MSX 2 to buy

Rookie (21)

29-04-2021, 10:12

Hello all,
which do you think is today the best compromise price/performance/quality on a MSX 2 machine today?
Which one would you generally suggest and on which site should I look for to buy?

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By hamlet

Scribe (4105)

29-04-2021, 10:22

Thanks to the achievement of flash memory cartridges with memory expansions, it is not so much the amount of kilobytes or built-in drives that matter today, but rather your own taste and the amount of money your hobby is worth to you.

Of course, I see a larger number of (for me) more interesting models on Japanese auction sites, but if you are afraid of the high costs for shipping and customs (and especially the risk of getting defective goods delivered), you can use the classifieds portals in your country. You can still find bargains here and make nice contacts.

Ebay is of course an alternative, but you can always find offers from sdsnatcher73 and other thrustworty sellers here in the forum.

By htdreams

Champion (298)

29-04-2021, 10:25

Hi!

I have bought quite a number of MSX machines from yahoo.auctions using buyee.com (as i'm collecting Sony HB series)

I think this is the cheapest way of purchasing any msx machine, because if you buy it from other european seller you'll have to cover at least the same the seller paid for the machine to bring it to europe

Of course you could go for an european MSX2 machine, like the philips models, but i don't like them, (in fact, i don't like any PAL 50hz machine, but thats a problem I have :-) )

In my opinion, I would go for a Sony MSX HB-F1 or Sony MSX HB-F1II with a megaflash scc with 512k ram, whith this combo you'll be good to user anything msx2 related (minus FM sound unless you pickup an FMpack or compatible expansion)

This could get you in the 200-250 range, as usually F1 computers are about 100-150 eur including yahoo auction price, buyee fees, japan-buyee transport, international transport and customs, also add the Megaflash SCC cart (about 120 eur?)

I have no experience using Carnivore nor Flashjacks, but they are also good alternatives

Unless you really (REALLY) want to mess with floppy drives, I would skip going for any floppy machine, it's like going back to use VHS tapes, don't do that unless you really want to feel the experience :-)

My 2 cents, of course...

By JGM

Master (140)

29-04-2021, 11:17

On marktplaats.nl you will find Philips msx 2's very often. It's a dutch site, but I've sold msx games to someone in Sweden. If the seller is willing to ship worldwide, why not give it a go. Vdp(10)=0 in basic will change it to NTSC 60hz. The built quality is quite good. Only the plastics are getting a little more brittle these days...

By Manuel

Ascended (19298)

29-04-2021, 13:02

I think you should first check what kind of video output you want by default.

By AxelStone

Prophet (3189)

29-04-2021, 13:47

For me, FPGA based solution is the best choice now. For a very affordable price you get a perfect clone compatible with scart and VGA outputs (CRT and LCD screens supported), SD reader, FM integrated...

By st1mpy

Paladin (902)

29-04-2021, 13:51

I think a fpga based one would be good too, like the Sx1mini+ its features are good and is good price.

By MajorTOM

Master (219)

29-04-2021, 16:36

Well, in my humble opinion if you want the "real thing" you should go for a genuine MSX computer...

.. if you don´t mind to consider a FPGA as an alternative.. then you are probably also open for just a free-ware Emulator on your PC... which BTW won´t cost you a single cent!..

personally can´t find room for a middle-of-the-road solutions (such as the MSXVRs, One-chips, Zenmixes, etc... but again, it´s just my personal opinion...

By AxelStone

Prophet (3189)

29-04-2021, 20:02

MajorTOM wrote:

Well, in my humble opinion if you want the "real thing" you should go for a genuine MSX computer...

.. if you don´t mind to consider a FPGA as an alternative.. then you are probably also open for just a free-ware Emulator on your PC... which BTW won´t cost you a single cent!..

personally can´t find room for a middle-of-the-road solutions (such as the MSXVRs, One-chips, Zenmixes, etc... but again, it´s just my personal opinion...

But really emulation and FPGA is not the same. In FPGA the experience of using the real machine is perfectly cloned: it's instant on, as soon as you start the machine you have the MSX logo. You have native resolution (not escalated one). You use same cartridges and joys than used in your real MSX. The main difference is the case, but if you don't mind this (there are people that put FPGAs inside DIY cases) you feel that you are using a real MSX.

It's my opinion

By Manuel

Ascended (19298)

29-04-2021, 20:09

Still, there are bugs and inaccuracies in all emulations, including FPGA's...

By st1mpy

Paladin (902)

29-04-2021, 21:09

What is the state of msx to msx2 upgrade cartridges nowadays? Over the past few years I've seem a few projects, are any of them available to buy? I think it is something that could be made quite cheaply today.