The SEGA SC-3000, launched in 1983, represents SEGA's initial foray into the home computer market. Released concurrently with the SG-1000 console, the SC-3000 was positioned as a home computer designed for both educational and entertainment purposes. It featured a built-in keyboard and was intended to appeal to a broader audience than just gamers, attempting to capture the burgeoning home computer market of the early 1980s. While the SG-1000 focused on cartridge-based games, the SC-3000 supported both cartridges and software loaded via cassette tape, offering greater versatility. Its design and functionality showcased SEGA's ambition to compete in the rapidly evolving world of home computing and gaming.
Despite its innovative features and dual functionality, the SC-3000 faced stiff competition from established brands like Commodore and Sinclair. Its market presence was relatively limited, especially outside of Japan. However, the SC-3000 is remembered as an important stepping stone in SEGA's history, providing valuable experience and laying the groundwork for their later, more successful console ventures such as the Master System. It remains a sought-after collector's item, representing an early chapter in SEGA's legacy and demonstrating their willingness to experiment and innovate within the competitive landscape of the early video game and home computer industries. Its significance lies in its role as a precursor to SEGA's future success in the console market.
1983
SEGA
SC-3000
📜 History & Legacy
⚙️ Specifications
- ❖ CPU: Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
- ❖ GPU: Texas Instruments TMS9918A
- ❖ RAM: 2KB (expandable to 16KB)
- ❖ ROM: 32KB
- ❖ Storage: Cartridge, Cassette Tape
- ❖ Sound: Texas Instruments SN76489
- ❖ Display Resolution: 256 x 192 pixels
- ❖ Colors: 16
- ❖ Keyboard: Built-in chiclet keyboard
- ❖ Ports: Cartridge slot, cassette interface, joystick ports
🎮 Top 10 Games
- ★ Chack'n Pop
- ★ Flicky
- ★ N-Sub
- ★ Sega-Galaga
- ★ Star Force
- ★ Super Golf
- ★ Computer Mahjong
- ★ Basic
- ★ Othello
- ★ Champion Baseball
🎥 Video Review
💡 Curiosities
- ? Did you know that the SC-3000 was released alongside the SG-1000, SEGA's first dedicated game console?
- ? The 'SC' in SC-3000 stands for 'Sega Computer'.
- ? The SC-3000 could be programmed using SEGA BASIC, a version of the BASIC programming language.
- ? An upgraded version called the SC-3000H was later released, featuring an improved keyboard.
- ? The SC-3000 was more popular in Japan and other parts of Asia than in Western markets.
- ? Many games for the SC-3000 were also compatible with the SG-1000 console.
- ? The SC-3000's sound chip, the **Texas Instruments SN76489**, was also used in other consoles like the ColecoVision and the Sega Master System.
- ? The console's limited RAM made programming complex games a challenge for developers.
- ? The design of the SC-3000's keyboard was often criticized for being difficult to type on.
- ? The SC-3000's legacy can be seen in SEGA's later development of more successful home consoles.