MSX computer sales

Paragon (1702)

28-09-2021, 19:04

I am doing a presentation about MSX computers for a college course, does anyone have a figure for the total number sold worldwide? I know an MSX2 was on the MIR spacecraft, any other interesting and fun facts could be useful.

Por enribar

Paragon (1208)

28-09-2021, 22:11

10.000.000

Por djh1697

Paragon (1702)

29-09-2021, 17:53

enribar wrote:

10.000.000

i read 9 million where sold in Japan alone?

Por hamlet

Scribe (4106)

29-09-2021, 18:10

Where did you read this?
I'm sure we discussed this several times, i.e. here.
Most sources mention 5 million MSX were sold in Japan only, which makes the homeland to an MSX Mekka.

Por Pentarou

Hero (522)

29-09-2021, 20:05

enribar wrote:

10.000.000

hamlet wrote:

Where did you read this?
I'm sure we discussed this several times, i.e. here.

In that thread I wrote "Some books quote 9+ millions in Japan alone", unfortunately I can't find a (valid) reference for that anymore, except for this old thread quote:

Sander wrote:

Quote:

too small a market

I don't agree. MSX sold 5 million units in Japan, and an estimated 4 million units in the rest of the world (source). That's 9 millions units total.

But I don't know how reliable is pcgamer.com

Current estimates, backed by sources (JP Wikipedia), seem to be at 4+ millions shipped globally up until January 1990, and I doubt that the number increased much in the 90's.

I've checked the source for the number: On page 79 of the official MSX revival magazine (2002) there's a timeline of MSX events, according to which in January 1990 the number of MSX shipments exceeded 4 millions globally.

Por enribar

Paragon (1208)

30-09-2021, 00:02

Does wiki jp know how many msxs were produced by koreans for their market and for the rebrand?
I really think that 10.000.000+ is a more realistic number!

Por Pentarou

Hero (522)

30-09-2021, 00:39

I assume "globally" includes Korea.

enribar wrote:

I really think that 10.000.000+ is a more realistic number!

But this thread is not about what YOU think...

You may be right, just find some reliable source to back your number.

Por enribar

Paragon (1208)

30-09-2021, 12:39

We discussed several times about the "reliable sources" but we ended up that it's impossible... you have so many producers and brands around the world... and companies didn't published official numbers...
And think about clones and other devices with "MSX Tech Inside" like videotitlers, slot machines, bbs terminals, public infopoints, etc. (complete systems or some chips), this is an amazing story to tell at the college course! :-) : the contribution of the MSX Tech to the rise of the mass computer science.

Por gdx

Enlighted (6213)

30-09-2021, 14:02

This Japanese magazine said 1 million in Japan in may 1986. (Japanese magazines always come out the month before the one specified but not sure if this is the case because it was not a monthly.)

Por Metalion

Paragon (1625)

30-09-2021, 14:32

The Commodore 64 sold between 12 and 17 million units. Note that even with just one brand and one model, it's difficult to have an official number. The MSX was a never a big seller outside Japan, so I'm guessing that we can take the global number of MSX sold in Japan and add maybe a few hundred thousands to that number, no more.

Por albs_br

Champion (473)

30-09-2021, 15:34

About Brazilian MSX sales: there is an estimate made by Oscar Burd, former Gradiente director, of around 400,000 units sold, by both brands, Gradiente and Sharp.