Difference between revisions of "Sega Pico Models"

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[[STUB]]
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There are numerous variants of the [[Sega Pico]] console spread across the world. The console was officially supported between 1993 and 2005, and during this time many cosmetic changes and cost-cutting measures were put in place. For the most part, all models of Pico are technically identical and will run the same software. The Pico is a region-free console.
  
−
*US Sega Pico*
+
Primarily there are two variants of the Pico hardware, the more durable pre-2000 "Kids Computer Pico" (キッズコンピュータ・ピコ) models, and the post-2000 cost-reduced "Kids Communication Pico" models. There, are, however, some exceptions detailed below.
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Only known US model
 
  
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*PAL Sega Pico*
+
==Japan==
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Similar to the US Model
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===HPC-0001===
 +
The very first model of the Kids Computer Pico was the HPC-0001, a variant only released in Japan which debuted in June 1993. The HPC-0001 is a yellow with a red base, and has a dash of dark blue. It is one of two models to have the unused [[DE-9]] port on the side.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0001 1.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0001 2.jpg|Console opened
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0001 3.jpg|Side inputs/outputs
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0001 4.jpg|Expansion port
 +
</gallery>
  
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*JP Sega "[[Kids Computer Pico]]" | キッズコンピュータ・ピコ*
+
===HPC-0003===
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Original Japanese model.
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The HPC-0003 release was a revised version of the previous HPC-0001 version of the console, with a few minor tweaks to the bodywork that debuted in mid-to-late 1993 (mainly the removal of the [[DE-9]] port). No HPC-0002 model was released to the public. 
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0003 1.jpg|Console closed and box)
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0003 2.jpg|Console opened
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0003 3.jpg|No more [[DE-9]] port
 +
</gallery>
  
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*JP Sega "[[Kids Communication Pico]]" | キッズコミュニケーション・ピコ*
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===HPC-0003A===
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Streamlined relaunch model with expansion ports for unique controllers. The majority of JP Titles were released under this line.
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The HPC-0003A is a very rare update to the HPC-0003, released sometime in 1993. It is rumoured to have been targeted at schools, though this comment may be referring to the similar IMC-001 model by [[Imagineer]]. This version uses the color scheme that was used with its North American and European counterparts, being cyan and purple. It is, however, the only Sega-branded Japanese model to adopt this colour scheme.
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http://www.segatoys.co.jp/eng/item02.html
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<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0003A 1.jpg|Console and box
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0003A 2.jpg|Console opened
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0003A 3.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0003A Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0003A Box Back.jpg|Back of box
 +
</gallery>
  
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*JP Yamaha "[[MIXT BOOK PLAYER COPERA]] | ミクストブックプレーヤ コペラ"*
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===HPC-0007===
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Model with additional FM Sound, Microphone and MIDI support for music composition. Info can be found at
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Sega released the HPC-0007 sometime in 1993, which would become the "standard" Pico model for many years to come. It is largely identical to the HPC-0003, but the middle piece of plastic was changed to dark blue. Initial Asian and South Korean models of the Pico are based on the HPC-0007.
−
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/rig_veda/47704394.html
+
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0007 1.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0007 2.jpg|Console opened
 +
</gallery>
  
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*JP Imagineer "[[Hirameki Mirai Kids]]" | 育脳塾*
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===HPC-0008===
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Similar to the Kids Computer model, this was marketed more towards edutainment in Japan. Many of the US titles got imported under this line.
+
In 2000, distribution rights were moved from Sega to [[Sega Toys]], and light rebranding occurred. It is assumed HPC-0008 models were churned out quickly in preparation for the redesigned Kids Communication Pico. Alternatively it may have been repackaged leftover stock from other Asian markets.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0008 1.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0008 2.jpg|Console opened
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===HPC-0009===
 +
The most important change for the Pico occurred in 2001, when Sega Toys launched the Kids Communication Pico. Communication Picos are lighter models without thick blastic bases - they are supported instead by a thinner piece of foldable plastic, making them easier to store but signficantly less durable. Two types of HPC-0009 were available at launch - orange/white, or cyan/white.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0009 1.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0009 2.jpg|Console opened
 +
File:Pico JP HPC0009 3.jpg|Cyan/blue model. The console was also available in different color variants. Here's a cyan blue one.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===Pico Pocket Monsters===
 +
This 2004 Pico release was given a Pokémon makeover in an attempt to revive sales. It is otherwise identical to the HPC-0009.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP PPM 1.jpg|Console and box
 +
File:Pico JP PPM 2.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP PPM Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 +
</gallery>
 +
===Pico Anpanman===
 +
This particular Pico was released in 2003.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP APM 1.jpg|box
 +
File:Pico JP APM 2.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP APM 3.jpg|Console opened
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===Pico Mushiking===
 +
This Pico variant was released in 2001.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP MSK 1.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP MSK 2.jpg|Console open
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===Pico Hamtaro===
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP HAM 1.jpg|Console and box
 +
File:Pico JP HAM 2.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP HAM Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===MIXT BOOK PLAYER COPERA===
 +
{{mainArticle|Copera}}
 +
The Mixt Book Player Copera is the only unusual Pico model. It was released in 1993 by Yamaha and is based on the HPC-0001, but adds stereo sound output and an FM sound chip as well as a microphone and support for music composition. It also has two MIDI ports. Coperas are much rarer devices and its exclusive set of software is not compatible with regular Sega Picos.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP MBPC 1.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico JP MBPC 2.jpg|Console opened
 +
File:Pico JP MBPC 3.jpg|A variety of different inputs/outputs
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===HIRAMEKI MIRAI KIDS IMC-001===
 +
The Hirameki Mirai Kids IMC-001 is a rare variant of the Pico presumably based on the HPC-0003A, released by [[Imagineer]] potentially for schools. It adopts the cyan/purple colour scheme seen elsewhere.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico JP HMK.jpg|Pics to probably be stoled from blog.
 +
</gallery>
 +
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/rig_veda/61101403.html
 +
 
 +
==North America==
 +
===MK49002===
 +
The MK49002 is the standard 1994 North American Sega Pico model, similar to the HPC-0007 in Japan but with a cyan/purple colour scheme. There are a few logo changes and the coloring is slightly different, but is otherwise identical.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico NA MK49002 1.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico NA MK49002 2.jpg|Console opened
 +
File:Pico psensor.jpg|Pen sensor board
 +
File:MK49002 mainboard.jpg|Pico mainboard
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===MK49325===
 +
When [[Majesco]] were given the rights to distribute older Sega consoles in 1998, they produced this model of Pico in 1999. It was cheaper to manufacture, but like the [[Genesis 3]] sales were sluggish in comparison to the original release. It can be identified by the console's non-colored logo and lack of Sega branding.
 +
 
 +
The Japanese HPC-0008 was based on this console.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Pico NA MK49325 1.jpg|Console closed
 +
File:Pico NA MK49325 2.jpg|Console opened
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==PAL Regions==
 +
Only one model of Pico is known to have been released in PAL regions, and is identical to the North American MK49002 model. The only difference is its adjustments required to work with PAL TV setups.
 +
<gallery>
 +
 
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==South Korea==
 +
===Model 1===
 +
The Pico (피코) was surprisingly popular in South Korea, where it was initially distributed by [[Samsung]] from March 1995 to December 2002. This first model, being the most common, is similar to the North American and European designs, but again sports a different logo.
 +
 
 +
===Model 2===
 +
A second model called Thinko (싱코) was based on the HPC-0007 and released by Samsung in 1998.
 +
 
 +
===Neo Pico===
 +
The HPC-0009 Kids Communication Pico was distributed in the country by [[Xity Enterprise]] from 2003 as the "Neo Pico" (네오피코).
 +
 
 +
==Asia==
 +
A version of the Japanese HPC-0007 Pico, with some branding borrowed from the European variant, was distributed in "Asia". Which specific countries received the Pico is not yet known.
 +
<gallery>
 +
 
 +
</gallery>
  
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pictures and shit can be found here; http://www2.plala.or.jp/master_s/pico/hard/pico_hard/pico_brs.html
 
  
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Obviously this article is anything but professional ATM. Sorry dudes.
 
  
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Also, A bit of info was translated from JP Wikipedia; http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%AD%E3%83%83%E3%82%BA%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%94%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BB%E3%83%94%E3%82%B3
 
  
 
[[Category:Sega Pico| ]]
 
[[Category:Sega Pico| ]]
 
{{Sega_Consoles}}
 
{{Sega_Consoles}}

Latest revision as of 20:43, 24 October 2023

There are numerous variants of the Sega Pico console spread across the world. The console was officially supported between 1993 and 2005, and during this time many cosmetic changes and cost-cutting measures were put in place. For the most part, all models of Pico are technically identical and will run the same software. The Pico is a region-free console.

Primarily there are two variants of the Pico hardware, the more durable pre-2000 "Kids Computer Pico" (キッズコンピュータ・ピコ) models, and the post-2000 cost-reduced "Kids Communication Pico" models. There, are, however, some exceptions detailed below.

Japan

HPC-0001

The very first model of the Kids Computer Pico was the HPC-0001, a variant only released in Japan which debuted in June 1993. The HPC-0001 is a yellow with a red base, and has a dash of dark blue. It is one of two models to have the unused DE-9 port on the side.

  • Console closed

  • Console opened

  • Side inputs/outputs

  • Expansion port

HPC-0003

The HPC-0003 release was a revised version of the previous HPC-0001 version of the console, with a few minor tweaks to the bodywork that debuted in mid-to-late 1993 (mainly the removal of the DE-9 port). No HPC-0002 model was released to the public.

  • Console closed and box)

  • Console opened

  • No more DE-9 port

HPC-0003A

The HPC-0003A is a very rare update to the HPC-0003, released sometime in 1993. It is rumoured to have been targeted at schools, though this comment may be referring to the similar IMC-001 model by Imagineer. This version uses the color scheme that was used with its North American and European counterparts, being cyan and purple. It is, however, the only Sega-branded Japanese model to adopt this colour scheme.

  • Console and box

  • Console opened

  • Console closed

  • Front of box

  • Back of box

HPC-0007

Sega released the HPC-0007 sometime in 1993, which would become the "standard" Pico model for many years to come. It is largely identical to the HPC-0003, but the middle piece of plastic was changed to dark blue. Initial Asian and South Korean models of the Pico are based on the HPC-0007.

  • Console closed

  • Console opened

HPC-0008

In 2000, distribution rights were moved from Sega to Sega Toys, and light rebranding occurred. It is assumed HPC-0008 models were churned out quickly in preparation for the redesigned Kids Communication Pico. Alternatively it may have been repackaged leftover stock from other Asian markets.

  • Console closed

  • Console opened

HPC-0009

The most important change for the Pico occurred in 2001, when Sega Toys launched the Kids Communication Pico. Communication Picos are lighter models without thick blastic bases - they are supported instead by a thinner piece of foldable plastic, making them easier to store but signficantly less durable. Two types of HPC-0009 were available at launch - orange/white, or cyan/white.

  • Console closed

  • Console opened

  • Cyan/blue model. The console was also available in different color variants. Here's a cyan blue one.

Pico Pocket Monsters

This 2004 Pico release was given a Pokémon makeover in an attempt to revive sales. It is otherwise identical to the HPC-0009.

  • Console and box

  • Console closed

  • Front of box

Pico Anpanman

This particular Pico was released in 2003.

  • box

  • Console closed

  • Console opened

Pico Mushiking

This Pico variant was released in 2001.

  • Console closed

  • Console open

Pico Hamtaro

  • Pico JP HAM 1.jpg

    Console and box

  • Pico JP HAM 2.jpg

    Console closed

  • Pico JP HAM Box Front.jpg

    Front of box

MIXT BOOK PLAYER COPERA

Main article: Copera.

The Mixt Book Player Copera is the only unusual Pico model. It was released in 1993 by Yamaha and is based on the HPC-0001, but adds stereo sound output and an FM sound chip as well as a microphone and support for music composition. It also has two MIDI ports. Coperas are much rarer devices and its exclusive set of software is not compatible with regular Sega Picos.

  • Console closed

  • Console opened

  • A variety of different inputs/outputs

HIRAMEKI MIRAI KIDS IMC-001

The Hirameki Mirai Kids IMC-001 is a rare variant of the Pico presumably based on the HPC-0003A, released by Imagineer potentially for schools. It adopts the cyan/purple colour scheme seen elsewhere.

  • Pico JP HMK.jpg

    Pics to probably be stoled from blog.

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/rig_veda/61101403.html

North America

MK49002

The MK49002 is the standard 1994 North American Sega Pico model, similar to the HPC-0007 in Japan but with a cyan/purple colour scheme. There are a few logo changes and the coloring is slightly different, but is otherwise identical.

  • Console closed

  • Console opened

  • Pen sensor board

  • Pico mainboard

MK49325

When Majesco were given the rights to distribute older Sega consoles in 1998, they produced this model of Pico in 1999. It was cheaper to manufacture, but like the Genesis 3 sales were sluggish in comparison to the original release. It can be identified by the console's non-colored logo and lack of Sega branding.

The Japanese HPC-0008 was based on this console.

  • Console closed

  • Console opened

PAL Regions

Only one model of Pico is known to have been released in PAL regions, and is identical to the North American MK49002 model. The only difference is its adjustments required to work with PAL TV setups.

South Korea

Model 1

The Pico (피코) was surprisingly popular in South Korea, where it was initially distributed by Samsung from March 1995 to December 2002. This first model, being the most common, is similar to the North American and European designs, but again sports a different logo.

Model 2

A second model called Thinko (싱코) was based on the HPC-0007 and released by Samsung in 1998.

Neo Pico

The HPC-0009 Kids Communication Pico was distributed in the country by Xity Enterprise from 2003 as the "Neo Pico" (네오피코).

Asia

A version of the Japanese HPC-0007 Pico, with some branding borrowed from the European variant, was distributed in "Asia". Which specific countries received the Pico is not yet known.

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