Treamcast
From Sega Retro
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The Treamcast is an unauthorised Sega Dreamcast modification which originated from Hong Kong. It gained notability for being portable, being a smaller size than a regular Dreamcast console and having a fold-down LCD display. Despite being commonly labelled as a "clone", it used original Sega parts and as such is technically more of a modification than a clone in a regular sense.
The Treamcast's firmware allows it to play any Dreamcast game from any region of the globe, as well as CD-Rs and (with special software), MP3 and Video CD formats. However, despite coming from the east, it uses a North American power supply. It is compatible with all controllers, including its own proprietary controllers that come included with the package. These controllers are not compatible with VMUs, however. Widescreen versions of the display also exist.
The console was created probably by XingHong Electronic Co., Ltd, company known for releasing unlicenced Dreamcast accessories. They also released whole line of accessories with Treamcast brand such as DC Pad-8801, DreamPhoto Mouse bundle with DC Photo Hunter (which is game compatible only with Treamcast), Treamcast Gun bundle with Silent Scope, Treamcast Controller, Treamcast VMU shells and Carry Case. The console became popular in Hong Kong were it was sold by many street stores for max HK$1500 (€160 or $190 at the time)[2][3]. The information spread worldwide thanks to Lik Sang, international distributor from Hong Kong that made an article in June 2003 about popularity of that console in this region.[4] After the article was quoted in many international media, many people wanted to buy new console. Lik Sang wanted to sell Treamcast and made a concept without Sega's trademarks and send it to Sega of Japan but in August 2003, Sega responded that they were still seeing this as a product not allowed.[5] In 2003-2004, few distributors from other countries around the world bought Treamcast and sold it regionally[6], but console was see as oddity rather than something popular.
Gallery
Treamcast in closed position.
Treamcast with carry case, control pads and remote.
References
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20030716011210/http://lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=2963
- ↑ https://www.gry-online.pl/newsroom/treamcast-konsola-sega-dreamcast-po-chinskim-tuningu/zf22fe
- ↑ https://www.theregister.com/2003/06/16/hk_firm_builds_portable_dreamcast/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20030716011210/http://lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=2963
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20030820192932/https://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3067
- ↑ https://dreamcast.wiki/Treamcast