Tomy Pyuuta Jr.
Type Console Developer Tomy
Release Date Apr-1983 Region(s) Japan
Initial Price $249 USD Games Released 44
  1. History & Reviews
  2. Models & Clones
  3. Console Ratings
  4. Games & Emulation
  5. Specs & Manuals
  6. Other Media
  7. Web Resources
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 bog 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 not compatible with the Tomy Pyuuta Jr.
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
M.E.S.S.

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.
OTHER MEDIA
     Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc.
Tomy Pyuuta Jr. \ Tomy Pyuuta Advertisements
WEB RESOURCES
     Highly recommended websites for this system
The Little Orphan: The Tomy Tutor

The best internet source for everything Tomy Pyuuta!!		 Odyssey Classic Video Games

Advertisements for the Pyuuta		 Pyuuta Palace

Great info and game guides for the Pyuuta
DISCUSS
     Visitor insights and feedback
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