Still, there are bugs and inaccuracies in all emulations, including FPGA's...
I know, a few time ago there was an open topic related to this. But in the practice these inaccuracies are inappreciable, I mean, in Zemmix Neo and clones the 99,99% of the existing software works with perfect accuracy to the original. As someone commented in the thread, if the existing software works with accuracy, why to worry about the possible inaccuracies?
In the end, it's a matter of preferences - money spend 
. Emulators = cheapest solution, but more different to the original machine. FPGA = mid solution with (almost) perfect accuracy to the original. Original = most expensive solution and the most vulnerable (old machines need maintenance).
In the end, it's a matter of preferences - money spend . Emulators = cheapest solution, but more different to the original machine. FPGA = mid solution with (almost) perfect accuracy to the original. Original = most expensive solution and the most vulnerable (old machines need maintenance).
Not to mention: availability! Aside from the costs associated with importing, I'm glad to see many replies here also take that into account. Because living in mainland Europe or Japan can make a world of difference, compared to someone in for example the U.S. Not to mention the market itself; some times your dream machine just ain't readily available because no one's selling a unit. In such cases, I too believe that if you know what you're getting yourself into an FPGA MSX implementation ain't such a bad choice at all, given how compatible they are! 
In fact with all the differences between genuine MSX machines themselves, inaccuracies in FPGA emulation almost feel to me like just another "MSX model". 
In fact with all the differences between genuine MSX machines themselves, inaccuracies in FPGA emulation almost feel to me like just another "MSX model".
Exactly, FPGA is just another MSX model . MSX itself is an standard with hundreds of models and no 2 are equals. You have even models with compatible chips, not originals, like Philips MSX that use PSG clone designed by Philips, instead the original one. Not to mention all models using MSX Engine, that can be considered FPGA itself.
If you think about FPGA like "another MSX model", is the closest assessment to reality. In fact 1ChipMSX was the rebirth of the system.
Well I think it depends on your usage scenario and what you are willing to do yourself which MSX2 will be best for you. If you will be buying a multipurpose cart like a Carnivore2 or MegaFlashROM SCC+ SD and willing to accept you cannot play 100% of the disk games an MSX without a diskdrive makes a lot of sense. Disk emulation in SofaRun or Nextor can not give 100% guarantee on all disk games. So having a (double sided) diskdrive or Gotek can cover those that don’t work. Price also depends on the amount of repair already done/still needed.
I currently have a Sanyo PHC-23J which sells for €200 excl. shipping, it is very similar to the NMS8220 but has no annoying firmware (so no keys to press during boot). I have a Philips VG8235 that works except for the diskdrive, you can replace it with a 720kB model or a Gotek but it is not trivial (but also not impossible), that could sell for €200 as well. I will get a Philips VG8230 and VG8235 with Gotek already installed (they are being done right now but due to enhanced lockdown in Germany I am not sure when I will be able to pick them up). The install (done by Alexey) is really nice (see photo below). Obviously (I hope) these will be a bit more expensive due to the parts and labor invested into them. We are looking at €250 (VG8230) or €275 (VG8235). There are more options (Japanese MSX2 with or without diskdrive, with or without repairs) but it also depends on what you like, need and what your budget is.
I hope this gives you some options to consider. I must say it is getting hard to keep prices low (and to some these are already not considered low). So €250 for a VG8235 in my opinion is currently not extremely high (assuming they work well). Competition in both NL and JP will surely drive prices up further in the coming year.
