The PC-8800 series, often called PC-88, is a line of early home computers made by NEC in 1981. These computers used a type of processor called Zilog Z80 and were mainly sold in Japan.
The PC-8800 series became very popular and was one of the four most important home computers in Japan during the 1980s. The other three were the Fujitsu FM-7, Sharp X1, and MSX computers. Later, NEC released a newer line of computers called the PC-9800 series, which used 16-bit technology. Even though the PC-9800 series became more popular, the PC-8800 series still sold well until the early 1990s.
NEC’s American company, NEC Home Electronics (USA), sold different versions of the PC-8800 in the United States and Canada.
History
In September 1979, Nippon Electric's Microcomputer Sales Section of the Electronic Device Sales Division introduced the PC-8001. By 1981, this computer made up 40% of the Japanese personal computer market. In April 1981, Nippon Electric decided to create three groups to manage personal computer lines: New Nippon Electric, Information Processing Group, and Electronic Devices Group. Each group focused on a specific series of computers. In June 1980, the Microcomputer Sales Section was changed to the Microcomputer and Application Division. In April 1981, this division was renamed the Personal Computer Division. At that time, most Japanese personal computers were used by hobbyists. The division introduced the PC-8801 in November 1981 and aimed to grow the personal computer market in the business world.
The PC-8801 could display Kanji characters using an optional Kanji ROM board. Companies released Japanese word processor software for the machine, including My Letter (マイレター), Writing (文筆, Bunpitsu), and Yūkara (ユーカラ). NEC released a version of Yūkara called Japanese Word Processor (日本語ワードプロセッサ), but it was not successful. Companies like Enix and Koei also created many popular games for the PC-8801, making it a strong gaming platform. By November 1983, the PC-8801 had sold 170,000 units. The PC-8801mkII, the next version of the PC-8801, included a JIS Level 1 Kanji font ROM, a smaller case and keyboard, and in models 20 and 30, one or two internal 5 1⁄4-inch 2D floppy disk drives. The PC-8800 series sold more units than the PC-9800 series at that time.
By December 1983, NEC had multiple personal computer lines from different divisions. NEC's Information Processing Group produced the PC-9800 series, while NEC Home Electronics made the PC-6000 series. To avoid competing with itself, NEC combined its personal computer business into two divisions: NEC Home Electronics focused on 8-bit home computers, and the Information Processing Group handled 16-bit personal computers. The Electronic Device Sales Division transferred its personal computer business to NEC Home Electronics.
In March 1985, NEC Home Electronics introduced the PC-8801mkIISR, which had better graphics and sound features. A cheaper version, the PC-8801mkIIFR, sold 60,000 units in six months. Although the PC-9801VM sold more units, the PC-8800 series remained popular as a Japanese PC game platform until the early 1990s.
Hardware
The PC-8800 computer had four different graphics modes during its lifetime. These modes are listed below:
- N mode: A graphics mode compatible with the PC-8000 series
- V1 mode: 640 × 200 resolution with 8 colors, 640 × 400 resolution with 2 colors
- V2 mode: 640 × 200 resolution with 8 out of 512 colors, 640 × 400 resolution with 2 out of 512 colors
- V3 mode: 640 × 200 resolution with 65,536 colors, 640 × 400 resolution with 256 out of 65,536 colors, 320 × 200 resolution with 65,536 colors, 320 × 400 resolution with 64 out of 65,536 colors
No computer in the PC-8800 series could display all four graphics modes.
Early models of the PC-8800 series used a simple internal speaker, similar to those in the Apple II, PC-8000, and IBM PC, which could produce basic sounds like beeps and clicks. Later models included special chips for more detailed and complex audio.
Software
Companies that created special programs for the NEC PC-8801 included Enix, Square, Sega, Taito, Nihon Falcom, Bandai, HAL Laboratory, ASCII, Namco, Pony Canyon, Technology and Entertainment Software, Wolf Team, Capcom, Dempa, Champion Soft, Starcraft, Micro Cabin, PSK, and Bothtec. Some games made for the PC-8801 were released at the same time as games for the MSX, including those made by Game Arts, ELF Corporation, and Konami. Many well-known game series first appeared on the NEC PC-8801, such as Snatcher, Thexder, Dragon Slayer, RPG Maker, Sokoban, and Ys. The PC-8801 also had versions of famous games from other systems, like Might and Magic: Book One The Secret of the Inner Sanctum.
Nintendo allowed Hudson Soft to create versions of some Nintendo Family Computer games for the PC-8801, including Excitebike, Balloon Fight, Tennis, Golf, and Ice Climber. New versions of Mario Bros. called Mario Bros. Special and Punch Ball Mario Bros. were also made, along with a game called Donkey Kong 3: Dai Gyakushū, which is a follow-up to Donkey Kong 3.
The computer had its own version of the BASIC programming language called N88-BASIC.