Sega Dreamcast : la dernière console de Sega

Sega Dreamcast: Sega's Last Console

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Behind the ScenesSega ConsolesSonic Adventure

The first console of its generation to be released, the Dreamcast was also the last machine Sega ever made. Launched in Japan on 27 November 1998, then in North America on 9 September 1999 — the famous “9/9/99” at 199.99 dollars, with 225,132 units sold in twenty-four hours —, it carried a Hitachi SH-4 at 200 MHz, a built-in modem and the VMU, a memory card fitted with a small LCD screen. Sonic Adventure was its showcase title and its best seller, ahead of Shenmue and Jet Set Radio. Production stopped on 31 March 2001.

Table of Contents

Adored by critics, a pioneer of online gaming, but crushed by the PlayStation 2 juggernaut: the Dreamcast is Sega's swan song, now a cult classic. The story of the brand's last console.

💙 It launched Sonic into 3D — (re)read our analysis of Sonic Adventure lore.

Identity Card

The Dreamcast is a 6th generation console (the "128-bit" era) and the successor to the Saturn (not the Mega Drive). It was the very first of its generation to be released, predating PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox.

The Sega Dreamcast
Compact white casing and coloured spiral: the Dreamcast is the last home console designed by Sega. Photo: MIKI Yoshihito from Sapporo City,Hokkaido., JAPAN, CC BY 2.0.

Release Dates and Prices

It was released in Japan on November 27, 1998, then in North America on September 9, 1999 — the famous "9/9/99" — for $199.99, and in Europe on October 14, 1999.

Under the Hood

The Dreamcast features a Hitachi SH-4 at 200 MHz, a PowerVR2 GPU, 16 MB of RAM, and 8 MB of VRAM, providing 640×480 resolution. Its major innovation: an integrated modem for mainstream online gaming. As for the VMU (Visual Memory Unit), it's a memory card with a small LCD screen — not a virtual reality device, contrary to a common misconception.

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3D Era

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Must-Play Games

  • Sonic Adventure (1998) — the first main 3D Sonic game, a flagship title for the console.
  • Shenmue (1999) — one of the most expensive games of its time, a pioneer of open-world gaming.
  • Jet Set Radio (2000) — a pioneer of cel-shading rendering.
  • Phantasy Star Online (2000) — the first console RPG playable online.
  • Crazy Taxi (2000) — the unbridled arcade experience brought home.

Sonic on the Console

The Dreamcast succeeded the Saturn, and Sonic was its spearhead. Sonic Adventure (Sonic Team, 1998) was the first main 3D Sonic game, a flagship title for its launch and the console's best-selling game (~2.5 M units). Sonic Adventure 2 (2001), released for the franchise's 10th anniversary, would be the last major Sonic game on a Sega console.

Success or Failure?

A commercial failure (~9.13 million units) despite being a well-designed and cult machine. Released early and off to a good start, it was crushed by the hype surrounding the PlayStation 2, burdened by debts from the Saturn/32X fiascos, the withdrawal of third-party publishers (including EA), and massive piracy. Sega ceased production on March 31, 2001, and exited the hardware market.

A Dreamcast marked by use
Discontinued as early as 2001 for lack of sales, the machine kept a loyal community long after it stopped being sold. Photo: Sintegrity, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Did You Know?

  • The "9.9.99 for $199" launch set a record: 225,132 consoles sold in 24 hours in the United States ($98.4M).
  • The VMU is a memory card with a monochrome LCD screen that acts as a mini-console (you could raise a Chao on it) — not virtual reality.
  • The Dreamcast was the first mainstream console to include an integrated modem for online gaming.

Technical Specifications

Feature Detail
Type Home console (6th generation)
Japan Release November 27, 1998
North America September 9, 1999 ("9/9/99")
Europe October 14, 1999
Processor Hitachi SH-4 at 200 MHz
Innovation Integrated modem (online gaming)
Sales ~9.13 million

FAQ

  • What was Sega's last console?
    The Dreamcast (1998). Sega stopped its production on March 31, 2001, and left the hardware market.
  • Was the VMU virtual reality?
    No: it's a memory card with a small LCD screen, also serving as a portable mini-console.
  • What was unique about the Dreamcast?
    An integrated modem from the start, making it a pioneer of mainstream online gaming.
  • Which Sonic games were released on Dreamcast?
    Sonic Adventure (1998), the first main 3D Sonic, followed by Sonic Adventure 2 (2001).
  • Why did the Dreamcast fail?
    Despite its qualities, it was crushed by the PS2 hype, the withdrawal of third-party publishers, and piracy.

🧸 Continue the 3D adventure with our Sonic figurines.

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