i-mode
From Sega Retro
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i-mode (iモード) was a mobile internet service created by NTT DoCoMo. It offered a means to allow mobile phones to access the internet.
Sega began supporting the service in Japan in December 1999[1], initially offering downloadable ringtones under Sega Kara branding. This is thought to have been Sega's first foray into mobile phones, and would release its first games starting in March 2000, when it began selling downloadable software through a portal called Sega Mode (セガ・モード)[2].
i-mode-compatible software was strictly monochrome for its first couple of years, and Sega released small handful of software for the service over the course of 2000. On 26th January 2001, NTT DoCoMo released the 503i range of phones (initially the Digital Mova F503i Hyper (by Fujitsu) and Digital Mova P503i Hyper (by Matsushita)), which included support for "i-appli" (iアプリ), J2ME-based programs[3]. In conjunction with this, Sega launched the Sonic Cafe service alongside a few i-appli games based on Sonic Team properties (initially for free as part of a trial period, until becoming paid downloads on the 25th February[4]).
As more advanced i-mode phones were released, the i-appli branding was phased out. Sega continued to support the platform (both new and old handsets) for the following decade. Eventually Sega Mode was rebranded Sega Parade (セガ・パレード) to match the naming scheme seen on the rival J-Sky and EZweb platforms.
While i-mode subscriptions were strong through the 2000s, with the advent of the iPhone and Android devices, as well as greater support for web standards, the service began to be abandoned by customers, however remained in active service until 2026. Attempts have been made to sell i-mode devices in a number of countries outside of Japan, but none were as successful.
Contents
Hardware
New generations of i-mode phones were released almost every year, with major Japanese electronics manufacturers using NTT DoCoMo's specifications as a pseudo-standard. While the operating system and software was usually identical between manufacturers, the physical designs of the phones were not, something later emulated with Android devices.
501i series
The very first i-mode phone to be launched was the Digital Mova F501i Hyper (デジタル・ムーバ F501i HYPER) by Fujitsu in February 1999, starting what would be termed the 501i series.
F501i (Fujitsu; 1999-02-22)
D501i (Mitsubishi; 1999-03-24
N501i (NEC; 1999-03-24)
P501i (Matsushita; 1999-05-20)
502i series
The second generation of i-mode phones began offering colour screens as an option.
D502i (Mitsubishi; 2000-01-07)
N502i (NEC; )
SO502i (Sony; 2000-06-01)
N502it (NEC; 2000-09-01)
SO502iWM (Sony; 2000-12-01)
503i series
The 503i series were the first i-mode phones compatible with i-appli programs. However, said programs could not be larger than 10KB, limiting their use.
Technical specifications
List of games
- Blocks (2001)
- ChuChu Edit (2001)
- ChuChu Puzzle! (2001)
- Deep Scan (2001)
- Doki Doki Penguin Land (2001)
- Dragon Book (2003)
- Dragon Crystal (2003)
- Eggman no Kazuate Panic! (2002)
- Erica Drop (?)
- Fantasy Zone: Boss no Gyakushuu (2001)
- Futari de Puyo Puyo (2001)
- Futari de Puyo Puyo (2002)
- Gemini Drop (2004)
- Hanagumi Gionkan (?)
- Hanagumi Hyakkaten (?)
- Hanagumi Shashinkan (?)
- Head-On (2001)
- Hitori de Puyo Puyo (2001)
- Janken Senshi Triple (2004)
- Kakonde Buu! (2004)
- Keitai Adventure: Rakuen no Tobira (2003)
- Keitai de Nagai Tsuitachi (2002)
- Keitai de Nagai Tsuitachi 2 (?)
- Keitai Kinematron (2002)
- Koibumi Roman (?)
- Monaco GP (2001)
- NiGHTS (2001)
- Onegai Cupid (2004)
- OutRun (2001)
- Pengo (2001)
- Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Character Timer (2002)
- Pipe Line (2003)
- Pokke ni Tennis (2001)
- Pokke ni Tennis Doubles (2002)
- Puyo Puyo Task Mode (2001)
- Puyo Puyo Task Mode (2002)
- Pyramid Magic (2002)
- Pyramid Magic II (2003)
- Sakura Senryuu (2003)
- Samba de Amigo (2001)
- Samba de Amigo (2001)
- Soccer Eleven (2001)
- Sonic Billiards (2002)
- Sonic Bowling (2002)
- Sonic Darts (2003)
- Sonic Golf (2002)
- Sonic Golf C-Mode Cup (2002)
- Sonic Hearts (2004)
- Sonic Hopping ( ?)
- Sonic Hopping 2 (2004)
- Sonic no Jirai Sagashi Game (2002)
- Sonic Panel Puzzle (2004)
- Sonic Putter (2003)
- Sonic Racing Kart (2003)
- Sonic Racing Shift Up ( ?)
- Sonic Reversi (2003)
- Sonic Tennis (2001)
- Sonic the Hedgehog (2001)
- Sonic Watch (2001)
- Space Harrier (2001)
- Speed (2002)
- Tama-Oh (2003)
- Teigeki Club (?)
- Tokoton Puyo Puyo (2002)
- Tranquilizer Gun (2002)
- Venus Paradise (2000)
Gallery
P503i (Matsushita; 2001-01-26[3])
N503i (NEC; 2001-03-03)
P503iS (Matsushita; 2001-05-08)
F503iS (Fujitsu; 2001-08-14)
N503iS (NEC; 2001-08-27)
D503iS (Mitsubishi; 2001-09-20)
SO503iS (Sony; 2001-09-20)
504i series
The 504i series can run i-appli programs up to 30KB (three times as large as the 503i series), though is fully backwards compatible with the older i-appli releases. The 504i software library is smaller than the 503i's, likely to ensure a bigger audience.
Technical specifications
List of games
- $ Hako Slot (2003)
- Amigo-kun no Doki Doki Aishou Check (2002)
- Baccarat (2004)
- Baiman Renpatsu Sannin Mahjong (2005)
- Baku Baku Animal ( ?)
- Billy Hatcher Hyper Shoot (2003)
- Black Jack (2004)
- Blades of Glory (2003)
- Chin Chirorin (2004)
- Crazy Drive (2003)
- Daifugou (2003)
- Dragon Book 2 (2003)
- Dragon Crystal II (2003)
- Duel Cart (2003)
- Exciting Derby (2003)
- Flicky (2003)
- Gravel Rally Championship (2003)
- Hanagumi Columns (2004)
- Hanagumi Frame (?)
- Hansel to Warui Majo (2005)
- Hyakunin Isshu (2003)
- Koi Koi (2004)
- Mapeslo (2003)
- Medal Quest (2003)
- Muppet Hunt (2003)
- Nakayoshi Chao! (2002)
- New York Hoshigumi Columns (2006)
- Paddle Fighter (2003)
- Panda Dash (2003)
- Paris Hanagumi Columns (2005)
- Paris no Yuugana Tsuitachi Keitai-ban (2005)
- Pastel Roulette (2003)
- Psychic Fantasy (2003)
- Push & Drop (2003)
- Puyo Puyo DX (2002)
- Puyo Puyo DX Christmas Ver. (2002)
- Puyo Puyo Fever (2004)
- Reversi (2004)
- Sonic Gammon (2004)
- Tails no Flying Get (2003)
- Taisen Mahjong HaoPai 2 (2003)
- Tama-Oh 2 (2004)
- Tower Totter (2003)
- Tranquilizer Gun (2002)
- Yoidore Risshiden DX (2003)
Gallery
D504i (Mitsubishi; 2002-05-24)
F504i (Fujitsu; 2002-05-24)
N504i (NEC; 2002-05-29)
SO504i (Sony; 2002-06-03)
P504iS (Matsushita; 2002-11-12)
N504iS (NEC; 2002-11-22)
F504iS (Fujitsu; 2002-12-27)
505i series
The 505i series added Macromedia Flash support for web pages, and higher resolution i-appli programs branded as "i-appli DX"[5].
Technical specifications
List of games
- 10-Ren Poker (?)
- Amigo-kun no Doki Doki Aishou Check (2003)
- Amy no Page One (2005)
- Billy Hatcher Hyper Shoot (2003)
- Blocks (2004)
- Blocks The Next Level (2006)
- Columns Jewel (2005)
- Daifugou Pretty (2004)
- Doki Doki Penguin Land (2006)
- Dragon Book 2 (2003)
- Dragon Crystal II (2003)
- Foxy Shot (2005)
- Fukurou-kun no Happy Gomoku (2004)
- Gateball de Asobou! (2005)
- Gold Bar (2005)
- Hansel to Warui Majo (2005)
- Hissatsu Dobon (2005)
- Hyakunin Isshu (2003)
- Janken Senshi Triple (2004)
- Jigsaw Puzzle (2003)
- Jukugon (2005)
- Jukugon 2 (2006)
- Kakonde Buu! (2004)
- Kimi no Tame nara Shineru Ugoku e Puzzle (2004)
- Monaco GP (2004)
- Onegai Cupid (2004)
- Phantasy Star (2003)
- Pipe Line (2003)
- Pokke ni Tennis (2003)
- Psychic Fantasy (2003)
- Psychic Fantasy 2 (2004)
- Puyo Puyo DX (2003)
- Puyo Puyo Fever (2004)
- Puyo Puyo Tsuu (2006)
- Puyo Puyo Zurashi (2006)
- Pyramid Magic (2003)
- Pyramid Magic II (2003)
- Seesaw Jump 2005 (2005)
- Shadow Shoot (2006)
- Sonic Darts (2004)
- Sonic Gammon (2004)
- Sonic Hearts (2004)
- Sonic Hopping ( ?)
- Sonic Hopping 2 (2004)
- Sonic Jump (2005)
- Sonic no 7 Narabe (2006)
- Sonic no Daifuugou (2005)
- Sonic Panel Puzzle (2004)
- Sonic Racing Kart (2003)
- Sonic Reversi (2003)
- Sonic Reversi Hyper (2005)
- Sonic Speed DX (2006)
- Sonic Tennis (2004)
- Speed DX (2003)
- Sugorouku (2004)
- Sun Sun Golf (2005)
- Tails no Flying Get (2003)
- Tama-Oh (2003)
- Tama-Oh 2 (2004)
- Tranquilizer Gun (2002)
- Waretsuku ga Horu Mon (2005)
- Wonder Boy (2004)
- Wonder Boy Monster Land (?)
Gallery
D505i (Mitsubishi; 2003-05-23[6])
P505i (Matsushita; 2003-06-20)
F505i (Fujitsu; 2003-07-11)
P505iS (Matsushita; 2003-11-12)
D505iS (Mitsubishi; 2003-11-16)
N505iS (NEC; 2003-12-10)
SH505iS (Sharp; 2003-12-12)
SO505iS (Sony; 2003-12-12)
F505iGPS (Fujitsu; 2003-12-24)
P506iC (Matsushita; 2004-07-10)
SO506iC (Sony; 2004-07-23)
506i series
The 506i series offers much the same technical specifications as the 505i, with the major changes being to user interface and the camera.
D506i (Mitsubishi; 2004-05-19)
F506i (Fujitsu; 2004-05-19)
N506i (NEC; 2004-06-26)
SH506iC (Sharp; 2004-07-16)
SO506iC (Sony; 2004-07-23)
N506iS (NEC; 2005-02-05)
SO506iS (Sony; 2005-05-27)
90x series
After some previous experimentation, NTT DoCoMo decided to make the 3G-enabled "FOMA" phones the flagship i-mode devices. This coincided with a new "90x" numbering scheme, starting with the 900i series. i-appli programs could now be as large as 500KB, and other improvements in technical specifications allowed for real-time 3D. While there would be further upgrades over the coming years (901i, 902i, 903i etc.) Sega's chose instead to make its software compatible with all 90x devices.
Technical specifications
List of games
- Aka-chan wa Doko Kara Kuru no? Koitsu Hen (2005)
- Avatar o Tsukurou! (2005)
- Bare Knuckle Mobile (2008)
- Blades of Glory 2 (2009)
- Blades of Monsters (2011)
- Castle Jack Online (2005)
- Chokkan o e Kaki (2007)
- Crossword no Mori 2: Ubawa Reta Mori (2009)
- Crossword no Mori 3: Kotonoha no Yukue (2009)
- Crossword no Mori: Sarawa Reta Megami (2009)
- Deck Quest (2004)
- Dennou Senki Virtual-On (2008)
- Derby Ba o Tsukurou! Mobile (2006)
- Derby Ba o Tsukurou! Mobile 2007 (2007)
- Dou Butsu Yama Sports Test (2005)
- Fantasy Zone (2007)
- Football Manager Quiz: Pro Soccer Quiz ni Kotaeyou! (?)
- Gain Ground Again (2010)
- Hime-sama o Shokuji Desu! (2005)
- The House of the Dead Mobile (?)
- Ikenai Koi Mail (2010)
- J.League Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou! Mobile (2005)
- J.League Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou! Mobile 2 (2005)
- J.League Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou! Mobile 2.06 (?)
- J.League Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou! Mobile 2.07 (?)
- J.League Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou! Mobile 2005 (?)
- J.League Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou! Mobile 3 (?)
- J.League Pro Striker 2005 (2005)
- J.League Pro Striker 2006 (?)
- K-Typing of the Dead (2006)
- Kaitou Reinya in Columns (2010)
- Kanashimi no Genei (2010)
- Katachidasu (2008)
- Kaze no Wadatsumi (2011)
- Koizora for Girls: Kun to Kanaderu Mirai (2009)
- Koizora: Kimi ga Hohoemu Machi (2005)
- Madou Monogatari I (2008)
- Madou Monogatari II (2008)
- Madou Monogatari III (2009)
- Mezase! Kin Medal (2007)
- Monster World II (2009)
- Nanpure Trainer (2011)
- Nazo Puyo (2006)
- Nazo Puyo 2 (2006)
- OutRun (2008)
- Phantasy Star (2004)
- Power Smash Mobile (2004)
- Pro Yakyuu Team o Tsukurou! Mobile (2005)
- Puyo Puyo Fever DX (2006)
- Puyo Puyo Sun (2006)
- Puyo Puyo Tsuu DX Ketteiban (2011)
- Puyo Puyo! (2009)
- Puyo Puyo~n & Columns (2007)
- Saka Puyo DX (2004)
- Sakura Taisen (2006)
- Sega Rally Championship (2006)
- Shikinjoh (2004)
- Shining Force Chronicle I (2005)
- Shining Force Chronicle II (2005)
- Shining Force Chronicle III (2006)
- Shining Force EXA Mobile (2007)
- Shining Road 2: Kuroki Ryuu no Miko (2006)
- Shining Road: To the Force (2005)
- Shining Wind X (2008)
- Shinobi (2011)
- Shougi no Oushou: Oute Machi Shiten ( ?)
- Shuukan Crossword no Mori (2010)
- Shuukan Logic (2012)
- Skeleton Trainer (2012)
- Sonic Bowling (2011)
- Sonic Dash Quiz (2009)
- Sonic Golf 3D (2006)
- Sonic Kart 3DX (2005)
- Sonic Putter (2009)
- Sonic the Hedgehog (2005)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2006)
- Sukima no Mushi (2011)
- Super Monkey Ball Mobile (2008)
- Taisen Baku Baku Animal (2005)
- Taisen Daifugou (2005)
- Taisen Puyo Puyo Fever (2007)
- Taisen Puyo Puyo Fever DX (2008)
- Taisen Puyo Puyo Tsuu DX (2008)
- Taisen Reversi (2005)
- Toki Shi Koi (2009)
- Virtua Fighter Mobile (2008)
- Virtua Racing (2008)
- Woody Pop (2007)
Gallery
70x series
Cost-reduced 70x "FOMA" phones were also sold. The specifications are ahead of the 505i series but below the 90x series.
Technical specifications
List of games
- After Burner II DX (2007)
- Boku to Tora-san. (2009)
- Burning Rescue (2008)
- ChuChu Rocket! ( ?)
- Flicky (2007)
- Gold Athlete (2007)
- Hang-On (2007)
- Head-On (2008)
- Jukugon Sanran Ki (2006)
- Kanji Trainer Mobile (2007)
- O Ekaki Sega Roji (2008)
- Pengo (2007)
- Pokke ni Tennis 3D (?)
- Puyo Puyo Fever Habanero (2007)
- Puyo Puyo Fever N (2005)
- Puyo Puyo Solitaire (2008)
- Sakura Taisen Ongakukan ( ?)
- Sangokushi Shisenshou ( ?)
- Slide Puzzle (2007)
- Sonic Billiards (2006)
- Sonic no Casino Poker (2007)
- Sonic no Jigen Ressha (2007)
- Sonic no Napoleon (2006)
- Space Harrier (2007)
- Strawberry Sweet Pop (2006)
- Taisen 7 Narabe (2006)
- Taisen! Bakudan Daifuugou (2007)
Gallery
Gallery
References
- ↑ http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/corp/news/nr000830_1.html (Wayback Machine: 2001-04-17 11:33)
- ↑ http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/corp/news/nr001215_1.html (Wayback Machine: 2001-07-08 03:16)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/new/contents/01/whatnew0118a.html (Wayback Machine: 2001-02-02 16:56)
- ↑ http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/corp/news/nr010118_1.html (Wayback Machine: 2001-02-03 21:02)
- ↑ http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/new/contents/03/whatnew0408a.html (Wayback Machine: 2003-12-02 16:11)
- ↑ http://505i.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/d505i_top.html (Wayback Machine: 2003-06-03 19:48)
- ↑ http://505i.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/so505i_top.html (Wayback Machine: 2003-06-04 08:29)
- ↑ http://505i.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/sh505i_top.html (Wayback Machine: 2003-06-23 15:01)
- ↑ http://505i.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/n505i_top.html (Wayback Machine: 2003-08-01 08:20)
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