# SG-1000

> The SG-1000 was Sega's first home video game console, released in 1983. It was not a big success, but its lessons helped shape the Sega Master System.

Web page: https://emulationking.com/sega/sg-1000/
Page updated: 2026-09-26

- Developer: Sega
- Released: 1983
- 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

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.

## SG-1000 Emulators

- [ares](https://emulationking.com/nintendo/snes/emulator/ares/index.md): ares is an open source multi-system emulator focused on accuracy and preservation, covering the NES, SNES, N64, Sega consoles and more. The successor to higan.
- [GearSystem](https://emulationking.com/sega/mastersystem/emulator/gearsystem/index.md): Gearsystem is an accurate, open source emulator for the Sega Master System, Game Gear and SG-1000, with a Z80 core that covers undocumented behaviour.
- [Genesis Plus GX](https://emulationking.com/sega/genesis/emulator/genesisplusgx/index.md): Genesis Plus GX is an accurate Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Master System, Game Gear and SG-1000 emulator by Eke-Eke, mostly used as a RetroArch core.
- [Kega Fusion](https://emulationking.com/sega/sg-1000/emulator/kegafusion/index.md): Kega Fusion is a Sega multi-system emulator by Steve Snake for the SG-1000, Master System, Game Gear, Genesis, Sega CD and 32X. It was last updated in 2010.
- [PicoDrive](https://emulationking.com/sega/32x/emulator/picodrive/index.md): PicoDrive is a fast SEGA emulator for the Genesis, SEGA CD, 32X, Pico, Master System and Game Gear, first written for ARM handhelds.
- [CrabEmu](https://emulationking.com/sega/sg-1000/emulator/crabemu/index.md): CrabEmu is a discontinued emulator for Sega's 8-bit consoles, the SG-1000 and Master System, for macOS, Linux and even the Dreamcast, but not Windows.