Dreamcast

The Dreamcast was Sega’s last video game console, released in 1998 in Japan and in 1999 worldwide. It ushered in a new era in gaming by being the first console to include built-in internet connectivity, enabling online multiplayer and digital content access. With advanced hardware for its time and an innovative game library, the Dreamcast gained passionate fans but was unable to compete with Sony’s PlayStation 2, leading Sega to exit the home console market.

Technical Information

• Processor: Hitachi SH-4 at 200 MHz
• RAM: 16 MB
• Video Memory: 8 MB
• Optical Drive: GD-ROM
• Maximum Resolution: 640×480 pixels
• Audio: 64-channel PCM
• Connectivity: Built-in 56k modem

General Information

• Console Names: Dreamcast
• Release Date: November 27, 1998 (Japan), September 9, 1999 (USA), October 14, 1999 (Europe), November 30, 1999 (Brazil)
• Original Price: US$ 199
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Manufacturer: Sega
• Primary Media: GD-ROM
• Units Sold: Approximately 9.13 million
• Successor: None (Sega exited the console market)
• Predecessor: Sega Saturn
• Backward Compatibility: None

Accessories and Special Controllers

The Dreamcast featured a variety of innovative accessories and controllers:

• VMU (Visual Memory Unit): A memory card with an LCD screen that displayed additional information during gameplay and functioned as a portable mini-game device.
• Arcade Stick: An arcade-style controller designed for fighting games, offering precision and durability.
• Racing Controller: A racing wheel for driving games, enhancing player immersion.
• Fishing Controller: A fishing rod-shaped controller designed for fishing games.
• Light Gun: A gun-shaped controller used in shooting games like House of the Dead 2.
• Broadband Adapter: A broadband adapter that improved internet connection speed.

Impact and Legacy

Despite its short lifespan, the Dreamcast is widely regarded as one of the most innovative consoles of all time. Iconic games such as Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, Phantasy Star Online, and Sonic Adventure helped shape the future of video games. Its pioneering online gameplay implementation directly influenced modern consoles. To this day, a dedicated community of fans and independent developers continues to produce new games for the console, keeping its legacy alive.

Curiosities

• The Dreamcast was the first console to offer online gaming as a standard feature, thanks to its built-in modem.
• The Dreamcast logo has different colors depending on the region: orange in Japan and blue in Europe and America.
• Shenmue was one of the most expensive video games of its time, with an estimated production cost of US$ 70 million.
• Sega officially discontinued the console in 2001, but it remains a cult favorite among gamers and collectors.