The MSX is a standardized home computer architecture that was first introduced in 1983. It was developed by a consortium of companies led by Microsoft and ASCII Corporation. The MSX aimed to create a unified platform for software and hardware, allowing various manufacturers to produce compatible devices. MSX computers typically used the Zilog Z80 microprocessor and supported a range of peripherals, including floppy disk drives and printers. The system gained popularity in Japan and parts of Europe, leading to a diverse library of games and applications, making it a notable part of early computing history.