System Name: Sega Dreamcast
Manufacturer: Sega
Released in 1998 in Japan and 1999 in North America and Europe.
The Sega Dreamcast was ahead of its time, featuring groundbreaking innovations like built-in modem support for online play, a unique VMU (Visual Memory Unit) memory card, and strong arcade-quality ports. Games like Sonic Adventure, Jet Set Radio, Shenmue, and Soulcalibur made it a fan favorite. Despite its innovation, the Dreamcast faced stiff competition from Sony’s PlayStation 2 and suffered from Sega’s earlier hardware struggles, leading to its discontinuation after only a few years. Today, it’s celebrated as one of the greatest cult classic consoles in gaming history.
Approximately
The Dreamcast contributed about 8% to Sega’s total income before they exited the hardware business. Although it wasn’t a financial success at the time, it left a major cultural impact and helped pioneer features that would become standard in future consoles.
The price of a used Dreamcast today can vary based on condition, whether it’s a complete in-box (CIB) unit, and the inclusion of games or accessories. On average:
Loose (just the console): Around $100 – $180, depending on condition and included accessories.
Complete in Box (CIB): Around $250 – $400, sometimes higher for pristine sets.