A cassette whose extra-wide window could be used as a canvas for a personal design.
Generation 1 (I and II 1991, IV 1992)
X IV
The Metal type was released at the same time as the second generation of I and II. The extra-wide window could be used as a canvas for drawings or photographs to make a personalised cassette. The package had a metallic silver base colour. The model sat between ES-IV and CDixIV in the range and used ニュー・ファイン・ダイナメタル磁性体 (new fine Dynametal magnetic material).
X II
The shell was not transparent throughout: a frame surrounded its extra-wide window. Its selling point was a special cassette that could be designed by its owner. An ordinary narrow title label was included, along with a kit for decorating the entire surface with drawings or photographs. The tape used エクストラ・ユニアクシャル磁性体 (Extra Uniaxial magnetic material), as in UX.
X I
The package had the same design as II but a grey base colour. It included a フリースタイル大型ラベル (large freestyle label) the size of the window, which could be drawn on, and a transparent sticker to cover writing on the shell or attached photographs. The tape used ファインコバルト・クリスタルガンマ磁性体 (Fine Cobalt Crystal Gamma magnetic material), as in HF-X.
Explanatory note
The X series was introduced in 1991. It mainly comprised two types: Normal X I and High Position X II. Metal X IV was released in only one generation, in 1992. In the range, X I can be considered the successor to HF-X and X II the successor to UX.
The first three generations featured an extra-wide キャンバス・ウィンドウ (Canvas Window) shell that left almost all the tape inside visible. In addition to an ordinary title label, they included a large label that could be drawn on and a transparent sticker for attaching cut-out photographs to the window. Their selling point was the ability to use these materials to create a cassette with an original design; a design contest was held as well. The rounded plastic case was slim, at four-fifths the thickness of a conventional case.
From the fourth generation onward the distinctive キャンバス・ウィンドウ (Canvas Window) disappeared, and the series took on the appearance of ordinary mid-range products.
Generation 2 (1992)
This was a minor revision of the first generation. The package became simple but subdued and more upscale in appearance. The cassette itself was almost unchanged, retaining the shell with a large キャンバス・ウィンドウ (Canvas Window). I used ファインコバルト・クリスタル磁性体 (Fine Cobalt Crystal magnetic material), while II used the newly developed ニュー・エクストラ・ユニアクシャル磁性体 (New Extra Uniaxial magnetic material).
Generation 3 (1993)
The third generation put a large X in the centre of the package, silver for I and gold for II, giving the overall design a somewhat pop appearance. I used blue and black as its base colours; II used red and black. The cassette retained the キャンバス・ウィンドウ・ハーフ (Canvas Window Half) shell. An improved, easier-to-use Two Wayシール (Two Way sticker) was included.
Generation 4 (1994)
Alongside the new package design, the cassette changed from the キャンバス・ウィンドウ (Canvas Window) to a conventional slit-shaped window. Its rounded shell was welded without screws, and a short leader tape was used. II adopted アドバンスド・ユニアクシャル磁性体 (Advanced Uniaxial magnetic material), improving high-frequency performance and the tape’s heat resistance.
Generation 5 (1995)
The fifth generation was named STAMINA X I / II. Its aim was to extend the battery life of a Walkman. It featured the newly developed BSM, バッテリー・セービング・メカニズム (Battery Saving Mechanism). A new low-friction head-pad material and a revised fixed-pin position reduced friction between the tape and guide pin, reducing the load on the motor. Battery life was said to increase by as much as 2.5 hours.
Generation 6 (1997)
The sixth generation was named Purestyle X I / II. The cassette shell was pure white and made with antibacterial resin. Only the areas around the hubs and the window used material in the product colour, providing a design accent. The product continued the pure theme with tape intended to reproduce pure sound and a short leader with a cleaning function to preserve it.
Generation 7 (1998)
The seventh generation was named XTune1/2. Its plastic デュアル・イン・スライドケース (dual-in slide case) allowed the cassette to slide in either way round. The shell was transparent aquamarine, with a white centre as an accent. The white section used high-density resin and formed the ショック・アブソービング・メカ (shock-absorbing mechanism), suppressing vibration as the tape turned.