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 MSX2+ was an advanced iteration of the MSX2 home computer standard, first introduced in 1988, predominantly in Japan. Building on its predecessor, the MSX2+ boasted enhanced graphical capabilities that made it popular among gaming enthusiasts and hobbyist programmers. It featured upgraded video processing with support for three new screen modes, providing smoother animations and more vibrant color depth with up to 19,268 colors. The inclusion of improved sound through the built-in FM sound chip enabled richer audio experiences for games and multimedia applications. Although the MSX2+ did not achieve widespread global adoption like other home computers of the era, it remained a beloved and influential platform within Japan and parts of Europe, setting the stage for the even more powerful MSX Turbo R that followed.