PC9800

The PC-9800 series, commonly known as PC-98, was a line of 16-bit personal computers developed and marketed by NEC. It was NEC's dominant personal computer platform in Japan from its introduction in 1982 until the late 1990s. The PC-98 architecture featured a different processor and graphics capabilities than IBM PC compatibles, leading to a distinct software library and user base in Japan.

Early PC-98 models utilized the Intel 8086 and 8088 processors, with later models adopting the 80286, 80386, and 80486. NEC's proprietary BIOS and graphics hardware created a unique ecosystem. This included specific graphics modes like the 640x400 resolution with 16 colors, which was advanced for its time. The series was known for its expandability, often featuring multiple expansion slots.

The PC-98 became incredibly popular for business applications and gaming in Japan. Many iconic Japanese games, particularly RPGs and visual novels, were originally released on the PC-98. This led to a strong community of developers and users who were deeply invested in the platform. Despite the eventual rise of IBM PC compatibles worldwide, the PC-98 maintained its significant market share in Japan for an extended period due to its established software library and user loyalty. The decline of the PC-98 began in the mid-to-late 1990s as Windows-based PCs became more widespread and affordable, eventually leading to its discontinuation.

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