Difference between revisions of "Sega Pico"

From Sega Retro
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{{stub}}The '''Sega Pico''', known as the '''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 Sega's first "educational" console, running in parallel with more traditional games consoles aimed at the mass market.
+
{{stub}}
  
−
The Pico is a hybrid device, with similarities to a viedo game console and graphical tablet, as well as an electronic book reader. Like a tradtional console the unit plugs into a television, though Pico cartridges are affectionately called "storyware", as each cartridge is shaped like a book, and the user intefaces with the game through the use of a "Magic Pen", buttons and other peripherals. It stands as one of the most successful devices of its kind.
+
The '''Sega Pico''', known in Japan as the '''Kids Computer Pico''' (キッズコンピューター・ピコ) and later the '''Kids Communication Pico''', is a video game console made by [[Sega]], aimed at young children between the ages of 2 and 8. It was Sega's first "educational" console, running in parallel with more traditional games consoles aimed at the mass market. It stands as one of the most successful devices of its kind.
 +
 
 +
The Pico is a hybrid device, with similarities to game consoles, graphics tablets, and electronic book readers. Like a traditional console, the unit plugs into a television. Pico cartridges are affectionately called "storyware", as each cartridge is shaped like a book. The user interfaces with the game through the use of a "Magic Pen", buttons and other peripherals.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Background===
 
===Background===
−
By the time of the early 1990s electronic toys were on the rise, and Sega, a company at its peak decided to create a home console geared towards a younger audience. The result was the Sega Pico, a device derived from the popular Sega Mega Drive console. "Pico", like "Mega" is an [[wikipedia:International_System_of_Units|SI prefix]], in this case equating to 10<sup>−12</sup>.
+
By the time of the early 1990s, electronic toys were on the rise, and Sega, a company at its peak decided to create a home console geared towards a younger audience. The result was the Sega Pico, a device derived from the popular Sega Mega Drive console. "Pico", like "Mega", is an [[wikipedia:International_System_of_Units|SI prefix]], in this case equating to 10<sup>−12</sup>.
  
 
At the time, there were virtually no rival products on the market, certainly none which had been shipped internationally, and it would take a great many years until Sega would face some serious competition (namely from VTech and [[LeapFrog]]).
 
At the time, there were virtually no rival products on the market, certainly none which had been shipped internationally, and it would take a great many years until Sega would face some serious competition (namely from VTech and [[LeapFrog]]).
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The Sega Pico was initially released in Japan in June of 1993. Unbeknownst to many, the Pico stands as one of Sega's most successful consoles in the region and received continous support for over ten years.
 
The Sega Pico was initially released in Japan in June of 1993. Unbeknownst to many, the Pico stands as one of Sega's most successful consoles in the region and received continous support for over ten years.
  
−
The Sega Pico was initially manufactured solely under the Sega brand, however its success led [[Yamaha]] releasing a few versions of its own (similar to [[Hitachi]] and [[Victor]]'s respective HiSaturns and V-Saturn [[Sega Saturn]] consoles). 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 began to be handled by the [[Sega Toys]] branch, which remains in control to this day.
+
The Sega Pico was initially manufactured solely under the Sega brand; however, its success led [[Yamaha]] releasing a few versions of its own (similar to [[Hitachi]] and [[Victor]]'s respective HiSaturns and V-Saturn [[Sega Saturn]] consoles). 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 began to be 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 in total. The console was eventually discontinued in Japan in 2005.
 
It is estimated that nearly 300 Pico games were released in Japan in total. The console was eventually discontinued in Japan in 2005.
  
 
====North America====
 
====North America====
−
In 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.
+
In 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. Only 20 Pico games were released in North America.
  
 
The Pico won critical acclaim amongst Toy and Edutainment companies in the US{{ref|http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+PICO+sweeps+1995+awards%3b+top+honors+and+accolades+from...-a017815970}}{{ref|http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+Pico+once+again+recognized+as+the+leading+children%27s...-a018958803}} and by 1996 the Pico had an installed base of 400,000 units{{ref|http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+Pico+edutainment+system+drives+ELA+category+growth%3b+Pico+grows...-a017981909}}. 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{{ref|http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Majesco+Signs+Licensing+Deal+to+Distribute+Sega+Pico+Educational...-a055353637}}.
 
The Pico won critical acclaim amongst Toy and Edutainment companies in the US{{ref|http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+PICO+sweeps+1995+awards%3b+top+honors+and+accolades+from...-a017815970}}{{ref|http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+Pico+once+again+recognized+as+the+leading+children%27s...-a018958803}} and by 1996 the Pico had an installed base of 400,000 units{{ref|http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+Pico+edutainment+system+drives+ELA+category+growth%3b+Pico+grows...-a017981909}}. 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{{ref|http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Majesco+Signs+Licensing+Deal+to+Distribute+Sega+Pico+Educational...-a055353637}}.
  
−
Only 20 Pico games were released in North America.
 
 
====Europe====
 
====Europe====
 
The Pico was released in Europe and enjoyed a similar run to the US model. All European cartridges are yellow, and (at least) English, French, German and Spanish variants of each game exist.
 
The Pico was released in Europe and enjoyed a similar run to the US model. All European cartridges are yellow, and (at least) English, French, German and Spanish variants of each game exist.
  
−
Little is known about the Pico's European endeavours - it is presumed to have fared worse than North America as slightly fewer games were released in the region, though sources state its lifespan was about the same (1994-1998).
+
Little is known about the Pico's European endeavours - it is presumed to have fared worse than North America as slightly fewer games were released in the region, though sources state its lifespan was about the same (1994–1998).
  
 
====Brazil====
 
====Brazil====
−
In Brazil, the Pico was distributed, as all Sega products of the time were, by [[Tec Toy]]. Brazillian Picos opt for a slightly different colour scheme from the rest, and presumably had games translated into Portuguese.
+
In Brazil, the Pico was distributed – as all Sega products of the time were – by [[Tec Toy]]. Brazillian Picos have a slightly different colour scheme from the rest and presumably had games translated into Portuguese.
  
 
====South Korea====
 
====South Korea====
−
The Pico was also released in South Korea. The South Korean model seems to have faired slightly better than in the west.
+
The Pico was also released in South Korea. The South Korean model seems to have fared slightly better than the Pico did in the west.
  
 
====Asia====
 
====Asia====
−
Pico models have also been spotted in the large and complex region which Sega calls "Asia".
+
Pico models have also been spotted in the large and complex region for which Sega uses the single name "Asia".
  
 
===Legacy===
 
===Legacy===
Line 61: Line 62:
  
 
==Hardware==
 
==Hardware==
−
The Sega Pico uses hardware derived from the [[Sega Mega Drive]] (several Mega Drive [[emulator]]s can in fact run Pico games).
+
The Sega Pico uses hardware derived from the [[Sega Mega Drive]]. As a result, several Mega Drive [[emulator]]s can in fact run Pico games.
  
−
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.
+
The console plugs into a TV, and when the book pages are turned, the TV's screen changes to an animated replica of the page being viewed. 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 selection button on the left hand side of the unit.
  
 
===Technical Specifications===
 
===Technical Specifications===
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==Emulation==
 
==Emulation==
−
Pico emulation is notoriously difficult as even though the hardware is similar to that of the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Mega Drive]], each page of the storyware cartridge needs to be scanned and represented digitally.
+
Pico emulation is notoriously difficult: even though the hardware is similar to that of the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Mega Drive]], each page of the storyware cartridge 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.
+
In May 2008, a PC-based 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 games ==
 
== List of games ==
−
This is a list of the Sega Pico games released in the US and PAL territories. For Japanese games, see [[Japan Region Pico games]].
+
This is a list of games that were released for the Sega Pico in the US and PAL territories. For Japanese games, see [[Japan Region Pico games]].
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
 
*''[[A Year at Pooh Corner]]''
 
*''[[A Year at Pooh Corner]]''

Revision as of 05:51, 14 June 2012

Pico.jpg
Sega Pico
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code

This short article is in need of work. You can help Sega Retro by adding to it.


The Sega Pico, known in Japan as the Kids Computer Pico (キッズコンピューター・ピコ) and later the Kids Communication Pico, is a video game console made by Sega, aimed at young children between the ages of 2 and 8. It was Sega's first "educational" console, running in parallel with more traditional games consoles aimed at the mass market. It stands as one of the most successful devices of its kind.

The Pico is a hybrid device, with similarities to game consoles, graphics tablets, and electronic book readers. Like a traditional console, the unit plugs into a television. Pico cartridges are affectionately called "storyware", as each cartridge is shaped like a book. The user interfaces with the game through the use of a "Magic Pen", buttons and other peripherals.

History

Background

By the time of the early 1990s, electronic toys were on the rise, and Sega, a company at its peak decided to create a home console geared towards a younger audience. The result was the Sega Pico, a device derived from the popular Sega Mega Drive console. "Pico", like "Mega", is an SI prefix, in this case equating to 10−12.

At the time, there were virtually no rival products on the market, certainly none which had been shipped internationally, and it would take a great many years until Sega would face some serious competition (namely from VTech and LeapFrog).

Release

Japan

The Sega Pico was initially released in Japan in June of 1993. Unbeknownst to many, the Pico stands as one of Sega's most successful consoles in the region and received continous support for over ten years.

The Sega Pico was initially manufactured solely under the Sega brand; however, its success led Yamaha releasing a few versions of its own (similar to Hitachi and Victor's respective HiSaturns and V-Saturn Sega Saturn consoles). 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 began to be 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 in total. The console was eventually discontinued in Japan in 2005.

North America

In 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. Only 20 Pico games were released in North America.

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].

Europe

The Pico was released in Europe and enjoyed a similar run to the US model. All European cartridges are yellow, and (at least) English, French, German and Spanish variants of each game exist.

Little is known about the Pico's European endeavours - it is presumed to have fared worse than North America as slightly fewer games were released in the region, though sources state its lifespan was about the same (1994–1998).

Brazil

In Brazil, the Pico was distributed – as all Sega products of the time were – by Tec Toy. Brazillian Picos have a slightly different colour scheme from the rest and presumably had games translated into Portuguese.

South Korea

The Pico was also released in South Korea. The South Korean model seems to have fared slightly better than the Pico did in the west.

Asia

Pico models have also been spotted in the large and complex region for which Sega uses the single name "Asia".

Legacy

Despite being of Sega's most popular consoles, the Sega Pico is woefully under-documented. Its target audience (for the most part, Japanese children under 9) and subject matter means very little is understood about the system and it is not widely desired by fans of retro gaming.

In Japan, the Pico was followed by the Advanced Pico Beena, a similar but more powerful device. Elsewhere Sega strayed away from trying to please the market for young children, preferring to back projects by LeapFrog and other similar companies. There was a relatively strong relationship between Sega and LeapFrog at one point, with Sega Toys distributing LeapFrog products in Japan, and Sega producing games such as Sonic the Hedgehog for the LeapFrog Didj.

Hardware

The Sega Pico uses hardware derived from the Sega Mega Drive. As a result, several Mega Drive emulators can in fact run Pico games.

The console plugs into a TV, and when the book pages are turned, the TV's screen changes to an animated replica of the page being viewed. 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 selection button on the left hand side of the unit.

Technical Specifications

  • CPU: 16-bit Motorola 68000
  • RAM: 64 KB of Main RAM
  • Video RAM: 64 KB
  • ROM: "Storyware" cartridges of various sizes.
  • Video: YM7101 ASIC, which was replaced with an FQ8007 ASIC in newer units.
  • Sound: Texas Instruments SN76489 programmable sound generator and an NEC µPD7759 PCM chip.
  • Input: "Magic pen" with an action button at its tip, a four button directional pad, and one on-board action button.

Pico Models

Main article: Sega Pico Models/Revisions

Emulation

Pico emulation is notoriously difficult: even though the hardware is similar to that of the Sega Master System and Sega Mega Drive, each page of the storyware cartridge needs to be scanned and represented digitally.

In May 2008, a PC-based 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 games

This is a list of games that were released for the Sega Pico in the US and PAL territories. For Japanese games, see Japan Region Pico games.

Sega Home Video Game Systems
83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11
SG-1000 SG-1000 II Mega Drive Mega Drive II
SC-3000 Mega-CD Mega-CD II Genesis 3
Sega Mark III 32X Dreamcast
Master System Master System II
AI Computer Game Gear
Saturn
Pico Beena
  1. ↑ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+PICO+sweeps+1995+awards%3b+top+honors+and+accolades+from...-a017815970
  2. ↑ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+Pico+once+again+recognized+as+the+leading+children%27s...-a018958803
  3. ↑ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+Pico+edutainment+system+drives+ELA+category+growth%3b+Pico+grows...-a017981909
  4. ↑ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Majesco+Signs+Licensing+Deal+to+Distribute+Sega+Pico+Educational...-a055353637
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