NEC PC-8801FA appeared in 1987 as an evolution of Japan’s popular PC-88 family. One of its most notable improvements was the inclusion of the Yamaha YM2608 (OPNA) sound chip as standard, adding stereo FM synthesis, rhythm sounds and ADPCM playback, capabilities that had required the Sound Board II on earlier models. This advanced sound hardware was especially important for video games and made the FA one of the most complete models from the final stage of the PC-8801 architecture.