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DW FACTS
by Dark Watcher

In 1982, Tomy of Japan decided to try their hand in the computer market. They introduced the Tomy Pyuuta (pronounced PYOOO-ta and means 'computer dude'). It garnered moderate success and appeared on both European (GrandStand Tutor) and US shores (Tomy Tutor) in 1983. However due to fierce competition with competitors (MSX, Commodore, Atari computers, Texas Instruments), the console did better in its native home of Japan.

Eventually, Tomy would struggle due to its reputation as a toy company. The machines were not taken seriously and were branded "toy computers" because they couldn't properly handle written Japanese.

In 1983, Tomy decided to stick with its toy making roots and converted the Pyuuta into a cheaper console design. The Pyuuta Jr. sold for price of 24,800 yen. Even with its stripped down operating system and reduced on dash keyboard, it was compatible with all Pyuuta accessories and cartridges. It was an impressive console that couldn't quite find its niche. The Nintendo Famicom's popularity sealed its fate as a console.

A special thanks to Cameron Kaiser for sharing his extensive knowledge, insight and image contributions to the creation of this page. Please visit his excellent website for more great information on not only this console, but for a complete history of the Tomy Pyuuta family. You will not be disappointed!!

MODELS Officially licensed releases
Tomy Pyuuta Jr.






Tomy Pyuuta Personal Computers The Tomy Pyuuta Jr. was an incarnation of the Tomy Pyuuta personal computer. Both the console and the computer model utilizes the same game cartridge format. The Pyuuta was released in Japan in two different models (original and the MK II), while it was released as the Tomy Tutor (United States) and in Europe as the Grandstand Tutor.


CLONES Non-licensed hardware releases
No clones were released for this system.

CONSOLE RATINGS
by Marriott_Guy

Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release. A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent.

CRITERIA	RATING	NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design	07	The Pyuuta Jr. is very simple yet elegant in its design. I don't particularly like the decision to daisy-chain the controllers, but other than that I really don't have any gripes.
Console Durability	07	With so few moving parts, the Pyuuta Jr. is built to stand the test of time. The only suspect area that I can see is the front controller port, which may endure additional wear due to its positioning.
Controllers	07	Though I am not a big fan of the disc controller, the Pyuuta Jr. is very responsive and feels very comfortable even during extended playing sessions.
Graphics	06	Though not great, graphics are well presently with minimal flicker or slowdown.
Audio	04	Consistency primarily of beeps and whistles, the Pyuuta falls a bit short in this area. While done well, the sound effects are rather flat and limited.
Media	07	The cartridges hold a surprising amount of data (32 KB), which was pretty impressive for this console class.
Gamer Value	03	If you already have a TI 99/4A, then you pretty much have allot of the games for the Pyuuta. There are a number of gems within the library, but not enough to necessitate the high price tag.
Collector Value	08	Due to its obscurity and limited run, this console is difficult and expensive to acquire, even its native region of Japan.

FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO Interesting facts on software for this system
Software for the Tomy Pyuuta Jr. was distributed in the ROM cartridge format. With the optional Data Recorder, the system could also play (and save data) with the existing tape library of its parent, the Tomy Pyuuta personal computer. Cartridges are about the same exact size as those utilized with MSX systems. Most titles were distributed in tall, cardboard that were prone to being crushed. Cartons differed between regions (as well as some of the software titles). The special "3D" games are 100% compatible with the Tomy Pyuuta Jr and do not require the special 3D adaptor.
	Sample Game Play


SCREENSHOTS Captured in-game images
Athletic Land	Bermuda Triangle	Bombman
Don Pan	Frogger	Marine Adventures
Maze Patrol	Mission Attack	Monster Inn
Mr. Do!	Mystery Gold	Night Flight
Saurusland	SuperBike
Triple Command	Tron	Turpin

EMULATION
First and third party system emulators

MESS

MESS (Multi-Emulator Super System) is a DOS based emulator capable of running many
systems including this one. It has a Windows based GUI and is extremely user friendly.

SPECS & MANUALS
For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.

Processor Type	Processor Speed	Other Processor Information	RAM \ Video RAM
Texas-Instrument TMS 9995NL	2.7 MHz	Texas-Instrument TMS 9918ANL VDP (3.58 MHz)	16 KB \ 16 KB
Screen Resolution	Color Palette	Polygons \ Sprites	Audio
256 x 192	16 colors	32 Sprites	SN76489AN sound chip (4 channels - 3 music, 1 noise)
Media Format	Media Capacity	Games Released	Other Supported Formats
Cartridge	32K	44	Pyuuta Cassette Tape (with optional Data Recorder)
Internal Storage	External \ Removable Storage	Game Controllers	Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
32K ROM	Data Recorder (sold separately)	Digital disc with two action buttons, Keyboard	Data Recorder, Joysticks,
Controller Ports	Network Ports	Other Ports	Audio \ Video
One (supports 2 controllers)	None	5-DIN connector (for external data tape recorder)	RF
Power Supply - Internal	Other Outputs	Other Details \ Notes
AC 100V, 50\60Hz	None	Channel 1\2 Switch (on underside of console)
Manuals
Not available. Can you help us out? You will definitely receive full credit for your contribution. Email MG@videogameconsolelibrary.com.