What made the Sharp X68000 stand out from other computers of its era?

The Sharp X68000, commonly referred to as the X68k, was notable for its arcade-quality graphics, making it the first home system to offer such capabilities. Its design, with the distinctive twin-tower case, and its high-quality arcade ports, many of which were superior to their counterparts on other platforms, made it stand out among personal computers of its time.

Which operating system did the Sharp X68000 primarily use?

The Sharp X68000 primarily used an operating system called Human68k, which was specifically developed for it by Hudson Soft. The OS was command-line-based and bore similarities to MS-DOS but was tailored to harness the full potential of the X68000 hardware.

Was the Sharp X68000 ever released outside of Japan?

No, the Sharp X68000 remained a Japan-only release. Despite its advanced capabilities and dedicated fanbase in Japan, it was never introduced to international markets.

Sharp X6800 X68K Japan-Only Multimedia Super Computer

Updated 28 October 2023

Dive deep into the heart of Japan's tech marvel, the X68K! This multimedia beast, shadowing the Amiga, is a game-changer with audios that'll blow your mind. From its iconic TV ads to an unmatched software arsenal, the X68K isn't just a computer—it's a revolution! Get ready to be on the edge of your seat as we unravel the magic of Japan's best-kept secret. Gear up, tech enthusiasts, for a wild ride!

Introduction

The Sharp X68000, commonly referred to as the X68k, is a personal computer produced by Sharp Corporation, first released in 1987. It was the first home system to offer arcade-quality graphics, serving as the development machine for Capcom's CP System arcade board. The X68k ran a custom operating system called Human68k which was developed for Sharp by Hudson Soft. I consider the Sharp X68000 as the retrocomputing unicorn.

The X68k had several hardware releases during its lifespan, with improvements such as more RAM and the addition of a hard drive. Its primary use was for gaming, but it was also popular for music and art creation due to its high-quality audio and graphics capabilities. The system had a dedicated fanbase in Japan, but it was never released internationally.

The design of the X68k was notable for its distinctive twin-tower case, which made it stand out among other personal computers of its era. The system was also known for its high-quality arcade ports, many of which were superior to their counterparts on other platforms.

Sharp X6800 Model Range

The Sharp X68000, often referred to as X68k, had several models released during its lifespan. Here's a list of the major models in the X68000 range:

X68000 (1987): The original model with 1 MB RAM.
X68000 Ace (1988): Introduced with 2 MB RAM.
X68000 Pro (1989): Came with a hard drive.
X68000 Super (1990): Enhanced audio capabilities.
X68000 Expert (1991): Included a SCSI interface.
X68000 Pro II (1992): An upgrade to the Pro model.
X68000 Super HD & Expert HD (1992): Super and Expert models with a built-in hard drive.
X68000 XVI (1993): Introduced with a 16 MHz Motorola 68000 CPU.
X68030 (1993): Featured a Motorola 68030 CPU.
X68030 Compact (1994): A compact version of the X68030.

These models often had variations based on RAM capacity, presence or absence of a hard drive, and other features. The system saw continuous upgrades, particularly in terms of memory and storage, throughout its production years.

RetroGamer has a good write up of this stunning machine. We have borrowed two Japanese adverts from their blog to show you what I mean.

Sharp X68000 System Software

Sharp X68000 Human68k

When you think of the Sharp X68000, one of the first things that likely comes to mind is its vast array of games and multimedia capabilities. But powering all of this was an operating system tailored specifically for the X68k: Human68k. Developed by Hudson Soft for Sharp, Human68k was a command-line-based operating system, bearing similarities to MS-DOS in its commands and structure. But don't let the comparison fool you—Human68k was uniquely tailored to harness the full potential of the X68000 hardware, making it a force to be reckoned with in the computing world of the late '80s and early '90s.

Human68k was not just about running programs; it was about creating an environment where the X68000's hardware could shine. With support for the system's advanced graphics and audio capabilities, it provided a platform where developers could push the boundaries of what was possible in gaming and multimedia at the time. The OS also supported multi-tasking, albeit in a co-operative manner, meaning that while it could run multiple programs, each program had to give up control to the OS periodically.

One of the reasons the X68000 is so fondly remembered is its game library, and Human68k played a pivotal role in this. With the OS's robust support and the powerful hardware of the X68k, developers churned out games that, to this day, are considered classics. Beyond games, there was a suite of software applications, from word processors to graphics programs, that showcased the versatility of the system.

SX-WINDOW

SX-WINDOW was a significant leap forward for the Sharp X68000 computing experience. Developed by Sharp itself, this software emerged as a graphical user interface (GUI) overlay for the system's primary operating system, Human68k. Instead of navigating solely through command-line prompts, users of the X68000 were introduced to a more intuitive, visually-driven environment. SX-WINDOW incorporated features such as windowed applications, point-and-click functionality, and drag-and-drop capabilities, making it much easier for users to manage and interact with their software and files. This was a pivotal move, bringing the X68000 in line with other personal computers of the era that were adopting graphical interfaces. In essence, SX-WINDOW was a testament to the X68000's versatility and Sharp's commitment to providing a top-tier user experience, bridging the gap between hardcore enthusiasts and everyday users.

OS/9

The Sharp X68000 primarily used an operating system called Human68k, which was developed specifically for it. Human68k was influenced by MS-DOS and allowed the X68000 to run a variety of applications and games. However, there was also an OS/9 port for the X68000. OS/9 is a family of real-time, process-based, multitasking, multi-user operating systems developed in the 1980s. It was created by Microware for the Motorola 6809 microprocessor and later ported to other systems, including the 68000 series, which the X68000 was based on. While OS/9 did provide an alternative to Human68k, it wasn't as widely adopted by X68000 users. Human68k, with its tailored features and compatibility with a vast library of games and software, remained the primary choice for the majority of X68000 users.

Sharp Music Pro 68K

SHARP MUSIC PRO 68K stands as a reference to the Sharp X68000's dedication to multimedia excellence, especially in the realm of audio. This software was specifically designed to tap into the X68000's advanced audio capabilities, offering users a comprehensive toolset to compose, edit, and play back music. With its intuitive interface, MUSIC PRO 68K empowered both amateur and professional musicians to harness the power of the X68000's Yamaha YM2151 sound chip, creating intricate compositions that showcased the system's 8-channel FM synthesis. Beyond just composition, the software provided detailed editing capabilities, allowing for fine-tuning of tracks, manipulation of individual notes, and control over various sound parameters. For many enthusiasts, SHARP MUSIC PRO 68K was more than just software; it was a gateway to musical creativity, encapsulating the era's fusion of technology and artistry.

Amiga Killer

Hold onto your seats, tech aficionados, because we're diving headfirst into a tale of what could've been the most electrifying face-off in multimedia computer history! Picture this: The Commodore Amiga, reigning supreme globally with its multimedia prowess, gets a run for its money. Enter the Sharp X68000—or as I like to call it, the Amiga Assassin.

From the streets of Akihabara to the tech hubs of Osaka, the X68k was not just a computer; it was a sensation, a marvel of Japanese engineering. Boasting graphics that could make your eyes pop and audio capabilities that could make your ears dance, the X68k was every bit the multimedia powerhouse that the Amiga was—and dare I say, perhaps even more.

Imagine a world where you boot up your X68k, and those arcade-quality graphics come alive on your screen, with soundscapes so rich you'd think you were in a Tokyo arcade. The potential was there. The tech was there. It was a multimedia beast ready to conquer, not just Japan, but the world!

X68000 Japan Only Release

But here's the twist in our story: the Sharp X68000 remained a Japan-only gem. That's right! This titan of tech, this behemoth of brilliance, never made its way to international shores. And while retro-gaming enthusiasts might feel the pang of what could've been, one can't help but marvel at the enigma that was the X68k. A machine so ahead of its time, so spectacular in its offerings, yet confined to the Land of the Rising Sun.

So, while the Amiga might've dodged a bullet on the global stage, one thing's for sure: in an alternate universe, the Sharp X68000 would've been the talk of the town, the Amiga's fiercest rival, and the crown jewel of multimedia computing. And for those in the know, it always will be. Onward, to the annals of tech history, where the X68k forever shines bright!

Audio Capability

Readers, it is time to gear up because we're about to embark on an electrifying journey into the symphonic realm of the Sharp X68000! When it comes to the audio world, this machine wasn't just playing in the big leagues—it was setting the standard.

Let's kick things off with the technical marvel under the hood: the Yamaha YM2151, an eight-channel FM sound chip. This beauty wasn't just any chip—it was the Maestro, the virtuoso that brought unparalleled soundscapes to the X68k. With 4-operator FM synthesis, the YM2151 was the beating heart of the X68000's audio, producing crystal-clear tunes that echoed the brilliance of high-end synthesizers.

And what was the X68k belting out? The electronic vibes of City Pop and J-Pop were a match made in heaven for this machine. Artists and enthusiasts tapped into the X68k's capabilities to reproduce those rhythmic beats and melodic tunes that were all the rage in Japan's neon-lit streets. The fusion of technology and culture was seamless!

Now, let's talk gaming. The X68000 wasn't just a console; it was an orchestra, setting the stage for some of the most iconic computer game music legacies. Titles like "Akumajō Dracula" and "Gradius" had soundtracks that were not just background music; they were heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping symphonies that elevated gaming to an art form.

But the X68k's audio legacy wasn't just about the official releases. Enter the hacker groups—those unsung heroes who took the X68000's audio to the next level. Groups like "Mint" and "Silent Möbius" were at the forefront, pushing boundaries, experimenting, and making the X68k sing like never before. For those looking to dive deeper, these groups offer a treasure trove of audio hacks, mods, and compositions that showcase the X68k's audio prowess in all its glory.

In conclusion, the Sharp X68000 wasn't just a multimedia machine; it was an audio titan, a symphonic superstar that left an indelible mark on the world of music and gaming. And for those who experienced its magic, the melodies of the X68k will forever echo in their hearts. Let the music play on!