Sharp MZ-2200

The Sharp MZ-2200 transformed the MZ-2000 architecture into a modular desktop computer in 1983. Removing the built-in monitor and cassette deck allowed users to select external colour displays, disk drives and other peripherals while retaining the 4 MHz Z80 and 64KB core.

Its graphics hardware supported resolutions up to 640 × 200, and software compatibility connected it closely with the MZ-2000 branch of Sharp’s Clean Computer family.

Notable Features

• Keyboard-and-system-unit design replaced the MZ-2000’s integrated monitor and cassette.
• Supported external monochrome or colour monitors.
• Retained the MZ-2000 software family and Clean Computer approach.

Historical Significance

• Made the professional MZ architecture more modular and easier to configure.
• Served as an important step toward the much more capable MZ-2500.

Collector's Notes

• A complete setup requires external display and storage peripherals.
• Japanese-market documentation and expansion units are relatively scarce.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sharp MZ-2200
Manufacturer	Sharp
Launched	Saturday, January 1, 1983
Discontinued	Mid-1980s
Country	Japan
CPU	Sharp LH0080A, Zilog Z80A-compatible
Units Sold
Operating Systems	Sharp BASIC environments, P-CP/M and other disk-based systems
Input	Keyboard, Atari-compatible joystick and mouse support
Ports	Centronics printer and two RS-232C serial interfaces
Text	40 or 80 columns with Japanese character support
Compatibility	MZ-80B and MZ-2000 compatibility modes
Storage	One or two 3.5-inch 2DD floppy drives; cassette recorder on selected models
Sound	Yamaha YM2203: three-channel FM plus three-channel SSG and noise
Graphics	Up to 320 × 200 in 256 colours or 640 × 400 in up to 16 colours with expanded VRAM
RAM	128KB standard, expandable to 256KB
CPU Speed	6 MHz, with 4 MHz compatibility modes