1. What Was the Fujitsu FM-7?

The FM-7, released by Fujitsu in 1982, was a Japanese 8-bit personal computer and part of the broader FM (Fujitsu Micro) series. It followed the FM-8 and was designed to be a more affordable, consumer-friendly alternative, quickly becoming a favorite for home users, students, and game developers.

With dual CPUs, high-resolution graphics, and rich sound, the FM-7 stood out in Japan’s crowded early computer market and carved a niche in both education and gaming.

2. Key Features of the FM-7

• Dual Motorola 6809 CPUs: one for main processing, the other for display handling—rare at the time.
• High-resolution graphics: supported 640×200 pixel display and up to 8 colors simultaneously.
• FM synthesis sound: thanks to Yamaha sound chips, audio was advanced for an 8-bit machine.
• BASIC in ROM: included Microsoft BASIC and Fujitsu’s own F-BASIC interpreter.
• Expandable system: supported floppy drives, printers, and even Kanji ROMs for Japanese text.

3. Software and Gaming Scene

• Early dev platform: used by legendary studios like Enix, Micro Cabin, and Nihon Falcom.
• Popular genres: RPGs, visual novels, and adventure games thrived on the platform.
• Cross-platform ports: many FM-7 games were ported to PC-8801, MSX, and X1 systems.

4. Legacy and Preservation

The FM-7 is remembered as a landmark in Japanese home computing. It helped nurture a generation of developers and is still preserved by retro enthusiasts and emulation projects today.

• Respected in Japan: key to the early success of Japan’s software industry.
• Active emulation: supported by MESS, XM7, and other emulators.
• Collector's piece: sought after for its iconic design and dual-CPU engineering.