| SuperGrafx | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | NEC |
| Generation | Fourth generation |
| Release date | 1989 |
| Media type | HuCard, CDs |
| Compatibility | All games from the TurboGrafx-16. |
| Predecessor | TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine |
| Successor | TurboDuo |
The SuperGrafx (スーパーグラフィックス) is a video game console by NEC. It is an upgraded version of the TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, released exclusively in Japan, primarily in response to the Super Famicom from Nintendo.
Originally announced as the PC Engine 2, the machine was purported to be a true 16-bit system with improved graphics and audio capabilities over the original PC Engine. Expected to be released in 1990, the SuperGrafx was rushed to market, debuting several months earlier in late 1989 with only modest improvements over the original PC Engine.
Only seven games were produced which took advantage of the improved SuperGrafx hardware, however the SuperGrafx is backwards compatible with all PC Engine and PC Engine CD-ROM² games.
Technical specifications[]
Compared to the PC Engine, the SuperGrafx has four times the amount of working RAM for the main CPU and a second video chip with its own video RAM.
Processors
- CPU: Hudson Soft HuC6280A (8-bit) @ 3.58 MHz or 7.16 MHz (switchable)
- GPU: HuC6260 VCE \ HuC26270A VDC
- Audio: Hudson Soft HuC6280A PSG
System RAM \ Video RAM
- 32 KB \ 128 KB - SRAM
System Expansion
- CD-ROM\CD add-on: 64 KB main DRAM, 64 KB audio DRAM
- Oki MSM5205 (CD add-on Audio Processor)
Screen Resolution
- 256 x 224 to 565 x 242 (progressive)
- 256 x 448 to 565 x 484 (interlaced)
Color Palette
- 512 colors (9-bit), 482 on screen (241 Background, 241 Sprite)
Sprites
- 128
Audio
- Six (6) audio channels PSG (Programable Sound Generator)
- (Wavetable Synthesis channels/voices)
- Square, sine, sawtooth, triangle and other waveforms
- White noise generation on 2 channels
- LFO[68] or FM on 2 channels
Media Format(s)
- HuCard (20Mbit aka megs, 2560KB max), CD-ROM2, Super CD-ROM2, Arcade CD-ROM2
Games Released
- 5 Unique + 1 Enhanced
- (compatible with 700+)
Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
- PC Engine CD-ROM2, Tennokoe 2 (game save device), RAU-30, etc.
Controller Ports
- One (1)
Game Controllers
- Gamepad (2 button + Run\Select)
Other Ports
- EXT-BUS Expansion
Audio \ Video
- Composite
Power Supply - External
- Input: AC 100V, 50\60Hz - Output: DC 9V, 800 MA
Other Outputs
- I\O Port (was never utilized)
Other Details
- Compatibility Mode Switch (SuperGrafx vs. PC Engine)
Sources: