The SEGA SC-3000H, released in 1983, stands as a fascinating piece of gaming history. More than just a console, it was a home computer designed to compete with the likes of the Commodore 64 and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. While it didn't achieve the same level of mainstream success as its rivals, the SC-3000H carved a niche for itself, particularly in Asian markets. Its design philosophy, blending gaming and computing, laid the groundwork for SEGA's later ventures into the console market. It was a key stepping stone in SEGA's evolution as a major player in the entertainment industry.
The SC-3000H's legacy is often overshadowed by the SG-1000, its gaming-focused counterpart released the same year. However, the SC-3000H's dual functionality as a computer broadened its appeal, attracting users interested in programming and productivity alongside gaming. The included keyboard was central to this purpose. While the game library was shared with the SG-1000, the SC-3000H's ability to run custom software and utilize peripherals like a printer, set it apart. This made it a more versatile machine for early adopters and tech enthusiasts. The SC-3000H represents a critical moment in SEGA's history, as they experimented with the home computer market before focusing on dedicated gaming consoles.
1983
SEGA
SC-3000H
📜 History & Legacy
⚙️ Specifications
- ❖ CPU: Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
- ❖ GPU: Texas Instruments TMS9918
- ❖ RAM: 2KB (expandable to 16KB)
- ❖ Storage: ROM Cartridge
- ❖ Media: ROM Cartridges and Cassette Tape for software
🎮 Top 10 Games
- ★ Flicky
- ★ N-Sub
- ★ Champion Boxing
- ★ Champion Baseball
- ★ Girl's Garden
- ★ Lode Runner
- ★ Space Invader
- ★ Super Golf
- ★ Sega-Galaga
- ★ Elevator Action
💡 Curiosities
- ? Curiosity 1: The 'H' in SC-3000H stands for 'Home'.
- ? Curiosity 2: The SC-3000 was marketed as a personal computer, not just a game console.
- ? Curiosity 3: A version of the SC-3000H without a built-in keyboard was also available, known as the SC-3000.
- ? Curiosity 4: SEGA also released a more advanced version called the SC-3000H with the SK-1100 keyboard.
- ? Curiosity 5: The SC-3000H could be programmed in BASIC.
- ? Curiosity 6: The SC-3000 and SG-1000 share nearly identical internal architecture.
- ? Curiosity 7: The TMS9918 video chip was also used in the ColecoVision and MSX computers.
- ? Curiosity 8: The SC-3000H had limited success outside of Japan and a few other Asian markets.
- ? Curiosity 9: It was a direct competitor to other early home computers such as the Commodore 64 and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
- ? Curiosity 10: The SG-1000 Mark III was a successor to both the SC-3000 and SG-1000, later rebranded as the Master System.