The Sega SC-3000 is a home computer that was first released by Sega in 1983. It was one of the first computers to be marketed towards the home consumer and was aimed at being both a home computer and a game console. The SC-3000 was released in Japan, Australia and Europe and was one of the first computers to be sold in those countries.
The SC-3000 had a Z80 processor which was a common processor for home computers at the time and had a clock speed of 3.58 MHz. It had a graphics resolution of 256 x 192 pixels and was capable of displaying 16 colors at once. It had 8 KB of RAM and came with a built-in BASIC interpreter which allowed users to write their own programs and games. The SC-3000 also had a cartridge slot which allowed users to play games on the system.
One of the key features of the SC-3000 was its keyboard, which was built into the computer. This made it easy for users to type in programs and play games without having to purchase additional hardware. The keyboard was a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad and function keys, making it a great tool for programming and general computing.
The SC-3000 was also compatible with a wide range of peripherals, including a cassette deck for storage, a printer for printing out programs, and a light pen for drawing. This made it a versatile computer for home users and made it possible for them to use it for a wide range of applications.
In terms of games, the SC-3000 had a library of over 200 games that were available on cartridges. Some of the most popular games for the SC-3000 included "Hang-On," "Asterix," and "Wonder Boy." These games were known for their high-quality graphics and sound and were a big reason why the SC-3000 was so popular among gamers.
Despite its popularity, the SC-3000 was eventually discontinued by Sega in 1988. However, it still has a dedicated following of fans and enthusiasts who continue to use and collect the system today.
In conclusion, the Sega SC-3000 was a groundbreaking home computer that paved the way for other home computers and game consoles. Its combination of a built-in keyboard, high-quality graphics and sound, and wide range of peripherals made it a versatile and popular computer for home users. While it may no longer be in production, the SC-3000 remains a beloved and important part of gaming history.