Sony Hit Bit HB-F1XD

The Sony Hit Bit HB-F1XD combined MSX2 graphics with a built-in 720KB floppy drive in a compact Japanese keyboard computer. Its black case with a bright red drive section became one of the most distinctive late-1980s MSX designs.

Hardware pause, adjustable speed control and Ren-Sha Turbo autofire reflected a strong emphasis on games, while disk support and Japanese firmware also served productivity and creative software.

Notable Features

• Integrated 720KB floppy drive in Sony’s compact F1 chassis.
• Pause, speed controller and Ren-Sha Turbo controls catered to games.

Historical Significance

• Its striking red-and-black design became strongly associated with Sony’s Japanese MSX2 range.
• The later XD Mark II refined the same core model.

Collector’s Notes

• Floppy belts and keyboard contacts are common maintenance items.
• The XD and XD Mark II should be identified from their exact badge and firmware.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sony Hit Bit HB-F1XD
Manufacturer	Sony
Launched	Thursday, January 1, 1987
Country	Japan
CPU	Zilog-compatible Z80A at 3.58 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	MSX BASIC 2.0; MSX-DOS; Sony utility software
I/O	RGB/composite, cassette, printer, two joystick and two cartridge interfaces
Keyboard	Integrated Japanese keyboard
Storage	Built-in 720KB 3.5-inch floppy drive, cassette and two cartridge slots
Sound	YM2149, three tone channels plus noise
Graphics	Yamaha V9938 MSX2 graphics, including 256-colour modes
Display	Composite or RGB monitor
ROM	MSX2 BASIC, disk ROM and Japanese firmware
RAM	64KB main RAM and 128KB video RAM
CPU Speed	3.58 MHz