Pasocom PC-8801 mkII SR Mini Announced: Dempa Micomsoft Revives NEC's Classic on Modern Hardware

Dempa Micomsoft has unveiled comprehensive details on the upcoming Pasocom PC-8801 mkII SR Mini, a faithfully miniaturized reproduction of NEC's legendary PC-8801 mkII SR.

Building on its successful line of retro hardware revivals, Dempa Micomsoft announced this new addition at the ALL ABOUT Microcomputer BASIC Magazine III event earlier this year, with updated specifications recently shared via Japanese media outlet Game Watch. First released in 1985 as a refinement of the original 1981 NEC PC-8801, the mkII SR model quickly gained recognition for its impact on Japanese computing and gaming culture.

Landmark titles such as Xanadu, Ys, Popful Mail, and R-Type all found a home on the platform, solidifying its legacy.

Dempa Micomsoft’s new Pasocom PC-8801 mkII SR Mini is the third installment in the company’s retro series, following the PasocomMini MZ-80C (a reproduction of Sharp’s MZ-80C) and the PasocomMini PC-8001. Working with AOSHIMA Cultural Teaching Materials Co Ltd., a renowned model kit manufacturer, Dempa Micomsoft ensures that the Pasocom PC-8801 mkII SR Mini is a 1/4-scale replica of its 1980s namesake.

The model’s precise dimensions—99.5mm wide, 85.7mm deep, and 31.0mm high—mirror the original hardware.

Notably, the mini console is modeled after the mkII SR model 30, and even features operable dual 5-inch floppy disk drives for miniature disks, recapturing an authentic retro experience seldom matched by other reproductions. Modern functionality is a highlight of the new device.

The Pasocom PC-8801 mkII SR Mini includes HDMI video output, a microSD card slot for game storage and loading, a headphone jack, USB-C for power, and both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Type-A ports for connecting keyboards and potentially other accessories.

Unlike its predecessors, the mini also features a built-in speaker, enhancing the out-of-box experience for users seeking instant nostalgia. In terms of performance, the mini console emulates the original PC-8801 mkII SR's specs with a CPU that mimics the μPD780C-1 running at 4MHz.

Audio-wise, it faithfully recreates Yamaha's classic YM2203 sound and introduces support for the YM2608 (Sound Board II), broadening sound compatibility for a richer, more diverse audio output.

This addition is noteworthy, as Game Watch highlighted that the inclusion of YM2608 functionality significantly expands the machine’s ability to handle a wider range of legacy software and music. Upon launch, the Pasocom PC-8801 mkII SR Mini will ship with 10 pre-installed games, with the added flexibility for enthusiasts to load additional titles via microSD—catering both to collectors and active retro gamers.

The system is expected to retail at ¥33,000 and is slated for release in Spring 2025.

As of publication, there has been no confirmation regarding a Western localization or wider international release. Dempa Micomsoft’s commitment to authentic preservation and accessible retro gaming ensures the Pasocom PC-8801 mkII SR Mini stands as a significant addition to the expanding world of mini consoles, offering both seasoned veterans and newcomers a tangible connection to Japanese computing history.

PC console NEC PC-8801 Micomsoft Dempa Micomsoft NEC PC-8801 AOSHIMA HAL Laboratory Game Watch Yamaha PASOCOM Mini Sharp MZ-80C PC-8001 Xanadu Ys Popful Mail R-Type