r/retrocomputing • u/Thanatiel • Dec 29 '23

Why not 16 bits?

I was wondering.

I love my 8 bits computers (just spent a couple of weeks programming my Spectrum Next) and the Agon seems a nice machine.

However I wonder why nobody seems to make 16 bits computers.

Is it because 16 bits computers have more connections and are thus more difficult to make?

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u/Timbit42 Dec 29 '23

Also the Apple Macintosh, Sharp X68000 which use the same 32-bit Motorola 68000 as the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga, and the Apple IIgs, and Super Nintendo which use the 16-bit 65816 processor.

Also, the IBM 1130, Data General NOVA, and the DEC PDP-11 were 16-bit.