Source: MiniDisc Wiki contributors · September 3, 2026 snapshot · CC BY 4.0, except where otherwise credited.
Attribution and changes
Adapted from “The MiniDisc Getting Started Guide”. Links, layout and file names normalized; missing database fields restored; remote embeds replaced with links. Manufacturer manuals and separately credited photographs retain their original attribution.
This guide is our compilation of the best information and advice we can offer for anyone curious about entering the MiniDisc hobby. After reading, you should feel comfortable buying and using MiniDisc.
MiniDisc is a retro-futuristic media format with near-CD audio quality. It was on the market from 1992-2013 and was most popular in Japan. MiniDisc is not the same as 8cm Mini CD / DVD, Nintendo GameCube discs, or Sony PSP UMDs (Universal Media Disc) - MiniDisc is a unique format, and is spelt "MiniDisc" - with a C and no space.
We highly recommend you read our Why MiniDisc? FAQ and watch the following videos from This Does Not Compute and Techmoan. If you find the format appealing after this research, we're excited to help you start collecting and enter the community. The MD scene is friendly and helpful if you have any questions, but we ask that you read this guide before posting for help on Reddit or Discord.