SG-1000

SEGA's first home console

  • 1983Released
  • 3rdGeneration
  • SegaDeveloper
SG-1000

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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