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Sega PicoFrom Sega Retro
The Sega Pico, known as Kids Computer Pico (キッズコンピューター・ピコ) and later Kids Communcation Pico in Japan, is a video game console made by Sega aimed at young children between the ages of 2 and 8. It was first launched to a Japanese audience in 1993 before being brought to North America and Europe in the following year.
HardwareThe Sega Pico uses hardware derived from the Sega Mega Drive (several Mega Drive emulators can in fact run Pico games). Pico cartridges are affectionately called "storyware", as each cartridge is shaped like a book. The console plugs into a TV, and when the book pages are turned, the TV's screen changes to an animated replica. Games are controlled using a "magic pen" similar to the stylus on a Nintendo DS or a tablet. A touch screen controls an on-screen cursor, though there is also a d-pad and a button on the left hand side of the unit. Technical Specifications
HistoryJapanThe Sega Pico was initially released in Japan in June of 1993. It was extremely successful, with games being created for the system more than a decade after its release. The Pico was discontinued in Japan in 2005, mainly to make way for its successor, the Advanced Pico Beena (still in production to this day). The Sega Pico was initially manufactured solely under the Sega brand, however its success led to other companies being involved, such as Yamaha and Copera. There have been numerous Sega Pico models, though the most notable change was that in 2001, where the brand was changed from "Kids Computer Pico" to "'Kids Communcation Pico", with added internet functionalities. At this point all sales were handled by the Sega Toys branch, which remains in control to this day. It is estimated that nearly 300 Pico games were released in Japan. North AmericaIn North America, the Pico was less successful. Debuting in 1994, the console only enjoyed a few years of support before being discontinued in February of 1998. The Pico won critical acclaim amongst Toy and Edutainment companies in the US[1][2] and by 1996 the Pico had an installed base of 400,000 units[3]. Like the Sega Mega Drive, the North American distribution rights were picked up by Majesco after the console's popularity began to dwindle, and in 1999, Majesco reissued Sega Pico systems at the reduced price of $49.99, $100 less than the previous asking price[4]. Only 20 Pico games were released in North America. EuropeThe Pico was released in Europe, with games translated into different languages depending on country. Little is known about the Pico's European endeavours - it is presumed it fared worse than North America, though sources state its lifespan was about the same (1994-1998). It is estimated that roughly 15-18 games made it to Europe. South KoreaThe Pico was also released in South Korea. Very little is known about this model. Pico Models
EmulationPico emulation is notoriously difficult as even though the hardware is similar to that of the Sega Master System and Sega Mega Drive, each game page needs to be scanned and represented digitally. In May 2008 a PC Emulator capable of emulating the controls and games of Pico was released under the name of PicoDrive. It came about due to the release of several prototype Pico ROMs which were released by drx just over 2 months earlier. List of gamesThis is a list of the Sega Pico games released in the US and PAL territories. For Japanese games, see Japan Region Pico games.
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