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====== Amstrad PCW ======
The [[wp>Amstrad_PCW|Amstrad PCW]] (Personal Computer Word Processor) is a series of personal computers launched in September 1985 by [[wp>Amstrad|Amstrad]], the UK electronics company founded by [[wp>Alan_Sugar|Alan Sugar]]. It was designed as a dedicated, affordable word processing solution — a complete system with monitor, computer, printer, and software all in one box.

The PCW features a [[wp>Zilog_Z80|Z80A]] CPU at 4 MHz, 256-512 KB RAM, a built-in monochrome CRT monitor (720x256 pixels, 90x32 text), and a bundled printer. It runs [[wp>CP/M|CP/M Plus]] (CP/M 3.1) loaded from floppy disk, and comes with **[[wp>LocoScript|LocoScript]]** — the bundled word processor that was the system's killer app. For many users, LocoScript was the entire reason to own a PCW. The system has no dedicated sound chip (internal beeper only).

Sugar identified a massive untapped market: millions of people who needed word processing but found existing PCs too expensive and complicated. The original PCW8256 launched at **GBP 399** including printer — undercutting both dedicated word processors and IBM PC clones.

Models:
  * **PCW8256** (1985) — 256 KB RAM, single 3-inch CF2 floppy, dot-matrix printer, green-screen monitor
  * **PCW8512** (1986) — 512 KB RAM, dual 3-inch CF2 floppies
  * **PCW9512** (1987) — 512 KB RAM, 3.5-inch floppy (720 KB), daisywheel printer for letter-quality output

Amstrad sold over **8 million PCW units**, making it one of the best-selling computer lines in European history. It was particularly popular with writers, journalists, small businesses, and students. Despite being a word processor, a small games scene existed — developers found creative ways to work within the monochrome, beeper-only constraints.

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The PCW and [[systems:amstradcpc|Amstrad CPC]] are entirely different architectures despite both being Amstrad Z80 machines. They share no software compatibility.
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This system scrapes metadata for the "pcw" group(s) and loads the ''pcw'' set from the currently selected theme, if available.
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==== Quick reference ====
  * **Emulator:** [[#mame|MAME]], [[#retroarch|RetroArch]]
  * **Core:** [[#mame|MAME]], [[#libretro:_mame|libretro: MAME]]
  * **Folder:** ''/userdata/roms/pcw''
  * **Accepted ROM formats:** ''.dsk'', ''.mfi'', ''.dfi'', ''.mfm'', ''.td0'', ''.imd'', ''.86f'', ''.d77'', ''.d88'', ''.1dd'', ''.cqm'', ''.cqi'', ''.zip'', ''.7z''

===== BIOS =====
^ MD5 checksum ^ Share file path ^ Description ^
| ''a846b928562ca8281bc279f41b475a06'' | ''bios/pcw8256.zip → 40026.ic701'' | PCW8256 ROM IC701 |
| ''cefe4b0b7c701c1a80130e3390b007f5'' | ''bios/pcw8256.zip → 40027.ic801'' | PCW8256 ROM IC801 |
| ''b664af93987d575b0248832832c61505'' | ''bios/pcw9512.zip → 40103.ic109'' | PCW9512 ROM IC109 |

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''pcw8256.zip'' is required for all PCW8256/8512 emulation. ''pcw9512.zip'' is additionally required for PCW9512 emulation. The BIOS files must match the MAME version used in Batocera. You can verify your BIOS files from the Batocera menu: **GAME SETTINGS > MISSING BIOS CHECK**.
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===== ROMs =====
Place your Amstrad PCW ROMs in ''/userdata/roms/pcw''.

Software was distributed on floppy disks — 3-inch CF2 format on the PCW8256/8512 and 3.5-inch on the PCW9512. The most common ROM format is ''.dsk'' (disk image). Most games are self-booting and don't require a separate system disk.

===== Emulators =====
==== MAME ====
[[https://www.mamedev.org/|MAME]] (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) is the primary emulator for the Amstrad PCW in Batocera. MAME supports the PCW8256, PCW8512, and PCW9512 models.

==== RetroArch ====
[[https://docs.libretro.com/|RetroArch]] (formerly SSNES), is a ubiquitous frontend that can run multiple "cores", which are essentially the emulators themselves. The most common cores use the [[https://www.libretro.com/|libretro]] API, so that's why cores run in RetroArch in Batocera are referred to as "libretro: (core name)". RetroArch aims to unify the feature set of all libretro cores and offer a universal, familiar interface independent of platform.

=== RetroArch configuration ===
RetroArch offers a **Quick Menu** accessed by pressing ''[HOTKEY]'' + {{:wiki:south.png?nolink&20|South button (B SNES)}} which can be used to alter various things like [[:advanced_retroarch_settings|RetroArch and core options]], and [[:remapping_controls_per_emulator|controller mapping]]. Most RetroArch related settings can be altered from Batocera's EmulationStation.

=== libretro: MAME ===
The libretro version of MAME can be used to emulate the Amstrad PCW. It uses the same BIOS and ROM sets as the standalone version.

===== Controls =====
The Amstrad PCW is a computer system with a full-size **keyboard** and numeric keypad. A physical USB keyboard is strongly recommended.

===== See also =====
  * [[systems:amstradcpc|Amstrad CPC]] — Amstrad's home/gaming computer (different architecture, not compatible)

===== Troubleshooting =====
==== Black screen on boot ====
Make sure the correct BIOS file (''pcw8256.zip'' or ''pcw9512.zip'') is in ''/userdata/bios/'' and matches the MAME version. Use **GAME SETTINGS > MISSING BIOS CHECK** to verify.

==== Game requires CP/M ====
Most PCW games are self-booting from floppy disk. If a game requires CP/M Plus, you need a CP/M system disk image loaded as the boot disk.

==== Further troubleshooting ====
For further troubleshooting, refer to the [[:support|generic support pages]].