Press release: 1998-01-09: Sega Confirms New Console In The Works

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: Sega.com (archived)

SEGA CONFIRMS NEW CONSOLE IN THE WORKS

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- (January 9, 1998) --

Sega® of America, Inc. confirmed today that it is developing a new powerful video game console to be released in North America in 1999. The company will support its mature products in 1998 while it prepares to take the lead in the home console business in 1999 with a platform that will deliver gaming experiences never before possible.

Bernie Stolar, COO of Sega of America, refered to Sega's new platform as a "super" console emphasizing its advanced technical capabilities, the business opportunities it will offer third party publishers and the revolutionary game play consumers will experience.

Stolar confirmed that Sega has already begun briefing third party software developers on the new platform and is working with retailers to ensure a smooth transition to the next console.

In 1998 Sega will support the Sega Saturn® in North America with acclaimed arcade and popular character-based games from the company's in-house software development team -- the largest of any video game company worldwide. The Sega Saturn game library reached 300 titles at the beginning of 1998.

Sega is committed to the U.S. market today and for the long term. Sega will deliver revolutionary online gaming through HEAT.Net from SegaSoft and is gaining market share in the PC games category due to strong sales of its character and arcade-action titles published by Sega Entertainment, Inc. Sega GameWorks®, in partnership with Dreamworks SKG and Universal Studios, Inc., is currently operating five high-tech interactive entertainment destinations in the U.S.

At this time, Sega is not releasing any further details about its next platform.

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd., responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega video game systems and software in the Americas. Sega Enterprises Ltd. is a nearly $3.6 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media and is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home.