FM Towns Marty facts for kids
The FM Towns Marty was a unique video game console released in Japan. It was one of the first consoles to use CD-ROM discs for games. This console was also known for being the world's first 32-bit game console. This meant it could handle more complex graphics and sounds than older consoles.
Even though it was quite advanced, the FM Towns Marty was only sold in Japan. It didn't become a big success there. However, it was still produced for a long time, until 1999. This was much longer than many other game consoles of its time.
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What is the FM Towns Marty?
The FM Towns Marty was a home video game console. It was created by a Japanese company called Fujitsu. The console was first released in 1993. It was designed to bring the power of personal computers into a game console.
A Pioneer in Gaming
The Marty was special because it was a 32-bit console. This was a big step up from the 16-bit consoles popular at the time. Being 32-bit meant it could process information faster. This allowed for more detailed graphics and smoother gameplay.
It was also one of the first consoles to use CD-ROMs. Before this, most games came on cartridges. CD-ROMs could hold much more data. This meant games could have better graphics, full-motion video, and high-quality music.
Designed for Games
Some earlier CD-based systems were more like computers. Examples include the Amiga CDTV and the Philips CD-i. These systems were often expensive and not just for games. The FM Towns Marty, however, was built specifically for gaming. It aimed to offer a high-end gaming experience.
Where was the FM Towns Marty sold?
The FM Towns Marty was only available in Japan. It was never officially released in other parts of the world. This limited its reach and potential sales.
Why wasn't it a big success?
Despite its advanced features, the FM Towns Marty faced challenges. It was quite expensive when it first came out. Also, it had strong competition from other popular consoles. These included the Super Famicom and the Mega Drive (known as Sega Genesis in North America).
Later, even more powerful consoles like the PlayStation and Sega Saturn arrived. These new consoles offered even better graphics. This made it hard for the Marty to compete. Because of these reasons, it didn't sell many units.
A Long Production Life
Even though it wasn't a commercial hit, Fujitsu continued to make the Marty. It was produced until 1999. This long production period is unusual for a console that didn't sell well. It shows that Fujitsu believed in the system.
Legacy of the FM Towns Marty
The FM Towns Marty might not be as famous as other consoles. However, it played an important role in video game history. It showed what 32-bit gaming and CD-ROMs could do. It helped pave the way for future consoles that would use similar technologies.
It remains an interesting piece of gaming history. It represents a time when companies were experimenting with new ideas. The Marty helped push the boundaries of what home consoles could achieve.
See also
In Spanish: FM Towns Marty para niños
