Daewoo Zemmix
Type Console Developer Daewoo Electronics
Release Date 1985-Dec-10 Region(s) South Korea
Initial Price $199 USD Games Released 1,000+
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).
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.

 
MODELS
     Officially licensed releases
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-50W
Zemmix CPC-50W
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-50P
Zemmix CPC-50P
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-50B
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-51B
Zemmix CPC-61B
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-51R
Zemmix CPC-51R
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-51W
Zemmix CPC-61W
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-61R
Zemmix CPC-61R
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-61W
Zemmix CPC-61W
Daewoo Zemmix CPC-330K
Zemmix CPC-330K
Daewoo Zemmix Superboy-120
Zemmix Superboy
Daewoo Zemmix CPG-120
Zemmix CPG-120
 
Pictures courtesy of Hardcore Gaming 101 and Passion MSX
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.
More great info on this clone found on MSX Resource Center.
 
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.

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.

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.

MSX logo

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.
Sample Game Play

Various MSX Game Boxes



 
SCREENSHOTS
     Captured in-game images
AcroJet
Actman
AE
Akumajou Dracula
Beach Head
Champion Ice Hockey
Contra
Dark Siders
Dragon Quest
Dynamite Bowl
F1 Spirit
Family Boxing
Final Fantasy
Flight Deck
Fray: In Magical Adventure
Goody
Goonies
Gradius II
Hardball
Hole in One Special
Illusion City
Konami Tennis
Lode Runner 2
Lupin
Payload
Predator
Rune Master III
Space Manbow
Super Soccer
Triton
Underline
Volguard
Xak: The Art of Visual Stage
Yie Ar Kung Fu 2
Y's II
Zanac AI
 
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.
 
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 Color Palette Polygons \ Sprites Audio
256x192 up to 512x212 512 colors (16 on screen) 32 sprites AY-3-8910 PSG (3 channel, 8 octives)
Media Format Media Capacity Games Released 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 External \ Removable Storage Game Controllers 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 Audio \ Video
Two (2) None Keyboard, FDD ports (some models) RF, Composite
Power Supply - External Other Outputs  Other Details \ Notes
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.

OTHER MEDIA
     Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc.
Zemmix Television Commercials

 
DISCUSS
     Visitor insights and feedback
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