Sony Hit Bit HB-55

The Sony Hit Bit HB-55 was Sony’s first MSX computer. Its compact red or grey case combined standard MSX graphics and sound with a built-in Personal Databank for addresses, schedules and notes.

Japanese packages included the battery-backed HBI-55 data cartridge, while European HB-55P versions replaced the expansion connector with a second cartridge slot. The regional suffixes are localised versions of the same core model.

Notable Features

• Sony’s first MSX computer.
• Personal Databank firmware worked with an HBI-55 SRAM cartridge.

Historical Significance

• Began Sony’s long-running Hit Bit MSX family.
• Japanese and European versions established Sony’s unusually broad regional MSX presence.

Collector’s Notes

• HB-55 and HB-55P differ in cartridge/expansion layout and television standard.
• Battery leakage in HBI-55 data cartridges can damage a rare accessory.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sony Hit Bit HB-55
Manufacturer	Sony
Launched	Saturday, October 1, 1983
Launch Price	¥54,800
Country	Japan
CPU	Zilog-compatible Z80A at 3.58 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	MSX BASIC 1.0; Personal Databank
I/O	RF/composite video, cassette, joystick, cartridge and regional expansion interfaces
Keyboard	Integrated low-profile keyboard
Storage	Cassette and MSX cartridge; HBI-55 battery-backed data cartridge
Sound	AY-3-8910 or YM2149, three tone channels plus noise
Graphics	TMS9918-family video, 256x192 in 16 colours with 32 sprites
Display	Television or composite monitor, 40x24 text
ROM	MSX BASIC plus 8KB or 16KB Personal Databank firmware
RAM	16KB main RAM and 16KB video RAM
CPU Speed	3.58 MHz