Namco System 21


The Namco System 21 "Polygonizer" is an arcade system board unveiled by Namco in 1988 with the game Winning Run. It was the first arcade board specifically designed for 3D polygon processing. The hardware went through significant evolution throughout its lifespan until the last game, Cyber Sled, was released in 1993. It was preceded by the Namco System 2 in 1987 and succeeded by the Namco System 22 in 1993.

System 21 specifications

The System 21 consists of four PCBs housed in a metal crate.
It was in development for over three years before release, since around the mid-1980s. According to Phil Harrison, who visited Namco's Tokyo office, Atari's Hard Drivin' ran on an earlier, less powerful, version of this hardware, stating that Namco and Atari Games were sister companies at the time and that the System 21 was a shared development.

List of Namco System 21 arcade games

  • Winning Run
  • Winning Run Suzuka Grand Prix
  • Galaxian³
  • Driver's Eyes
  • Winning Run '91
  • Starblade
  • Solvalou - 3D sequel to Xevious
  • Air Combat
  • Cyber Sled
  • ''Attack of the Zolgear''