Sharp X68000 & X6800z Madness
It’s been a while since I wrote. I took a small break from digitizing and uploading My VHS and promo material to my YT Channel. I’ve had some work travel that I’ve had to do which also has kind of put me behind a bit. Life of an adult like many, so many things, so little time.
Anyway, My buddy and I have been on a bit of a kick recently. I have a personal trip to Japan Planned to see the sights, vacation, and do a bit of Retro hunting while I’m there. I told myself this time was going to be it, I was going pickup one of my “Grails” (I hate this term), the Sharp X68000 computer which is one of the last Japanese retro PCs that has my interest that I don’t already own. My buddy decided he was going to get into the X68000z, a miniaturized emulation version which has high detail, for a mini, made by Zuiki. Well as you can guess, it got my interest sparked in looking more and wouldn’t you know it but I came across a Japanese Mercari listing for at base X68000. It seemed as a typical hard pass for many at first, I’m sure. The base model with 1mb of ram is not the most desirable. However, this one was in really good shape and came with a Midi expansion card in the back which is rarer and worth the compromise. I already own a Roland MT-32 and a Roland SC-55mkII for a Midi setup. Additionally, that card I’m almost certain is a variant of the Sharp CZ-6BM1 which cleanly fits into the expansion bay of the system unlike some other solutions.
So I caved and purchased it. Luckily but unluckily the Seller had his Keyboard and mouse for sale but, his very clean original Sharp Multisync CRT had already sold. So I scooped up the mouse and keyboard. I can use an upscaler if need be to get myself up and going . However, now I’m on the hunt to finish kitting out my build how I want it so I can enjoy some rocking midi tunes while playing some STGs the proper late 80s/ early 90s way.
Now for the X68000z my buddy is diving into. I’d highly recommend anyone in the West check it out. Zuiki has made a very solid recreation and it’s got a lot of community support in Japan. It would be amazing to see that same love come to the western side of gaming. They are making a second version of the system they’re calling the X68000 Z2 or the X68000Z Super/XVI for the two different models they’re making. Their Indiegogo failed to meet it’s funding goal in the US but it overwhelming met it’s goal for crowd funding in Japan. The project has long closed, https://kibidango.com/projects/2716, but I recommend checking out. they’ve honestly done a great job of making a very cool piece of modern retro tech. Also, if you’re a game music head like myself, this one comes with direct midi control out the back for you to use with your midi solution.
The suspected CZ-6BM1 in the back of my unit
The front of the X68000z Super/XVI by Zuiki
The back of the X68000z Super/XVI from Zuiki
Despite wanting to use original hardware, the X68000z XVI is one system I’d consider getting just for the unique factor surrounding it. Both can live in the same space and be useful. Anyway, look for more media archive uploads coming and more on my X68K adventure.
