---
title: NEC PC-88 VA 2
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Home Computer
origins:
- Japan
years:
- '1987'
cpus:
- NEC PD9002
params:
  name: PC-88 VA 2
  company: /companies/nec
  company_name: NEC
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: PC-88 VA 2
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: NEC
  - label: TYPE
    value: Home Computer
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: Japan
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1987'
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: Unknown
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: Full-stroke keyboard with separated keypad and arrow keys
  - label: CPU
    value: NEC PD9002 (compatible with Z80 and V30)
  - label: SPEED
    value: 8 MHz
  - label: RAM
    value: 512 KB
  - label: VRAM
    value: 256 KB (text) / 256 KB (Video)
  - label: ROM
    value: 768 KB (main) / 512 KB (dictionary) / 288 KB (characters)
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 80 x 25, 40 x 25
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: 640 x 400, 640 x 200
  - label: COLORS
    value: '65536'
  - label: SOUND
    value: YAMAHA YM-2608 (6 FM Channels, 3 SSG Channels, ADPCM)
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: FDD Interface 5'' 2DD/2HD/2TD (9.3MBytes), HDD Interface (SASI .. same as PC-9801), RS232c, Mouse, Printer, Expansion Bus (C-BUS .. same as PC-9801)
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: 2 x 5''1/4 disk-drives
  - label: OS
    value: NEC PC-Engine
  - label: PRICE
    value: 298,000 yen (Japan, 1987)
  oc_id: 402
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230608143211/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=402
    date: '2023-06-08'
---

There were 2 product lines in NEC personal computers. PC-98xx (16bit) series for business, and PC-8xxx (8bit) series for home-entertainment.

The PC-88VA 2 was a PC-8xxxx series machine but also had V30 complatible mode, called V3 mode (the NEC V30 cpu was upper compatible with the Intel 8086). Thus, tough it was designed for home entertainment, the PC-88 VA /2 could be used for businesses. PC-88VA /2 was one of the highest performance machine in 1987. Especially, its graphic features were remarkable.

However, this machine was unfortunate. NEC released the PC-98DO system in 1989, a PC-98xx series system but but which could also run PC-88xx software. (PC-88VA was a 8bit machine and had a 16-bit mode. PC-98DO was a 16bit machine and had a 8bit mode. It was strange marketing decision...). At this point, PC-88VA /2 became an orphan. It's life ran out by his own mother.

Thanks to Nomura, Hisayuki for these info.

Info badly needed!