Dreamcast

The Dreamcast is the final home video game console manufactured by Sega. It was released in Japan on November 27, 1998, and worldwide in late 1999. It succeeded the Sega Saturn and was the first sixth-generation console, preceding Sony's PlayStation 2, Nintendo's GameCube, and Microsoft's Xbox. A team led by Hideki Sato began developing the Dreamcast in 1997. In contrast to the expensive hardware of the unsuccessful Saturn, the Dreamcast was designed to reduce costs with off-the-shelf components, including a Hitachi SH-4 CPU and an NEC PowerVR2 GPU. The Dreamcast shared hardware with Sega's NAOMI system board, enabling authentic arcade game conversions. Sega used the GD-ROM disc format to avoid the expense of DVD licensing. Developers could use a custom version of Windows CE for easier PC game porting. The Dreamcast was the first console to include a built-in modular modem for internet access and online play. Though its Japanese release was beset by supply problems, the Dreamcast had a successful US launch backed by a large marketing campaign. However, sales steadily declined as Sony built anticipation for the PlayStation 2. Dreamcast sales did not meet Sega's expectations, and attempts to renew interest through price cuts caused significant financial losses. After a change in leadership, Sega discontinued the Dreamcast on March 31, 2001, and restructured itself as a third-party developer. 9.13 million Dreamcasts were sold worldwide and over 600 games were produced. Sega subsequently ported many Dreamcast games to other platforms. The Dreamcast's commercial failure has been attributed to several factors, including competition from the PlayStation 2, limited third-party support, and the earlier failures of the 32X and Saturn having tarnished Sega's reputation. In retrospect, reviewers have celebrated the Dreamcast as one of the greatest consoles. It is considered ahead of its time for pioneering concepts such as online play...