The One Chip MSX is technically an FPGA computer that emulates the MSX and MSX2 standard in hardware. Discussion can be had whether this is emulation or not, the One Chip is a true MSX computer in the sense that it provides slots for cartridges, and has the ability to load software from tape. It also implements the MSX-MUSIC and SCC+ audio extensions that were popular with various games.

Even though it lacks a 3.5" disk drive, disks are supported through emulation on a memory card, including support for booting MSX-DOS.

Since the machine can be recoded using the VHDL hardware programming language, new versions of the original code have introduced more features and better compatibility with the original MSX/MSX2+ standard.

Hardware Specifications:

• Altera Cyclone EP1C12Q240C8N FPGA chip
• 32 MByte SDRAM
• SD/MMC card slot
• 2 MSX Cartridge slots
• 2 Audio outputs
• S-Video out
• Composite out
• VGA out
• PS/2 keyboard connector
• 2 USB Ports
• 2 MSX Joystick Ports
• FPGA I/O pin (40 & 10 pin)

The MSX Standard calls for all MSX computers to have a standard data-cassette port. This port transports the audio-in/out signals to and from the datarecorder and the computer has a relay-switch on board to turn the recorder on and off.

The MSX Cartridge system uses a 50-pin flat-edge connector to connect to the systems expansion bus. The cartridge slot maps into one of the main- or sub-slots.