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Daewoo Zemmix
Type |
Console |
Developer |
Daewoo Electronics |
Release Date |
1985-Dec-10 |
Region(s) |
South Korea |
Initial Price |
$199 USD |
Games Released |
1,000+ |
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DW FACTS
by Dark Watcher |
In 1983, a computer standard called MSX was designed by a company called ASCII in cooperation with Microsoft. The standard was used in
machines produced by such giants as Sony, Yamaha, Panasonic, Toshiba, Daewoo and Philips. MSX computers were popular in Asian (Korea,
Japan) and South American (Brazil, Chile) countries as well as in Europe (Netherlands, France, Spain) and the former Soviet Union. Since the MSX line of computers could play cartridge based and disk games, it seemed only natural that someone would attempt to make a
console out of the computer.
Korean based Daewoo did just that. In 1985, they produced the Zemmix CPC-50 console (Zemmix in Korean means "It's Fun"). This console
was basically a MSX computer in a console casing. It was an NTSC based machine capable of playing MSX cartridge games. Some Zemmix
units also came with an available port at the bottom for keyboard use. The feature that set Zemmix apart from most 'computer to
console' conversions was its onboard capabilities. As the MSX computer line evolved so did Zemmix. Quite a few different models
were produced including the Zemmix CPC-51 (released in 1986 with MSX1 compatibility) Zemmix CPC-61 (released in 1990 with MSX2 and
backwards compatibility) Zemmix CPG-120 (released in 1991 with MSX2+ and backwards compatibility). |
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In addition to games, Zemina (Korean for "Fun Mix"? ) produced cart slot expanders & RAM expansion carts in order to boost the
performance of the console. One reason for the added RAM was in order to run 80-in-1 and 126-in-1 game carts (the Zemina 126-1 game
cart was 2048Kb in size).
Zemmix consoles are extremely rare and definitely an impressive machine. |
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MODELS
Officially licensed releases |
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-50W
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Daewoo Zemmix CPC-50P
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Daewoo Zemmix CPC-50B
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Daewoo Zemmix CPC-51B
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Daewoo Zemmix CPC-51R
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Daewoo Zemmix CPC-51W
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Daewoo Zemmix CPC-61R
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Daewoo Zemmix CPC-61W
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Daewoo Zemmix CPC-330K
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Daewoo Zemmix Superboy-120
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Daewoo Zemmix CPG-120
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Pictures courtesy of Hardcore Gaming 101
and Passion MSX |
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CLONES
Non-licensed hardware releases |
There were a myriad of PCs that were released that were based on MSX technology.
The following are console clones. |
Zemmix Neo Lite |
A rather rare bird released in 2013 by a team of enthusiasts
from the Gudakdari forum to celebrate the 30th year anniversary
of MSX. Supposedly only 100 of these units were released.
Seems to have been released in 3 different color variations.
This clone pays proper tribute to the unique casing design of
its forefathers. Definitely one to keep an eye out for.
Cool pictures below. |
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More great info on this clone
found on
MSX Resource Center. |
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CONSOLE RATINGS
by 98PaceCar |
Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release. A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being
excellent. |
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CRITERIA |
RATING |
NOTES & COMMENTS |
Console Design |
08 |
The Zemmix came in a number
of different designs that range from the moderately sedate CPC-50 line to the amazingly futuristic CPG-120 model.
But even the most basic model has a lot of character with the use of contrasting colors. |
Console Durability |
06 |
Though the Zemmix doesn't
show up too often, they usually seem to be working when they do. The console has a sturdy feel with good materials
and a high level of build quality. |
Controllers |
07 |
The Zemmix works with
normal MSX controllers, which opens up a vast array of great controllers. The stock controllers are a bit weak
though and seem to be made of cheaper materials than the console itself. |
Graphics |
08 |
Depending on which model of
Zemmix you are using, almost the whole of the MSX library is available. Given the high quality of the MSX library,
the Zemmix can boast some of the best graphics of the 8 bit era. |
Audio |
08 |
The MSX itself isn't
especially impressive in its sound capabilities. But when you add the Konami SCC+ sound cartridge the capabilities
are advanced to an amazing state. |
Media |
07 |
MSX cartridges are sturdy
and well built. Some of the Zemmix brand cartridges seem to be little more than cheaply made copies, but these are rare
and don't come up for sale very often. Stick with standard MSX cartridges and you'll be fine. |
Game Library |
09 |
The Konami releases on the
MSX are considered to be some of their finest work and a number of more modern series got their start on the MSX.
Its not hard to find games to love on the MSX. |
Gamer Value |
02 |
For a gamer, the Zemmix is
a very expensive way to get into the world of MSX. You'll be much better served getting a real MSX computer. |
Collector Value |
09 |
The Zemmix is a very rare
piece that was only sold in Korea. It seems few people have them, but the demand for them is somewhat low since they
are not as full featured as a traditional MSX computer. Still, they can be a great addition for the hardware
collector as few people have ever seen them. |
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FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO
Interesting facts on software for this system |
The Daewoo Zemmix utilized the ROM cartridge media. Depending on the model, the respective machine was able to play MSX,
MSX2 or MSX2+ formats. Full backward capability is supported throughout the MSX line of game software.
Most cartridges are about the same size as those utilized with the Nintendo Famicom. Like most software that was released
during the 1980s, the games were primarily distributed in tall cardboard boxes.
System requirements are typically located on
the spine and from of the box (i.e. MSX, MSX2, etc.). This was extremely important to ensure compatibility with your
particular MSX machine. |
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Sample Game Play |
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Various MSX Game Boxes
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SCREENSHOTS
Captured in-game images |
AcroJet
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Actman
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AE
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Akumajou Dracula
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Beach Head
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Champion Ice Hockey
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Contra
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Dark Siders
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Dragon Quest
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Dynamite Bowl
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F1 Spirit
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Family Boxing
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Final Fantasy
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Flight Deck
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Fray: In Magical Adventure
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Goody
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Goonies
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Gradius II
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Hardball
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Hole in One Special
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Illusion City
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Konami Tennis
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Lode Runner 2
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Lupin
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Payload
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Predator
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Rune Master III
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Space Manbow
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Super Soccer
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Triton
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Underline
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Volguard
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Xak: The Art of Visual Stage
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Yie Ar Kung Fu 2
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Y's II
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Zanac AI
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EMULATION
First and third party system emulators |
blueMSX
This is an amazing emulator for MSX, MSX2, MSX2+ and among others.
There are other emulators available, but this one is one of our favorites.
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SPECS & MANUALS
For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love. |
Processor Type |
Processor
Speed |
Other
Processor Information |
RAM \ Video RAM |
Zilog Z80A |
3.58 MHz |
TMS-9918 VDP (CPC-50\51)
Yamaha V9938 VDP (CPC-61)
Yamaha V9958 VDP (CPG-120) |
32KB\16KB (CPC-50\51) 48KB\64KB (CPC-61) 64KB\128KB (CPG-120) |
Screen Resolution
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Color Palette
|
Polygons \ Sprites
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Audio |
256x192 up to 512x212 |
512 colors (16 on screen) |
32 sprites |
AY-3-8910 PSG (3 channel,
8 octives) |
Media Format
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Media Capacity
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Games Released
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Other Supported Formats
|
Cartridge |
128 KB to 2048 KB |
1,000+ |
MSX (CPC-50\51)
MSX\MSX2 (CPC-61)
MSX\MSX2\MSX2+ (CPG-120) |
Internal Storage
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External \ Removable Storage
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Game Controllers
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Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
|
32KB ROM |
None |
2 Button control pad
with built-in Joystick |
Keyboard, RAM Expansion kits,
Multi-Cart Adaptor, Floppy Disk Drive |
Controller Ports |
Network Ports |
Other Ports
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Audio \ Video
|
Two (2) |
None |
Keyboard, FDD ports (some models) |
RF,
Composite |
Power Supply - External
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Other Outputs
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Other Details \ Notes
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AC 110V \ 220V (switchable) |
None |
None |
Manuals |
Not available. Can you help us out? You will
definitely receive full credit for your contribution. Email
MG@videogameconsolelibrary.com. |
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OTHER
MEDIA
Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc. |
Zemmix Television Commercials |
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WEB RESOURCES
Highly recommended websites for this system |
Hardcore Gaming 101
Archive on the Zemmix and Korean gaming systems |
MSX Zone
Korea MSX Community with great info
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