` :Well, there is one important difference between MSX computers and game consoles like the NES and SEGA, there were no real competitors for these consoles, after the North American video game crash of 1983 in ether the US, or UK. Also, these consoles were not as popular in the UK at first as you are implying, most gaming was still done on cheap home computers like the Spectrum, as (copied) taped games were much cheaper than cartridges. What I'm saying is that part of the unpopularity of MSX can be explained by the simple fact that people were afraid that a non western system would take over ``their`` market. But the technical limitations of the system also were a big factor, it really should have had a 16-bit processor, and better graphics. MSX-2 was much better but still had to retain the Z80. But then its well known that its not always the technical superior system that wins, and with that many Japanese companies behind it the general consensus still was that a ``Japanese takeover`` of the home computer market was something to be feared, especially because of the general build quality of these machines compared to the Spectrum.   `