The SG-1000, short for Sega Game 1000, marked Sega's initial foray into the home video game console market in 1983. Released in Japan, it was Sega's response to the growing popularity of consoles like the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom) and the Atari 2600. Although it wasn't a commercial success on the scale of its competitors, the SG-1000 holds a significant place in Sega's history as the foundation upon which they would build their future success. It was released alongside a computer variant called the SC-3000.
The SG-1000's library consisted of games primarily developed by Sega, with a focus on arcade conversions and original titles. Its design was relatively simple, but it laid the groundwork for Sega's later consoles. The console's initial hardware limitations were addressed with a revised version, the SG-1000 II, which offered improved features and compatibility. Though its lifespan was short, the SG-1000 provided Sega with valuable experience and paved the way for the more successful Master System, which built upon the SG-1000's architecture and game library. While the SG-1000 might not be a household name like some of its contemporaries, its place in gaming history is secure as the console that started Sega's journey in the home console market. The SG-1000's legacy continues to influence retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, who appreciate its historical significance and unique game library.
1983
SEGA
SG-1000
📜 History & Legacy
⚙️ Specifications
- ❖ CPU: Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
- ❖ GPU: TMS9918A (Yamaha V9938 in SG-1000 II)
- ❖ RAM: 8 KB
- ❖ Storage: Cartridge
- ❖ Media: ROM Cartridge
🎮 Top 10 Games
- ★ Flicky
- ★ Girl's Garden
- ★ N-Sub
- ★ Sega-Galaga
- ★ Othello
- ★ Champion Baseball
- ★ Champion Golf
- ★ Safari Hunt
- ★ Pinball
- ★ Super Tank
🎥 Video Review
💡 Curiosities
- ? The SG-1000 was released on the same day as Nintendo's Famicom, July 15, 1983.
- ? The 'SG' in SG-1000 stands for 'Sega Game'.
- ? The SG-1000 II was released in 1984 and featured a detachable keyboard.
- ? Some SG-1000 games were also released for the MSX computer standard.
- ? The SG-1000 was sold in some regions under different names, such as the 'Mark I' in Australasia.
- ? The console had a built-in RF modulator for connecting to a TV.
- ? The SG-1000's controller had a joystick and two buttons.
- ? The SG-1000's cartridge slot was located on the top of the console.
- ? The SC-3000, a home computer variant of the SG-1000, featured a built-in keyboard and BASIC programming language.
- ? Girl's Garden was one of the first games designed by Yuji Naka, who would later be known for creating Sonic the Hedgehog.