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The Dreamcast surely needs no introduction here. Sega's final console may have been discontinued after only about 2 1/2 years after its launch but it built up an impressive library of games in that time such as Shenmue, Soul Calibur, Phantasy Star Online, Jet Set Radio, Power Stone and Skies of Arcadia. It has long had a dedicated fanbase and still sees releases from indie developers to this day such as Xenocider.
But this thread isn't about its games, it's about the hardware and specifically the various alternative versions of the console released in Japan. The Dreamcast wasn't the first console to feature limited editions of course but I think it has one of the most interesting selections, not just in terms of aesthetic qualities but in how they were released and even their intended purpose as well. In addition to the official limited editions there are some other variants and some of those were a result of Sega trying to use its internet functionality to position the Dreamcast in Japan as an alternative to a PC to help people get online for the first time. What adds to their mystique is that they were genuinely extremely limited in availability with many being released in quantities of under 1000 and only being purchasable through lotteries.
Currently available information on these in the West is often incomplete or sometimes questionable so I've been recently looking into the history of the hardware through archived websites and magazines to see what information I can find out and possibly reveal a little more about their production and release that has been forgotten over time. What I hope to provide is as extensive a list as possible of Dreamcast hardware released in Japan with as much information as I can come across. This should still be considered a work in progress that will be added to to if and when I come across any new reliable information. If there are Era members that have any of these consoles and want to showcase them, please feel free to post a gallery of pics and I'll link it to the relevant section and credit you. If any member wants to provide some pictures but wishes to do so anonymously you are welcome to PM me.
All prices listed below are exclusive of tax and shipping unless otherwise specified. While I've tried my best to ensure accuracy I am human so corrections are welcome, especially regarding Japanese translations. My Japanese is extremely limited so a lot of this was done using machine translation.
Standard Release Packaging
To begin I'll briefly touch on the regular versions of the Dreamcast or more specifically their packaging which can be split into three types: Yukawa Orange, Yukawa White and Plain White. Those with updated versions of Dream Passport had a sticker in the upper right corner of the top face of the box indicating this.
These are released models available for purchase or as prizes where the casing of the console itself is unique to that edition. Many were very limited in quantity.
These are Dreamcast models that were never made available for purchase or as prizes.
The Dreamcast surely needs no introduction here. Sega's final console may have been discontinued after only about 2 1/2 years after its launch but it built up an impressive library of games in that time such as Shenmue, Soul Calibur, Phantasy Star Online, Jet Set Radio, Power Stone and Skies of Arcadia. It has long had a dedicated fanbase and still sees releases from indie developers to this day such as Xenocider.
But this thread isn't about its games, it's about the hardware and specifically the various alternative versions of the console released in Japan. The Dreamcast wasn't the first console to feature limited editions of course but I think it has one of the most interesting selections, not just in terms of aesthetic qualities but in how they were released and even their intended purpose as well. In addition to the official limited editions there are some other variants and some of those were a result of Sega trying to use its internet functionality to position the Dreamcast in Japan as an alternative to a PC to help people get online for the first time. What adds to their mystique is that they were genuinely extremely limited in availability with many being released in quantities of under 1000 and only being purchasable through lotteries.
Currently available information on these in the West is often incomplete or sometimes questionable so I've been recently looking into the history of the hardware through archived websites and magazines to see what information I can find out and possibly reveal a little more about their production and release that has been forgotten over time. What I hope to provide is as extensive a list as possible of Dreamcast hardware released in Japan with as much information as I can come across. This should still be considered a work in progress that will be added to to if and when I come across any new reliable information. If there are Era members that have any of these consoles and want to showcase them, please feel free to post a gallery of pics and I'll link it to the relevant section and credit you. If any member wants to provide some pictures but wishes to do so anonymously you are welcome to PM me.
All prices listed below are exclusive of tax and shipping unless otherwise specified. While I've tried my best to ensure accuracy I am human so corrections are welcome, especially regarding Japanese translations. My Japanese is extremely limited so a lot of this was done using machine translation.
Standard Release Packaging
To begin I'll briefly touch on the regular versions of the Dreamcast or more specifically their packaging which can be split into three types: Yukawa Orange, Yukawa White and Plain White. Those with updated versions of Dream Passport had a sticker in the upper right corner of the top face of the box indicating this.
- Yukawa Orange
This was the standard model available in the launch window and features Sega's former managing director Hidekazu Yukawa who featured prominently in promotional material for the Dreamcast including a cameo in the "What's Shenmue?" demo disc. There are two variants of the box with one having a large single image of him on the base while the other features a montage of smaller images.
- Yukawa White
Similar to the orange Yukawa launch model but has a white finish instead. There is black text in the upper left corner of the top face promoting the capabilities of the console. These appear to have been introduced for the models sold in Toyota showrooms although they were used for some standard models as well.
- Plain White
White box with orange text and lacking the Yukawa imagery on the base. These appear to have been introduced towards the end of 1999 and were used for the remainder of the Dreamcast's life. The later revision that had Mil-CD compatibility removed has this information printed on the top face of the box underneath the "NTSC-J" in the upper right corner of the top face. These were also used for refurbished and some limited edition models with a "Dreamcast Limited Edition" sticker on the upper left corner of the top face of the box indicating this. This also opened from the sides while the Yukawa boxes opened by lifting up the top face so that you could lift the cardboard tray containing the console out.
Limited Editions and Prizes With Custom Shells
These are released models available for purchase or as prizes where the casing of the console itself is unique to that edition. Many were very limited in quantity.
- Sega Partners
Date: 27th November 1998
Cost: ¥29,800
Quantity: ~1000 units
This was the console's first limited edition and purchasable by Sega Partners Club members through a lottery. Members were given notification in advance and advised to send in a form to enter the draw with applications open until the 23rd of October 1998. The winners did not win the console rather they won the opportunity to purchase it. This purchase by lottery process was used for several of these consoles including even the standard model as stocks dwindled following the console's discontinuation. They are basically the same as a standard launch Dreamcast but each one has a personalized plate on the console's lid bearing the recipient's name and the signature of then Sega President Shoichiro Irimajiri. The package also included a Dreamcast Partners keychain and strap and a letter thanking the buyer for their purchase. They are packaged in the same Orange Yukawa box as the launch model although these have a little sticker on them identifying the name on the console inside. Head of D-Direct Tadashi Takezaki stated in an interview with the Japanese Dreamcast Magazine that about 1000 units of these were sold[1].
Informational flyer.
1. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) Issue 2000-37, page 32
- Maziora
Released: July 1999
Cost: ¥28,500
Quantity: 500 units
The Maziora Dreamcast was a collaboration between Sega, motorcycle racer Tadahiko Taira and NipponPaint. It was the result of Taira acquiring some Maziora paint and coating a Saturn with it and then showing this to Sega's president Shoichiro Irimajiri[1]. Irimajiri worked for Honda for over 20 years until 1992 including developing products for their racing teams so Taira may have known him through that although Taira raced for Yamaha. Irimajiri was impressed which resulted in a series of Maziora Dreamcast prototypes being developed, at least one of which was displayed at the Autumn Tokyo Games Show in 1998 (see "Assorted Prototypes" below).
There were only 500 units of these produced and they were not sold or distributed by Sega but through Taira Racing. The first 300 were made available for reservation between the 23rd and 25th April at the racing event weekend of the 1999 F.I.M. Marlboro Japanese Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi and afterwards from Taira Racing directly. The remaining 200 could be purchased three months later between the 23rd and 25th of July at the racing event weekend of the Suzuka 8 hours endurance race. Taira – co-winner of the event in 1990 - was also in attendance on the 25th at Suzuka to meet fans and sign autographs[3]. These were announced as costing ¥39,800 but this was reduced to ¥28,500 following the Dreamcast's official price cut in June[2].
The console itself consists of a black plastic base, buttons and controller port panel with the upper shell entirely coated in Maziora Andromeda motor paint, a premium finish that cost ¥80,000 per litre[1]. This is a deep green paint with colour changing properties such that it will also appear purple depending on the light source and angle. This gives these consoles a very striking appearance with a semi-reflective sheen, embedded metal flakes that glitter in the light and their colour-changing qualities creating green/purple gradients across the curves of the surface. The lid also has a reflective "Maziora" sticker branding on it and a matching controller is included along with a sticker and a VMU strap of Taira's motorcycle helmet. These are supplied in both variants of the orange Yukawa boxes which were contained in brown shipping boxes with a green Maziora branding on two sides.
Maziora shifting colour with the light. More pictures available here.
It's commonly cited that 200 of the Maziora Dreamcasts are signed by Taira but I do not believe that this is accurate. I haven't seen any contemporary media that indicates this was the case and pictures of signed ones also seem to be quite rare which seems unlikely if 40% of these are supposed to be signed. I think that this is a misconception as a result of a mistranslation and/or misunderstanding due to 200 being available at the Suzuka event and Taira also being present. A post from 2019 on the Japanese blog Serorino Junk features the blogger pulling one out of storage and reminiscing about purchasing it at the event on the Saturday and then staying overnight to get it signed on the Sunday by Taira[3]. This Maziora actually has the date signed on it while other signed ones do not suggesting that some were indeed pre-signed but I think that 200 is an exaggeration. It's also sometimes stated that these were prizes, perhaps with the implication that you had to win a race to get one but articles from the time are quite clear that these were for purchase.
The aesthetic qualities of these consoles combined with their low production count makes the Maziora Dreamcast highly desirable to collectors and these can command extremely high prices in the second-hand market. In January 2022 one sold on Yahoo! Auctions Japan for ¥752,000 (over £4600/$5500 at time of writing) after 87 bids.
Capture of Yahoo! Auctions Japan listing from January 2022.
1. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) Issue 1999-33, page 8
2. Sega - Press release featuring updated price. (Wayback capture 11th October 1999)
3. Serorino - Japanese blog post from someone who bought a Maziora Dreamcast at Suzuka.
- SEAMAN
Date: 29th July 1999
Cost: ¥34,800
Quantity: 500 units
This limited edition model was released to coincide with the release of the game Seaman. The game is a darkly surreal virtual pet/life simulation game where the player has to care for the titular Seaman and communicate with him using the microphone accessory to help the creature evolve. This received an English language release in the US featuring narration from Leonard Nimoy, an updated 2001 version in Japan and a Japan-only port and sequel on the PS2. Seaman has developed a cult following and earlier this year he featured in a promotional campaign for Mt. Rainier Coffee in Japan[1].
The console itself has a white base with a "Jelly White" clear upper shell adorned with a Seaman frogman silhouette and comes with a matching controller, VMU and a copy of the game including the microphone. It was designed by Vivarium with the transparent white finish inspired by new born cells[2]. It's packaged in an unassuming brown box sporting the cover of the game rotated slightly, the Dreamcast logo and the text "Model; SEAMAN" in large white letters. Just 500 were produced and they were sold exclusively in HMV stores to try and capture the attention of music lovers and those who otherwise might not have purchased a gaming console. Attempting to broaden the appeal of the machine beyond the core gaming demographic was a recurring theme throughout the console's life. Vivarium reported on their news page that the HMV in Shibuya used a lottery to distribute them to customers due to high demand[3].
1. Dengeki Online - Article about Mt. Rainier Coffee campaign.
2. Sega - Release information. (Wayback capture 23rd August 1999)
3. Vivarium - News update about HMV lottery. (Wayback capture 27th November 1999)
- Hello Kitty
Date: 25th November 1999
Cost: ¥34,800; ¥18,800
Quantity: Unknown
Hello Kitty Skeleton Pink and Skeleton Blue Consoles
These Skeleton Pink and Skeleton Blue models were produced in collaboration with Sanrio to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hello Kitty's creation. Originally just the pink one was planned but this was extended to a blue model as well to broaden its appeal. Both have a translucent upper shell complete with Kitty character on the lid and come with a matching controller and keyboard which was quite a bit smaller than the standard one, reflecting that these models were aimed at younger gamers. A Hello Kitty themed version of Dream Passport is also included along with the game Hello Kitty Garden Panic which was exclusive to this hardware release. They come in an cutesy box featuring Hello Kitty with flower patterns along the edges in a blue or pink colour scheme that matched that of the console within. These could be purchased through D-Direct or from Partner Stores and unlike many of the other limited editions were available for quite some time after release. They received an official price cut to ¥18,800 following the standard model's price drop from March 1st 2001[2].
Pictures of Pink Hello Kitty Dreamcast courtesy of Resetera member neoak: https://www.resetera.com/threads/ja...tions-and-other-variants.618558/post-91450287
Sega - Release information. (Wayback capture 25th January 2000)
Sega - Price update. (Wayback capture 17th February 2001)
- Taisho Romando Special
Date: 11th December 1999
Cost: Lottery prize only
Quantity: Unknown
This was a model produced to commemorate the opening of the second Sakura Wars themed shop Taisho Romando in Shinsaibashi on the 11th December 1999[1]. It was exclusively available as a lottery prize but how many is uncertain although this is an extremely low quantity. The upper shell of this machine is pink with golden text on the lid and it comes with a matching controller and possibly a VMU as well. A matching VMU was certainly produced but it is unclear if it was part of the package. Segamania visited the store on the 19th December 1999 and one of these was on display. It's unknown if this was available as a lottery prize or was a permanent display piece for the store. They lament that they were unable to get a photo as the store was not permitting them to be taken[2]. I believe the image above was taken in famous Japanese video games store Super Potato sometime around 2019.
In November 2021 Sega tweeted this:
It should be noted that isn't the correct controller or VMU that goes with it as they have similar golden logos to the main unit.
1. Sega - Taisho Romando Shinsaibashi store opening details. (Wayback capture 31st May 2000)
2. Segamania@Osaka - Post on 19th December 1999 about visiting the Shinsaibashi store.
- SEAMAN Xmas Package
Date: 16th December 1999
Cost: ¥34,800
Quantity: 850
This second Seaman themed console was released in the festive season of 1999 to celebrate the last Christmas of the millennium. The console was fashioned in Millennium Red with a green power button, yellow reset button, a Christmas Seaman frogman silhouette on the front and a silver sticker on the back featuring its unique serial number. A matching controller is included along with a VMU, a copy of the game and a music CD produced by Moichi Kuwahara[1]. The Christmas Seaman software that allowed the user to send a Seaman-based Christmas message to another person was not included with this. The console was packaged in a simple red box with white trimming on the edges and featured "Model; SEAMAN Xmas Package" in large, plain white text.
Like the other Seaman console this was sold exclusively in HMV stores. 800 initially were available on a first come, first serve basis from 11th December with the remaining 50 available via an on-line lottery run between the 12th and 13th of December[2]. I have seen mention that there were additional "prototypes" that either did not have serial numbers or were numbered 000/850, presumably as prizes or for promotional purposes but this is unverified. A Seaman Christmas Package was given away as a prize in a Dreamcast Magazine competition run during January 2000[3].
1. Sega - Release information. (Wayback capture 4th March 2000))
2. Gamespot Japan - Article about release. (Wayback capture 29th February 2000)
3. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) issue 2000-01, page 6
- CODE: Veronica Limited Box
Date 3rd February 2000
Price: ¥34,800
Quantity: 1851 Claire (Red Skeleton); 201 S.T.A.R.S. (Blue Skeleton).
CODE: Veronica Limited Box Claire and S.T.A.R.S. version
These Biohazard/Resident Evil themed consoles were released to coincide with the game Biohazard: CODE Veronica on February 3rd 2000. They are extremely collectible, especially the S.T.A.R.S. Model which will likely set you back close to a couple of thousand just for an unboxed one. They are both transparent "skeleton" designs, have matching controllers, a grey themed VMU and a copy of the First Limited version of the game. The Claire version has a grey base and controller port panel with a translucent red upper shell while the S.T.A.R.S. model has a translucent dark blue upper shell with the "S.T.A.R.S." logo on the lid. The box was brown with a faint grid pattern, the S.T.A.R.S. logo and a red stripe with white "CODE: Veronica" text and was the same for both models with no indication which one was within.
There were 2000 units made available through a purchase by lottery process conducted through Sega Partner stores between the 1st and 5th of January and D-Direct between the 2nd and 5th with the winners announced on January 17th (18th on D-Direct)[1][2]. Going by the list of winning numbers it would appear that there were around 300,000 entries for the lottery. The successful applicants could then purchase the console at the location they applied for it on the day of its release. 1800 of these were the Claire version and 200 were the S.T.A.R.S version however the recipients didn't know which they would receive until they opened the box. In addition to this there was also a campaign called "Hurry Up! CODE: Veronica" run between the 12th and 20th of January[3]. If the First Limited edition of the game was reserved during this time the purchaser would also receive a stainless steel ID card and a letter from Daniel Fox upon release. This letter contained a unique 6 digit code that could be registered on Capcom's website between the 14th and 29th February which would enter the recipient into a lottery with 1 "prototype" version of each of the Limited Box consoles available as the top prizes[4][5]. Unlike the purchasable versions which each had a unique serial number sticker on the back these either didn't have a serial number sticker or were numbered as 000. Furthermore, an additional 50 Claire versions were made available on D-Direct over a year later on the 19th April 2001[6]. I have heard in the past that some prototypes may have been given away as prizes by Famitsu as well but this is unverified.
Steel card and letter with code on from Hurry Up! reservation campaign
1. Sega - Release information. (Wayback capture 1st March 2000)
2. Capcom - List of winning lottery numbers. (Wayback capture 15th February 2000)
3. CCB's Game Review - Post on 12th January 2000 about "Hurry Up!" campaign. (Wayback capture 18th January 2000)
4. Capcom - Prototype Limited Box consoles.(Wayback capture 17th May 2000)
5. Capcom - "Hurry UP! CODE: Veronica campaign rewards. (Wayback capture 17th May 2000)
6. Segamania@Osaka - Post on April 14th 2001 about 50 Claire units on D-Direct.
- Dreamcast R7
Business release:
Date: March 2000
Cost: ¥49,800
Quantity: Unknown
General Release:
Date: 6th September 2001
Cost: ¥9,900
Quantity: Unknown
Announced at the Pachinko/Pachislot Industry Fair 2000, the R7 console was originally sold exclusively to pachinko parlours as terminals for business-related internet services[1]. This access was provided by the included software which apparently also cost an additional ¥5000 a month for access. The console has an all-black shell and matching controller both of which are adorned with "R7" in large gold text with "Regulation#7" in white lettering below. It is packaged in a black box also bearing the same R7 logo. Regulation#7 is a reference to Article 2, paragraph 1, item 7 of the Businesses Affecting Public Morals Regulation Act, Japanese legislation that regulates entertainment businesses[2]. With stock of the Dreamcast dwindling following discontinuation and pachinko parlours opting for PCs instead, Sega decided to release the R7 to the general public albeit with a Dream Passport 3 disc replacing the black R7 disc from the business version[3]. Some, if not all of these were repurposed business models as they were manufactured in 1999 (I own one such model). Models with the Dream Passport 3 are fairly common while models with the R7 disc are much less so. Rarer still is the brown R7 branded shipping box that the business model was delivered in and the pack of novelties that were supplied with it[4].
Pack of novelties provided with business model.
1. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) Issue 2000-09, page 5.
2. Wikipedia - Businesses Affecting Public Morals Regulation Act
3. Sega - Release information for general release. (Wayback capture 26th July 2001)
4. Beep-shop - details about business one.
- Fuji CX-1 Divers 2000 Series
Date: July 12th 2000
Cost: ¥88,888; ¥35,800
Quantity: 5000 units
This Dreamcast/television hybrid was planned by Fuji TV, designed by Aoyama Planning Arts, developed by a company called Smart X Co. Ltd and manufactured by CSK Electronics[1][4]. I've always thought it bore a resemblance to the Moroliens from Space Channel 5 but it was intended as a 70s conceptualization of what a television in 2000 would look like. Its retro-futuristic design has always split opinion and while it is admittedly quite kitschy I personally find it charming, especially as CRT technology is now retro itself. The Fuji Television Network's key station, the free-to-air JOCX-TV provides the "CX" part of the product's name while "Divers" is apparently derived from Odaiba[3], the large artificial island in Tokyo Bay upon which Fuji TV is headquartered. The product's oddly specific price of ¥88,888 alludes to Channel 8 as the numeral was an important part of the channel's identity for many years and used quite prominently in branding until 1986[2]. "2000 Series" implies that this could be part of a larger project but I haven't found anything else related to this.
Example of JOCX-TV ident from the 1980s
The unit itself contained a 14" CRT screen with a Dreamcast console integrated into its body. The chassis was blue with a swept back curved housing, a GD-Rom hatch on the top, four controller ports underneath the screen, translucent "antennae" protruding above and below the screen and panels on each side housing semi-circular banks of green LEDs which could be set to light up in reaction to the audio. The package also included a keyboard, controller, microphone and a DreamEye camera, all finished with a turquoise skeleton design plus a remote control and the software Visual Park was included as well. The TV could be connected to the internet but as the modem was built in, the CX-1 couldn't be used with the broadband adaptor.
This was available to order on the Hitachi Maxell website D-Max with orders starting on the 21st of March with 1000 units initially available to pre-order but it could also be purchased through mail order from the Fuji TV shopping program Dinos[3][4]. I understand that it was also sold in T-ZONE in Akihabara at one point although this is unverified and in June 2002 D-Direct started selling remaining ones at a price of ¥35,800 with delivery on the 25th of July[5].
1. PC Watch - Details about CX-1 development. (Wayback capture 20th June 2000)
2. Wikipedia - Information about Fuji Television Network.
3. Segamania@Osaka - Post on February 23rd 2000 about CX-1.
4. D Max - Product page for CX-1 (Click on CX-1 image for specifications). (Wayback capture 11th May 2000)
5. D-direct - Stock in 2002. (Wayback capture 22nd June 2002)
- Gold Dreamcast
Date: Late August 2000
Price: Competition prize only (valued at around ¥60,000)
Quantity: 5/6
These were given away exclusively as prizes for the baseball game Pro Yakyuu Team de Asobou Net! with the Famitsu DC winning one in an editorial tournament sponsored by Sega and Smilebit against other magazines. The original announcement from Famitsu DC is no longer available but reports from other sites at the time place the tournament about 2 weeks after the game's launch on August 10th 2000. They quote the Famitsu DC article as saying that the console was worth about ¥60,000 suggesting that it is gold plated rather than just a gold coloured finish[2]. It was also apparently said to be "the only one in the World"[3] which would be odd if their one had the serial number sticker on the back so perhaps they have one in addition to the 5 numbered ones. I haven't found any definite information regarding other online tournaments though. There was a post captured on the game's website BBS from "Jennie" on the 28th August 2000 where the poster asks about a Sega sponsored tournament that day at 10 o'clock[4]. The replies however seem to think they were mixing that up with the tournament Famitsu DC won earlier in the week.
The mythical Gold Dreamcast is remarkable in that it is well known to Dreamcast collectors and yet it has remained elusive for over 20 years. However in recent months four have appeared on eBay. Understandably, questions about the authenticity of these have been raised. Without an established point of reference it's hard to be sure of anything but comparing the below, that German ones do look different to the Belarussian ones. They appear to be shinier, reflecting their surroundings less diffusely and look more like they are gold plated. It may just be lighting and the angles of the photos but with 1/5 there also seems to be a discrepancy in the finish between the main unit and the controller. Even if they are fake I do think it is still beneficial to have them documented and I'll update as and when more information becomes available.
Gold Dreamcast 1/5:
In late August 2022 a seller in Belarus put up a Dreamcast with a case. The serial number wasn't visible but you can see "1/5" written on the top right corner of the foam.
Gold Dreamcast 2/5
In March 2023 Gold Dreamcast 2/5 including a case appeared was sold on eBay by a German seller. A picture of underneath the GD-Rom lid shows the numbers 08.25 and assuming that this is a date, the 25th August does line up with what little else is known. It also included a photograph, presumably of the original owner when they won it. It sold for $10,300 after 74 bids.
Gold Dreamcast 3/5:
In July/August 2022 this was sold by a seller in Belarus. It was initially sold and then relisted, possibly due to ongoing trade restrictions with Belarus following their involvement with Russia's invasion of Ukraine rendering them unable to deliver the sale as the seller has some negative feedback on a Sonic 10th Anniversary console for this reason. I notice that it has a green electrical testing sticker on the underside suggesting it was located in a professional environment at some point. Perhaps a developer or magazine department acquired it and had it set up? This was sold without a case and sold for $2000 with 9 bids.
Gold Dreamcast 4/5:
In January 2023, this one with a case was sold by a German seller. This was number 4/5 and sold for $11,100 after 120 bids :
It has also been suggested that the last production Dreamcast was also a Gold Dreamcast but that is false. This misconception probably started in response to an interview that IGN conducted with Charles Bellfield in 2001[5] in which he mentioned the last production Dreamcast was going to be special:
The final production Dreamcast was actually given away as a prize by the US magazine GamePro. It was a regular version that was signed by all of Sega's development teams and came with a copy of every single first party game for the console[6].
1. eBay Listing for Gold Dreamcast.
2. Segamania@Osaka - Post on August 26th 2000 about Famitsu winning the Gold Dreamcast.
3. CCB's Game Review - Post on August 25th about Famitsu winning the Gold Dreamcast. (Wayback capture 3rd February 2001)
4. Pro Yakkyu BBS - Thread asking about Sega sponsored tournament. (Wayback capture 27th February 2001)
5. IGN - Interview with Charles Bellfield. (Wayback capture 2nd December 2001)
6. Segaretro - GamePro Magazine Issue 163, page 117 - Super Black
Release date: 10th October 2000
Price: ¥21,800
Quantity: ~1700 Units
The Super Black limited edition has a straightforward all-black shell and came with a matching controller and a copy of Dream Passport 3. It is packaged in a standard plain white box which had a "Limited Edition Dreamcast" sticker in the upper left corner of the top face. It was commissioned as a headlining product for the relaunch of D-Direct in July 2000 with a limited number of 100 units available through a purchase by lottery campaign run between the 3rd and 17th of July[1]. On his Segasta diary, head of D-Direct Tadashi Takezaki talked about its conception. Common feedback he received about the Dreamcast was "if it was black, I would buy it" and as he wanted some exclusive products for the website and the black casing was already in production for the R7 pachinko parlour models, an all-black Dreamcast seemed ideal[2]. He also reflected that he wanted to have "128-bit" in gold letters on it - a nod to the Mega Drive - but this was rejected. Demand for this far exceeded expectations however with over 50 times as many entrants as there were consoles[3]. As a result a second campaign was run in August between the 3rd and 16th, this time with the units made to order so that all interested could purchase one and wouldn't have to pay over the odds to a reseller on an auction site[4]. According to JDCM a total of about 1600 additional units were produced[5] and while the implication is of a demand for about 5000, this lower figure probably accounts for lower interest from resellers and people who entered the first lottery multiple times.
A further 30 were also made available on D-Direct in March 2001[6] plus another couple were given away in competitions with one available as a prize from a competition run by the Japanese Dreamcast Magazine during January 2001. Starting in November 2000 a weekly Eternal Arcadia (Skies of Arcadia) themed D-Direct quiz was held for 12 weeks. Each week a software prize was awarded and after the twelfth week those who got perfect scores were entered into a lottery with a Super Black Dreamcast as the main prize[7].
1. Famitsu - First campaign details. (Wayback capture 5th June 2001)
2. Segasta - Post on 29th of June about conception of product.
3. Segasta- Post on 18th July about demand.
4. D-Direct - Made to order campaign. (Wayback capture 8th September 2001)
5. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) - Issue 2000-37, page 30
6. D-Direct - 30 units in 2001. (Wayback capture 3rd March 2001)
7. Dricas – Quiz with Super Black as prize. (Wayback capture 30th April 2001)
- Sakura Wars Dreamcast for Internet
Date: 28th December 2000
Price: ¥25,800; ¥14,800
Quantity: Unknown
This Sakura Wars themed Dreamcast was released as part of Sakura Project 2000, a multi-media celebration of the series in the lead up to Sakura Wars 3[1]. The main unit had a cherry blossom pink upper shell featuring an array of cast members along the circular contour of the lid, golden text on the front, a matching controller and a VMU. It also comes with the Kinematron software (Sakura Wars themed mail software), a Sakura Wars themed version of Dream Passport 3 and a movie disc of Sakura Wars 3[2]. It is packaged in an attractive pink box adorned with a large image of Sakura wielding her katana amidst cherry blossoms. It could be purchased through D-Direct, at Taisho Romando stores or via the Sakura Wars website. Reservations opened online on 11th November with Taisho Roman members getting the benefit of being able to reserve it from the 9th[3] but from the 23rd November they could be reserved at the Taisho Romando stores as well[4]. Its price was reduced to ¥14,800 following the standard unit's second official price drop[3] and it appears that as remaining Dreamcast stocks dwindled these were sold in general stores as well[5].
1. Gamespot - Sakura Project 2000 details.
2. EG - Package details. (Wayback capture 17th April 2001)
3. Segamania@Osaka - Post on 31st October 2000 about reservations.
4. Segamania@Osaka - Post on 21st November 2000 about Taisho Romando reservations.
5. D-Direct - Price update. (Wayback capture 17th February 2001)
- Pearl Blue, Pearl Pink and Silver Metallic
Date: 29th March 2001
Cost: ¥14,000
Quantity: Unknown
These were limited edition models sold exclusively on D-Direct with reservations originally starting in January but this was suspended following the announcement of Sega's structural reform plan and the Dreamcast's discontinuation and second official price drop before resuming on February 22nd. By the 23rd these had sold out[2]. These were initially announced as costing ¥21,000 but this was revised to ¥14,000 [1][3]. Each of these had upper shells with Pearl Blue, Pearl Pink and Metallic Silver finishes respectively along with a matching controller. They came in a plain white box with a sticker on the upper left corner of the top face identifying them. Some more units were also made available on D-Direct from March 15th[4]. Prior to this, there was a Christmas Fair campaign on D-Direct between the 30th November and 22nd December 2000 which saw a prototype Pearl Pink model given away as the top prize[5].
I haven't been able to find any reliable information regarding quantities of these and while the number 200 gets cited, I'm skeptical about the accuracy of that figure. The D-Direct pages make no mention of the quantity and they weren't sold via a lottery process either. Following the initial Super Black campaign launch of 100 units more were commissioned so that people wouldn't have to pay a high price on auction sites to acquire one resulting in the second wave of pre-orders. I would have expected more of these to be available for that reason although Sega's structural reform plan announcement could very well have forced changes of course. The sales figures of the Dreamcast in February may be an indication of how many of these there were. The Dreamcast sold 1523 units between the 5th and 11th, 1520 units between the 12th and the 18th and 6359 units between the 19th and 25th[6][7][8]. Sales had dropped following the announcement of the price cut because that wasn't going to apply until March 1st so it made sense to wait and get the console at a cheaper price. The week during which the Pink, Blue and Silver Dreamcasts were made available to pre-order again saw a jump of almost 5000 units over the previous two and while I can't be sure as to how many of these models were sold, it seems likely they contributed significantly to this number. Takezaki mentioned on his blog that due to how quickly they sold out in February some more units were commissioned resulting in the second set of pre-orders in March[9]. This was for a smaller amount than the first and it's possible that this second wave was for 200 units each and this is where that number came from. From casual observations though I'd say that the Silver model definitely seems more common than the Pink and Blue ones.
The finish of the Silver Metallic model was also in consideration for the Saturn at the pre-production stage but was abandoned due to the cost[10].
1. D-Direct - Announcement. (Wayback capture 1st February 2001)
2. Segamania@Osaka - Post on February 23rd mentions the Silver DC had sold out.
3. D-Direct - Price update. (Wayback capture 17th February 2001)
4. D-Direct - Christmas Fair campaign. (Wayback capture 28th January 2001)
5. Segamania@Osaka - Post on March 9th 2001 about more units being made available.
6. Famitsu - Hardware sales figures for 5th to 11th February
7. Famitsu - Hardware sales figures for 12th to 18th February
8. Famitsu - Hardware sales figures for 19th to 25th February
9. Segasta - Post on 12th March 2001 about additional units.
10. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) Issue 2001-06, page 26
- Custom Dreamcast
Date: 11th April 2002
Cost: ¥14,800
Quantity: 78 Units
Also known as the Gundam RX-78 Dreamcast, this was produced to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of D-Direct and was the last model of Dreamcast manufactured with only 78 being produced, a reference to Mobile Suit Gundam of which the software compilation Federation VS. Zeon & DX was released on the same day. Once again a purchase by lottery system was employed with applications available through D-Direct between the 21st February and 13th March 2002. On the 15th the winners were notified and received an e-mail containing the URL to purchase the machine and a purchase ID for verification[1].
The consoles themselves have a blue upper shell with a yellow panel on the GD-Rom lid, red Power and Reset buttons and come with a matching blue controller. Their packaging is a plain white box with a sticker in the upper left of the top face identifying it. Like the Seaman Xmas Package and CODE: Veronica models each unit has a silver sticker on the back with its unique serial number. Due to their very low production count these have been highly sought after by collectors since their release and can command very high prices on the second-hand market. Even a week or two after release number 61/78 is reported to have sold on Yahoo Auctions Japan for 76,000 JPY[2]; this exact Dreamcast was also sold on the website eStarland fairly recently as well (Wayback captures suggest the page was created in 2019)[3].
1. D-Direct - lottery campaign for console. (Wayback capture 5th March 2002)
2. Segamania@Osaka - Post on April 26th 2002 about auction sale.
3. eStarland - stock page for Custom Dreamcast 61/78.
Unreleased Models
These are Dreamcast models that were never made available for purchase or as prizes.
- Swatch "the Club"
On February 24th 2000, Swatch and Sega announced a partnership that would see See Sega adopt Swatch's proposed Internet Time also known as .beat time[1]. Swatch's idea was to divide the day into 1000 "beats" of 1 minute, 26.4 seconds which they believed would make international communication easier as these were independent of time zones. You can see this in some Sega software such as Phantasy Star Oline where Swatch's Internet Time is displayed as a number preceded by "@" e.g. @345. Swatch's Access Watches would also be able to communicate with the Dreamcast via an unreleased RFID adaptor which would have plugged into the controller. One use proposed for this was for the user to purchase an event ticket online through their DC then transfer that pass onto their watch for quicker and more convenient entry to the venue[2].
This also saw the creation of an exclusive Dreamcast which was displayed at the the event. This had a white base and buttons with a skeleton blue shell bearing a watch-like schematic pattern on the lid and a matching controller. It's unclear if this was created solely for promotional purposes or was a prototype for a possible line of Limited Edition models. In an interview with the Japanese Dreamcast Magazine later that year Atsunori Himoto, a hardware designer for Sega was asked about the probability of the Access RFID adaptor being released and he replied "3%" so it would seem that the partnership fizzled out fairly quickly[3].
1. Sega - Press release about the Swatch partnership. (Wayback capture 16th August 2000)
2. PC Watch - Report on the announcement. (Wayback capture 25th May 2000)
3. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) issue 2000-41, page 94.
- Assorted Prototypes
Displayed at Autumn TGS 1998. This peculiar prototype makes the PS5 look conventional and was a proposal by an Italian design studio[1].
Displayed at Autumn TGS 1998. Black US prototype design that has more of a resemblance to the Dreamcast's predecessor, the Saturn[1].
Displayed at Autumn TGS 1998. White Dreamcast prototype that looks closer to the finished product[1].
Displayed at Autumn TGS 1998. Yellow Maziora protoype.
Excerpt from Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) article featuring different configurations of the Maziora Dreamcast[1].
Dreamcast with 6 controller ports. IGN's Colin "w00t" Williamson posted this as part of a November 2000 article about Dreamcast prototypes stating he received it from a friend at Sega of Japan.[2].
1. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) Issue 2000-37, page 28.
2. IGN article about Dreamcast prototypes.
- D-Direct Carbon Black and Camouflage Blue
In September 2000 the Japanese Dreamcast Magazine published a feature about D-Direct and limited edition products. In it D-Direct managersTadashi Takezaki and Toshimasa Kubo are seen displaying various limited editions and prototypes including a Maziora and Taisho Romando model. On the following page we get a closer look at five of them: the Pearl Pink, Pearl Blue, Silver Metallic, Camouflage Blue and Carbon Black models[1]. The first three released the following year of course but the other two which seem to sport black/dark grey bases with silver buttons and controller port panels never did. As they were highlighted with three models that were released shortly thereafter, presumably the Camouflage and Carbon models were planned for a 2001 release but the Dreamcast's discontinuation put an end to that. There was a VMU and a controller released that used the Carbon Black styling however.
1. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) issue 2000-30, page 25.
- Unknown Dreamcast Used by Tetsuya Mizuguchi to Demonstrate K-Project
This one is a curious observation more than anything else. On Monday the 12th February 2001 the documentary "Behind the scenes of the trillion Yen video games industry" was broadcast. This was an episode of the Nippon TV documentary program Super TV Information Frontline and featured some big names from the industry including Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Square's Hironobu Sakaguchi[1][2]. In it Tetsuya Mizuguchi demonstrates K-Project (Rez) for the first time and does so on a Dreamcast that doesn't appear to match others I've seen. It's difficult to see it clearly on the tv program but fortunately there was a photograph published in the Japanese Dreamcast Magazine[3] that shows it a little better:
It has a reddish upper shell with some sort of white logo on it. It looks like a white rectangle so perhaps it is actually tape covering something up for advertising or confidentiality reasons. The closest in appearance seems to be the Seaman Christmas Package but the colours of the buttons appear to be white instead of yellow/green not to mention that the Seaman console is fully red instead of just the upper shell. Similarly, the colour scheme of the controller doesn't match the Xmas Seaman one and that doesn't have a logo on it either. Like the Camouflage Blue and Carbon Black models above, this is possibly a prototype for a model that was planned but got cancelled following the console's discontinuation.
I managed to track down the documentary on YouTube for those curious but it is of course Japanese only.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOVgVSNbiV8
1. Famitsu - Information about Super TV documentary. (Wayback capture 6th March 2001)
2. Segamania@Osaka - Post on 12/13th Feb 2001 about Super TV Documentary.
3. Segaretro - Dreamcast Magazine (Japan) Issue 2001-07, page 32.
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