8-bit home computer line, and the Information Processing group dealt with the 16-bit personal computer line. The Electronic Device Sales division spun off personal computer business into NEC Home Electronics. In March 1985, NEC Home Electronics introduced the PC-8801mkIISR, which had improved graphics and sound capabilities. A cost reduced version, the PC-8801mkIIFR, shipped 60,000 units for half a year. Although the PC-9801VM shipments surpassed it, the PC-8800 series was still popular as a Japanese PC game platform until the early 1990s. Hardware Graphics Throughout the lifetime of the PC-8800, there were four different graphics modes. They are as follows: N mode: PC-8000 series compatible graphic mode V1 mode: 640 × 200 8 colors, 640 × 400 2 colors V2 mode: 640 × 200 8 out of 512 colors, 640 × 400 2 out of 512 colors V3 mode: 640 × 200: 65536 colors, 640 × 400: 256 out of 65536 colors, 320 × 200: 65536 colors, 320 × 400: 64 out of 65536 colors No entry in the PC-8800 series was capable of displaying all four modes. Sound The early computers in the PC-8800 series use a simple internal speaker, like the Apple II and IBM PC, capable of generating beeps and clicks. Later models added FM-synthesis chips for much more elaborate audio. Software Companies that produced exclusive software for the NEC PC-8801 included Enix, Square, Sega, Nihon Falcom, Bandai, HAL Laboratory, ASCII, Pony Canyon, Technology and Entertainment Software, Wolf Team, Dempa, Champion Soft, Starcraft, Micro Cabin, PSK, and Bothtec. Certain games produced for the PC-8801 had a shared release with the MSX, such as those produced by Game Arts, ELF Corporation, and Konami. Many popular series first appeared on the NEC PC-8801, including Snatcher, Thexder, Dragon Slayer, RPG Maker, Sokoban, and Ys. Nintendo licensed Hudson Soft to port some of Nintendo's Family Computer games for the platform, including Excitebike, Balloon Fight, Tennis, Golf, and Ice Climber, as well as new editions of Mario Bros. called Mario Bros. Special and Punch Ball Mario Bros., a semi-sequel to Donkey Kong 3 titled Donkey Kong 3: Dai Gyakushū. The computer also had its own BASIC dialect, N88-BASIC. Model list References Further reading (A floppy-disk controller supporting 2TD (triple density) diskettes) External links (Translated) System Information emulation site for retro Japanese computers OLD-COMPUTERS.COM: The Museum: NEC PC-8801 NEC PC-8801 info page popular games, tags and developers at uvlist.net NEC PC-8801 MK II commercial