Knowledge base index

SEGA

SEGA history runs from arcade machines and home consoles to handhelds, unusual add-ons, blue-spined game cases and series that remained recognisable long after the company stopped producing its own consoles.

This index brings together GamingPlanet dossiers and articles about SEGA hardware, games, collecting and preservation. It is intended to grow from a broad starting point into separate pages about individual systems, regional differences and important releases.

SEGA knowledge-base index

Use this page as the starting point for SEGA console history, arcade technology, games, physical releases and the practical problems involved in keeping that material usable.

Consoles & hardware

SEGA consolesFrom the SG-1000 and Master System to Mega Drive, Saturn and Dreamcast.
Arcade and PC hardwareArcade boards, controllers, add-ons and SEGA connections to PC technology.
Handhelds and add-onsGame Gear, Mega-CD, 32X and the hardware branches around the main consoles.

Games & series

Sonic the HedgehogGames, anniversaries, characters and the series across several generations.
SEGA game historyArcade conversions, console exclusives, experiments and later multiplatform releases.

Collecting

Condition and completenessCartridges, discs, cases, manuals, inserts and hardware accessories.
Regional versionsMega Drive and Genesis naming, PAL and NTSC releases and packaging differences.

Preservation

Preserving SEGA historyOptical media, cartridges, batteries, online functions, manuals and rereleases.
Modern availabilityMini consoles, compilations, ports and the differences between access and preservation.

Console generations

SEGA did not move through one simple line of machines. The Master System, Mega Drive, Saturn and Dreamcast each came from a different technical moment, while regional names and release schedules made the family tree even less tidy.

Future dossiers can give every system its own factsheet, model overview, media formats, accessories and recommended starting points. Until then, the SEGA article archive collects the existing coverage.

Arcade roots and hardware experiments

SEGA console history is difficult to separate from arcade hardware. Controllers, chips, conversions and even unsuccessful technical routes often explain why a home release looks or behaves the way it does.

The hardware archive is the current route to stories about boards, graphics technology and the unexpected links between SEGA and PC gaming.

Games and recognisable series

Sonic may be the best-known SEGA character, but the wider catalogue also covers arcade racing, fighting games, RPGs, strategy, experimental peripherals and series that later continued on other platforms.

Open the Sonic archive or browse all SEGA articles.

Physical releases and regional variants

A SEGA collection can contain cartridges, jewel cases, large plastic cases, cardboard sleeves, GD-ROMs, registration cards and hardware that differs by region. The same game may have another title, cover or even another console name elsewhere.

Use the condition report when recording completeness and condition.

Preservation beyond the ROM or disc

Preserving a SEGA game can also require controller support, save batteries, optical-drive knowledge, network context, manuals and information about the hardware for which it was designed.

Continue to Game Preservation & Archiving.

How this hub will grow

The first logical dossiers are the Master System, Mega Drive or Genesis, Saturn and Dreamcast. Separate pages can then cover Game Gear, Mega-CD, 32X, arcade systems, regional collecting and individual game series.

Return to the full knowledge-base index.

GamingPlanet.nl