Sega Dreamcast

The Dreamcast is Sega's fourth and final home video game console. It marked the end of 18 years of hardware development by the Japanese electronics and video game titan. With its orange spiral logo and futuristic name, Sega saw the Dreamcast as the product that would put them back in the video game console market in the late '90s. However, despite hitting the shelves ahead of other sixth generation video game systems like Sony's PlayStation 2, Nintendo's GameCube, and Microsoft Xbox, the Dreamcast ultimately had a short lifespan. 

In some respects, the Dreamcast console predicted the direction of the home video gaming industry in the first decade of the 21st century. It was the first home video game console to feature a built-in modem that connected to the internet to support online play, as well as an online community for multiplayer gaming. Released on September 9, 1999, in North America, the Dreamcast U.S. marketing campaign "9/9/99 for $199" combined the date of the release with the price of the unit. Favorite titles included Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Shenmue, Marvel vs. Capcom, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, and SoulCalibur, a weapons-based fighting game. Despite their popularity, the famous third-party video game publisher EA's decision not to develop games for the Dreamcast was a blow to the Sega team and hampered sales of the product. 

While it enjoyed initial success, Dreamcast sales were also struck hard by Sony's pre-promotional campaign for the PlayStation 2, which debuted only six months later. The PlayStation 2, and its inclusion of a DVD player, quickly eclipsed Sega's product. By March 31, 2001, the company had sold only 9.13 million Dreamcast units worldwide, leading them to discontinue the console. Partially in response to these disappointing sales figures, Sega ultimately restructured its business model to pivot away from hardware and focus solely on third-party game development. Over twenty years after the Dreamcast was released, it still maintains a cult following online. Even though Sega no longer supports the console, innovative fans have found a way to continue playing their favorite Dreamcast games via online communities.

All Categories


Related Items

90s Star Border

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

Having a Super Nintendo in the '90s automatically made you the cool kid on the block. In fact, owning one today may still give you that same street cred - at least in our eyes! Grab one today and reclaim your title.

Item Categories:
Spinning Dollar Sign
Grab This Gear!

Sega Saturn

Sega Saturn

The Sega Saturn is a 32-bit console developed by Sega to be the successor to the Sega Genesis. Although it had limited success in the US, there are still well respected games in it's library like the Panzer Dragoon series.

Item Categories:
Spinning Dollar Sign
Grab This Gear!

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Ready to head back to Hyrule? Then get this game for your Game Boy Color, or original Game Boy. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was widely praised by critics for its features and depth. It's even compatible with the Game Boy Color Printer!

Item Categories:
Spinning Dollar Sign
Grab This Gear!

Mortal Kombat 4

Mortal Kombat 4

Mortal Kombat 4 is one of the first games that Midway developed with 3D graphics. Originally for arcades, Midway released it on the Nintendo 64 platform as well as PlayStation and Game Boy Color.

Item Categories:
Spinning Dollar Sign
Grab This Gear!

Nintendo 64 Controller

Nintendo 64 Controller

Peak Nintendo 64 fun consisted of a full game of Mario Kart 64 with friends and family huddled around the TV. Having four controllers definitely added to the split screen fun, and instantly made you the cool kid on the block.

Item Categories:
Spinning Dollar Sign
Grab This Gear!

Star Wars - Episode I - Racer

Star Wars - Episode I - Racer

After watching Star Wars Episode I, many '90s kids wanted to zoom around in their very own podracer. Since that wasn't an option, turning a Nintendo 64 into a podracing simulator was the next best thing.

Item Categories:
Spinning Dollar Sign
Grab This Gear!

Yoshi's Story

Yoshi's Story

Explore Yoshi’s island as you ground pound shy guys, collect delicious fruit, and shoot colorful eggs at various objects. You may even come across some cute secret Yoshis along the way.

Item Categories:
Spinning Dollar Sign
Grab This Gear!

Super Mario World

Super Mario World

Super Mario World is a classic Mario side-scroller that was developed to show exactly what the SNES had to offer as a console. Nintendo sold over 20 million copies, making it one of the best selling games for the SNES platform.

Item Categories:
Spinning Dollar Sign
Grab This Gear!