Fujitsu FM Towns

The Fujitsu FM Towns was a 32-bit Japanese multimedia computer built around a 16 MHz 80386DX and a standard CD-ROM drive. Its architecture combined high-colour graphics, hardware sprites, FM and sampled sound, and a graphical operating environment that could boot from CD.

Initial Model 1 and Model 2 systems differed mainly in memory and floppy configuration; later F and H bundles added hard disks. The platform became known for multimedia titles and sophisticated Japanese conversions of arcade and computer games.

Notable Features

• Among the first personal computers sold with CD-ROM as standard equipment.
• Combined 32,768-colour graphics, hardware sprites, FM synthesis, PCM and CD audio.

Historical Significance

• Made CD-based multimedia central to Fujitsu’s home-computer strategy from 1989.
• Developed a distinctive Japanese software library spanning games, education and creative tools.

Collector’s Notes

• Model 1/2 and later F/H suffixes mainly identify memory and storage bundles.
• Original CD drives frequently need servicing, and software is predominantly Japanese.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Fujitsu FM Towns
Manufacturer	Fujitsu
Launched	Tuesday, February 28, 1989
Launch Price	From ¥338,000
Country	Japan
CPU	Intel 80386DX at 16 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Towns OS based on MS-DOS with a 386 extender; FM-R DOS compatibility
I/O	Serial, printer, SCSI, expansion, joystick and audio-visual interfaces
Keyboard	Separate keyboard with mouse/game controller support
Storage	One or two 3.5-inch floppy drives and single-speed CD-ROM; hard disk optional
Sound	Yamaha FM synthesis, 8-channel PCM and CD audio
Graphics	640x480 in 256 colours or 320x240 in 32,768 colours; hardware sprites
Display	RGB monitor
ROM	System and CD boot firmware
RAM	1MB or 2MB standard; expandable to 6MB
CPU Speed	16 MHz