feel compact, efficient, and eager to get on with it, which is convenient when you have 247 games to explore. No need to bring a map, but a little curiosity helps.
FAQ
What is MSX?
MSX is a standardized home computer and video game system architecture announced in 1983. It was created to establish a common standard across different manufacturers, and it became especially popular in Japan.
How many MSX games are in your catalog?
There are 247 MSX games in our catalog. The selection runs from 1980 to 2015, so it covers a very wide stretch of the platform's life.
Which developers appear most often in the catalog?
Konami appears most often with 78 games. The other leading developers here are Compile with 17, T&E Soft with 10, Pony Canyon with 9, and Nihon Falcom Corp. with 8.
Which MSX games should I start with?
Good starting points include Antarctic Adventure, Aleste, Aleste 2, A-Ressha De Ikou, and Arkanoid II: Revenge Of Doh. From there, 1942, After Burner, Aliens, and AcroJet give you more of the platform's action side.
Data is based on Steam and may change. Always check the store page.