PasocomMini PC-8801mkⅡSR Delayed Again: Classic NEC Computer Replica Faces New Release Setback

Dempa Shimbun's much-anticipated PasocomMini PC-8801mkⅡSR, a miniature recreation of the iconic 1980s NEC PC-8801mkⅡSR, has encountered another development hurdle and is now experiencing its third official delay.

The compact tribute machine, originally revealed in May 2024, aims to capture the legacy of the NEC PC-8801mkⅡSR—a computer renowned in Japan for its role in launching classic titles such as Ys, Xanadu, R-Type, and Popful Mail. The PasocomMini PC-8801mkⅡSR, scaled at one quarter the size of the original, has been highlighted by Dempa Shimbun as offering an authentic retro experience.

The device is expected to include ten built-in games at launch, support for dual 5-inch floppy disk drives, a micro SD card slot, HDMI video output, and hardware-level support for Yamaha's YM2203 and YM2608 sound chips, according to an August report from Game Watch.

Priced at ¥33,000 (approximately £163), the system seeks to appeal not only to collectors but also to enthusiasts of Japan’s rich computing and gaming history. Despite initial plans for a Spring 2025 release, Dempa Shimbun rescheduled the launch to July 2025 due to manufacturing and engineering challenges.

In the ensuing months, the company communicated two additional postponements.

As of the latest update posted on their official Twitter/X account, the anticipated launch has now slipped to around March 2026.

However, Dempa Shimbun has expressed caution in committing to any specific date, citing a determination to avoid further missed deadlines. According to the Japan Audio Society’s Autumn journal—an update also shared by Japanese retro gaming archivist Gosokkyu—the primary reason for the ongoing delays lies in the technical complexities of audio emulation.

The original NEC PC-8801mkⅡSR utilized multiple CPU operating modes and sophisticated interrupt techniques.

Recreating this level of nuanced audio fidelity on modern hardware, without introducing sound delay or unwanted noise, presents a formidable engineering challenge.

The development team is actively working to synchronize CPU operations with FM sound generation to ensure precise, lag-free audio. In an official statement, Dempa Shimbun apologized to customers for the continued wait, reaffirming its commitment to quality and the importance of preserving the authentic feel of the original hardware.

The company has promised to keep fans updated, emphasizing that a definitive release date will be shared on their website once key technical milestones are achieved. For those tracking Dempa Shimbun and the broader retro gaming scene, the extended timeline for the PasocomMini PC-8801mkⅡSR highlights the ongoing dedication to historical accuracy and user experience.

Interested buyers and enthusiasts can expect further announcements via official channels as work continues on this ambitious homage to Japan’s classic computing era.

PC NEC Dempa Shimbun PasocomMini PC-8801mkⅡSR Game Watch Gosokkyu Nintendo Switch Yamaha Japan Audio Society