PC9801

The PC-9801, often called the "98" or "Neko," was a series of 16-bit personal computers developed and marketed by NEC. Introduced in 1982, it quickly became the dominant computer platform in Japan, outselling competitors like the IBM PC for many years. The PC-9801 line featured a distinctive architecture and a wide array of hardware expansions, contributing to its popularity.

Key features of the PC-9801 included its custom NEC processors and its own proprietary BIOS, which differed significantly from IBM PC standards. This led to a unique software ecosystem, with many games and applications developed exclusively for the platform. The PC-9801 was known for its advanced graphics capabilities for its time, with models supporting color displays and relatively high resolutions.

The system's success was driven by its adaptability and the strong support from Japanese software developers. It played a crucial role in the growth of the Japanese personal computer industry and became a beloved platform for a generation of gamers and professionals. Over its lifespan, NEC released numerous models in the PC-9801 series, each offering incremental improvements in performance and features, until it was eventually superseded by newer architectures.