Super Monitor
What is Super Monitor?
Super Monitor is a utility program released for the MSX 1 home computer standard in the early 1980s. It is not a traditional game but rather a diagnostic or demonstration tool designed to test the capabilities of a monitor or television connected to the system. The exact publisher and developer are not widely documented, but it was likely distributed through enthusiast channels or as a freeware type release. As a monitor test tool, it belongs to a niche category of programs that helped early MSX owners calibrate their displays for optimal viewing.
What the user does with Super Monitor is straightforward: they launch the program and a series of test patterns or color bars appear on screen. The interface typically provides controls to adjust brightness, contrast, color balance, and geometric alignment. Some versions may allow cycling through different patterns like grids, crosshatch, or grayscale ramps. The goal is to fine-tune the monitor settings to achieve accurate colors and sharp display, which was especially important for users who relied on composite monitors or TV sets with variable quality.
Super Monitor is worth trying today for anyone interested in retro computing hardware or the early days of the MSX platform. It offers a glimpse into the practical tools that accompanied home computers before standardized calibration software became common. While it lacks the excitement of a game, its utility and historical value make it a neat piece of software to experience on real hardware or emulators. For collectors and enthusiasts, it serves as a reminder of the hands-on nature of early personal computing.
How to Play Super Monitor Online
Getting Started
Super Monitor is not a game but a diagnostic utility. When you launch the program, you will likely see a simple menu or directly a test pattern on screen. Use the arrow keys to navigate any on-screen options and the X button to confirm selections. If the program is in Japanese, menus may show characters without translation, but test patterns are universal. The core loop involves viewing different patterns and adjusting your monitor's physical settings to achieve proper display.
Because Super Monitor is a tool rather than a game, there is no scoring or progression. You simply experiment with the patterns and learn how to calibrate a CRT or LCD. If you are using an emulator, you can still appreciate the historical significance by loading the ROM and observing the variety of test screens. Some versions may include a memory monitor or hex editor, but the primary function is display testing.
Super Monitor Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: Trigger 1
- S: Trigger 2
- Enter: Start
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