SG-1000
SEGA's first home console
- 1983Released
- 3rdGeneration
- SegaDeveloper
SG-1000 Specifications
- Processor
- NEC 780C (Zilog Z80 clone)
- Processor Speed
- 3.58 MHz (NTSC) | 3.55 MHz (PAL)
- RAM
- 16 kbit (2 kB)
- GPU
- Texas Instruments TMS9928A
- Video RAM
- 128 kbit (16 kB)
- Resolution
- 256 x 192 pixels
- Maximum Sprites
- 32
- Maximum Colors
- 16
Overview
The SG-1000 (Sega Game 1000) is a cartridge-based video game console made by Sega.
It was Sega’s first home console and was released in 1983. It cost 15,000 yen and was sold in several markets, including Japan and Australia.
The SG-1000 faced strong competition and was not very successful. It had problems such as a poor controller and no A/V output, but the lessons Sega learned helped in developing the Master System.
In total 97 games were released for it: 68 on standard cartridges and 29 on Sega Cards.
Peripherals for the SG-1000 included keyboards, alternative controllers and a racing wheel.
Key Features
Sega's First Console
Sega's first home console, released in 1983 for 15,000 yen.
Cards and Cartridges
97 games: 68 on cartridges and 29 on Sega Cards.
Keyboard Add-Ons
Peripherals included keyboards, alternative controllers and a racing wheel.
TMS9928A Video
A Texas Instruments video chip with up to 32 sprites.
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SG-1000 Emulators
Which one to pick
Known forAccurate emulation of Sega's 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, mostly used as a RetroArch core.
Known forA very accurate Z80 core that covers undocumented behaviour, for the SG-1000, Master System and Game Gear.
Known forA multi-system emulator that puts accuracy and preservation first.
Known forA long-standing all-in-one emulator for Sega's consoles from the SG-1000 to the 32X.
Known forAn emulator for Sega's 8-bit consoles for macOS and Linux, but not Windows.
In short
Genesis Plus GX and Gearsystem are the most accurate choices, Genesis Plus GX in RetroArch and Gearsystem as a standalone emulator. ares covers the SG-1000 among many other systems. Kega Fusion and CrabEmu are no longer developed and are kept here as an archive.
