Introduction
In this article, we will take a journey through the history of Sega consoles. Starting from its humble origins as a provider of slot machines to the U.S military bases, Sega went on to become a major player in the arcade and home console market. We will explore the different consoles released by Sega and the challenges they faced in their rivalry with Nintendo. Join us as we delve into the evolution of Sega consoles and the rise of their iconic mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog.
The Birth of Sega: From Service Games to Sega Enterprises
Sega’s history can be traced back to its founding in 1946 as “Service Games” in Hawaii. The name Sega is an abbreviation of “Service” and “Games”, reflecting its early involvement in providing slot machines to U.S military bases. However, when the U.S government prohibited slot machines in 1952, Sega had to adapt. One of the founders, Martin Bromley, sent employees to Tokyo to establish “Service Games of Japan”, which focused on providing slot machines to U.S bases in Japan.
In 1960, Sega faced another hurdle when the U.S government investigated their criminal business practices. As a result, the company changed its name to Sega Enterprises and shifted its focus away from slot machines. Sega then acquired Rosen Enterprises, which specialized in importing coin-operated amusement machines. This move allowed Sega to enter the arcade market and develop its own games.
The Arcade Success and Entry into Home Consoles
Sega quickly made a name for itself in the booming arcade market of the early 1980s. With popular titles like “Space Invaders” and “James Bond 007”, the company’s revenues soared. However, when the arcade market experienced a downturn, Sega decided to venture into the home console market.
Their first home console, the SC-1000, was released in Japan on July 15, 1983, the same day as Nintendo’s Famicom (Family Computer). Despite the competition from Nintendo’s more popular games like “Donkey Kong” and “Super Mario Bros.”, the SC-1000 managed to achieve success, selling 160,000 units by the end of 1983.
The Genesis Era and the Console Wars
In October 1988, Sega released their most iconic home console, the Sega Genesis (known as the Mega Drive outside of the U.S). It was the first 16-bit console, offering superior graphics and faster gameplay compared to its 8-bit predecessor.
The Genesis faced stiff competition from Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). To stand out, Sega launched a memorable ad campaign that took jabs at Nintendo’s family-friendly image. Games like “Mortal Kombat” pushed the boundaries of graphic violence, attracting an older audience. However, it was the introduction of Sonic the Hedgehog as Sega’s mascot that truly set the Genesis apart.
Despite gaining ground against Nintendo, Sega couldn’t surpass their rival’s dominance. Nintendo’s successful franchises like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda” secured their place in the market. Although the Genesis sold around 35 million units globally, it fell short of Nintendo’s sales of over 49 million SNES units.
Handheld Consoles: Game Gear and Pico
Sega’s attempts to compete with Nintendo’s Game Boy in the handheld console market were met with mixed results. In 1990, Sega released the Game Gear, boasting impressive specs and a color screen. However, it struggled to match the Game Boy’s popularity due to shorter battery life and a higher price tag.
In 1994, Sega launched the Sega Pico, an educational and entertaining system for children aged two to eight years old. While it found success in Japan with 3.8 million units sold, it failed to gain traction in other markets.
End of an Era: The Saturn and Beyond
The Sega Saturn, released in 1994, was Sega’s successor to the Genesis. However, its launch in North America was marred by miscommunication and a higher price point compared to the Sony PlayStation. Nintendo’s entry into the market with the Nintendo 64 further challenged Sega’s position.
Internal disagreements between Sega of Japan and Sega of America compounded the company’s struggles. A lackluster marketing campaign and the emergence of more powerful consoles sealed the fate of the Sega Saturn. Despite its initial promise, the Saturn sold only 2.2 million units.
In a last-ditch effort to extend the life of the Genesis, Sega released the 32X peripheral in 1994. However, it was met with limited success, selling only 800,000 units. Sega’s commercial failures signaled a decline in their console business.
Conclusion
The history of Sega consoles is a testament to the company’s innovation and determination in the face of strong competition. From its origins in providing slot machines to U.S military bases to becoming a major player in the arcade and home console markets, Sega left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.
Although Sega couldn’t dethrone Nintendo from its position of dominance, it introduced iconic characters like Sonic the Hedgehog and contributed to the evolution of gaming technology. Today, Sega remains a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era in gaming history.
Whether you fondly remember playing Sonic the Hedgehog on your Sega Genesis or simply appreciate the impact Sega had on the gaming landscape, their legacy lives on.
