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Sega Dreamcast

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Sega Dreamcast

The Dreamcast was a games console release by Sega in 1999 as the successor to the Saturn.
Released more than 12 months before the Playstation 2 it was popular with fans but didn't sell in great numbers. Many people simply decided to wait for the Playstation 2.
This was Sega's last console. After the disappointing sales they decided that they should instead concentrate on creating unique games that would be available across several platforms (Sony Playstation 2 (PS2), Microsoft XBox and Nintendo Gamecube.

Table of Contents

  1. Sega Dreamcast Specifications
  2. Visual Memory Unit (VMU)
  3. What did you think of the Dreamcast?
  4. Dreamcast items on Amazon
  5. GDROM
  6. Dreamcast consoles on eBay
  7. Controller
  8. Dreamcast games on eBay
  9. Links
  10. Your comments

Sega Dreamcast with controller and VMU. 

Sega Dreamcast Specifications

SEGA DREAMCAST
Manufacturer: Sega Electronics
Launch Price: $199.99
Released Date: September 9, 1999
Format: GD-ROM

CPU
128-bit Hitachi processor, running at 200 MHz

Memory
16Mbyte main RAM, 8MB VRAM, 2MB audio RAM
Visual memory unit available

Video Resolution
640x480 pixels, with a 16.7 million color palette

Sound
32-bit Stereo surround

Connectivity
56k dialup modem
cable to Neo Geo Pocket

Accessories
various controllers, memory cards, carry cases, light guns

Miscellaneous
based on the Windows CE operating system

1/31/2001 Sega discontinued production of the Dreamcast
2/16/2006 Sega began selling refurbished Dreamcasts online due to
hardcore collector demand.

Visual Memory Unit (VMU)

The Visual Memory Unit or VMU was the Dreamcast memory card used for saving in game progress.

It featured a monochrome lcd panel on the front which when plugged into the controller this display could be seen through a window. This could be used to display information such as health level, etc...

Also featured a d-pad, a and b buttons allowing for minigames to be played away from the console. These would come with games published for the console and would automatically be saved to the VMU. Playing these minigames could earn points or features in the main game.

What did you think of the Dreamcast?

Vote below and leave some comments in the guestbook at the bottom of this page.

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Dreamcast items on Amazon

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Sega Dreamcast Console

Sega Dreamcast Console

Classic Sega Dreamcast console! Tons of Fun!1 point

3

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Sega Dreamcast Controller - Gray

Sega Dreamcast Controller - Gray

The Dreamcast controller offers an analog stick, a more...0 points

4

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Sonic Adventure

Sonic Adventure

After several years in video game retirement, Soni more...0 points

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Shenmue

Shenmue

To say that <i>Shenmue</i> is an antic more...0 points

GDROM

Rather than using CDs or DVDs Sega chose to use a proprietary format called GDROM so called because it's storage capacity was 1 GB.

This meant that copying games was not as easy as CD and DVD drives could not read these disks until customized firmware was developed.

There is a suggestion that the Playstation became so popular because it was so easy to copy the games.

Dreamcast consoles on eBay

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Controller

The controller was rather large but still comfortable.
On the left was a joystick and a d-pad whilst on the right were 4 buttons (A, B, X and Y). There was an analogue trigger button on the two shoulders and a start button in the middle.
Above the start button was a window allowing you to see the display of an inserted VMU. There were two slots in the controller allowing a rumble pack to be slotted in beneath the VMU.
Curiously the cable was at the front of the controller, leading towards the user and away from the console.

Dreamcast games on eBay

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Links

Why Sega should release a new console
Don Reisinger thinks the only way to save Sega is with a new video game console. Is he right? Read this blog post by Don Reisinger on The Digital Home.
PlanetDreamcast
Find out the latest on the Sega Dreamcast with the most comprehensive Dreamcast site.
IGN Dreamcast: Games, Cheats, News, Reviews, and Previews
IGN Dreamcast is the ultimate resource for Dreamcast trailers, screenshots, cheats, walkthroughs, release dates, previews, reviews, soundtracks, guides, and news.
Dreamcast-Scene
Dreamcast-Scene.com (abbreviated as "DCS") is the world's largest database for every Dreamcast related subject, from games to merchandise and home development. We represent one of the few communites who help bring new titles to the Dreamcast with petitions, conventions, publications, and productions while pursuing a multi-language vision.

Your comments

Did you own a Dreamcast?
Do you still play on your Dreamcast?
Leave some comments below and share your thoughts.

  • jordanmilesbasketballstuff Mar 6, 2012 @ 7:13 am | delete
    Nice lens..thanks for sharing..
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  • shanktoofs123 Feb 18, 2012 @ 7:43 pm | delete
    I owned a dreamcast, but sadly it broke, it is a shame the system was a "failure" despite being one of the greatest ever in my opinion. I have managed to obtain all my favorite DC games on different consoles or download them, so that i can still play all the awesome DC games. Grandia 2, Crazy Taxi, Evolution Series, DOA2, Sonic Adventure 1& 2 ... so great, if only they had come out with a Streets of Rage 4 on the system. LIKED
  • NitroGames Jul 18, 2011 @ 12:21 pm | delete
    Very nice elens. Hope you can check out my Video Games Website.
  • finalfantasyxvi Mar 16, 2011 @ 6:31 pm | delete
    The Dreamcast was awesome! I love Sonic Adventure 1 and 2.
  • The_Goblins_Den Feb 1, 2011 @ 5:00 pm | delete
    The Dreamcast was great. The only thing I didn't like about it was the controller...it felt very cheap. Nevertheless, I still use it on occasion to play Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 and Street Fighter 3: Third Strike. Here's hoping Sega will get back into the hardware business someday.
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samej

I'm based in the United Kingdom and work in the IT industry.
I'm interested in technology and I am normally an early adopter (yes, I am one of those that... more »

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