SC-3000

SC-3000
Manufacturer: Sega
Variants: SC-3000H
Add-ons: Super Control Station SF-7000, SP-400, Data Recorder SR-1000
Release Date RRP Code

The SC-3000 (Sega Computer 3000) is the computer equivalent of the SG-1000 cartridge-based video game console manufactured by Sega. It is an 8-bit home computer virtually identical to the SG-1000, but with a built-in keyboard and support for more hardware expansions.

Much like the SG-1000 was Sega's first home video game console, the SC-3000 was Sega's first home computer. It is also widely considered to be the only mass-market computer Sega have produced on their own - the company would partner with Amstrad and IBM for the Amstrad Mega PC and TeraDrive respectively in later years, but other endeavours such as the extremely rare Sega AI Computer saw only a small fraction of the success the SC-3000 received.

Depending on where you live, the SC-3000 was seen either as a market flop or one of the more successful home computers of the early 1980s. It did not see a worldwide release like later Sega systems, though is said to have fared better than the SG-1000 console.

Hardware

There are two major models of the SC-3000 - the standard SC-3000 model, and an upgraded SC-3000H variant. Internally the two are identical, though the SC-3000H boasts more RAM and was therefore more expensive at launch. Perhaps more importantly, the SC-3000H has a more traditional and sturdier plastic keyboard, as opposed to the rubberised keys of the SC-3000. A third model, known as the SC-5000 is also known to exist, but very little is known about this unit.

As a home computer, the internals of the system are kept within a shell which doubles up as a keyboard. It connects to a television similarly to how an SG-1000 would, though has several expansion ports for extra add-ons, such as cassette recorders and printers. The hardware itself is comparable to the original MSX computer standard or the ColecoVision games console, again much like the SG-1000.

All SG-1000 software is compatible with the SC-3000, and and likewise, assuming the software does not rely on SC-3000-specific features, SC-3000 software may be played on an SG-1000 (with keyboard functions addressed by the SK-1100 add on). Similar to video game consoles, the SC-3000 cannot run without a cartridge placed in its cartridge slot.

In line with most other hobbiest computers of the era, the SC-3000 can run programming language software such as BASIC, so it is therefore possible for users to create software for the machine. Programs could be written to cassette via the Data Recorder SR-1000 or to floppy disk via the Super Control Station SF-7000. Documents can also be printed through the SP-400.

History

Japan

The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in July 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as an entry-level computer. It was released at the same time as the SG-1000, as it not entirely certain which sort of system would remain dominant - the cheaper, dedicated video game console, or the more expensive home computer. Possibily due to fears that one type of system would displace the other, Sega went with both.

Over time it was proved that Japanese consumers preferred the SC-3000 over the SG-1000 for its extra features, but neither device could compete with rival products. The more powerful Nintendo Famicom, released very close to the SG-1000/SC-3000 would go on to dominate the Japanese video game market for the best part of a decade, while the rise of the MSX standard would crush the SC-3000, along with a plethora of other systems. From day one Sega also found themselves under pressure from more established computers by NEC, Fujitsu and Sharp, and the SC-3000 failed to take off.

The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better.

Europe

Unlike Sega's later endeavours, the SC-3000 was only distributed in select European countries, and again struggled due to the oversaturated market. It was distributed in France by ITMC (under the Yeno brand) and in Italy, where it was distributed by Melchioni. It was also seen in Finland, where it was distributed by Digital Systems.

The full extent of European distribution is not currently known. In all cases, the SC-3000 is thought to have out-performed the SG-1000 by leaps and bounds.

Australia and New Zealand

The SC-3000 was a big success for the Sega in Oceania. It was distributed in Australia by John Sands and in New Zealand by Grandstand. Both regions had comparitively less competition than in Japan, and so the SC-3000 (and SC-3000H) performed reasonably well as low-entry computers during the mid-1980s.

The SC-3000 once again decimated the SG-1000, and managed to make an impact on the educational and advertising markets too. Both John Sands and Grandstand strongly supported the system, releasing cassette-based software and building up third-party relations with local developers.

A Speech Synthesis unit and a light pen were supposedly manufactured by third party companies in New Zealand. New Zealand also had its own Sega Computer magazine.

Distribution in both countries stopped in 1986 for different reasons. It is said that Grandstand wanted to focus efforts on distributing Amstrad products instead (namely the Amstrad CPC).

South Africa

Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.

Models

Japan

SC-3000 (Black)

The standard SC-3000, released in July 1983.

SC-3000, JP
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SC-3000 (Black) (Later)

Sometime after the initial production, the packaging was changed.

SC-3000, JP
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Computer

SC-3000 (White)

This white SC-3000 was released near the same time as the original black system. This color was exclusive to Japan, and matches the later SG-1000 II and Sega Mark III.

SC-3000, JP
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SC-3000 (Red)

A red version of the SC-3000 was also released much like the Sharp X1, one of the SC-3000's competitors in Japan.

SC-3000, JP
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SC-3000H (Black)

With the SC-3000H's release in 1984, the original rubber keys were replaced with full-travel plastic keys and the system received an increased amount of RAM.

SC-3000H, JP
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SC-3000H (White)

The SC-3000H also came in white and is otherwise identical to the black system.

SC-3000H, JP
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SC-3000H (Red)

SC-3000H, JP
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Australia

SC-3000 (Model 1)

John Sands quickly brought the system to Australia, and was also released in 1983. There is little difference between the two aside from the removal of Japanese characters and slight tweaks to the hardware for PAL television sets. Also unlike Japan, there was only one color - black.

SC-3000, AU

SC-3000 (Model 2)

SC-3000, AU
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SC-3000H

The SC-3000H was released in Australia as well. Again, black was the only color available.

SC-3000H, AU
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SC-3000H (Compulink)

During the 1980s, Compulink Corporation distributed their own brand of SC-3000Hs for use as an advertising system. It is identical to a regular SC-3000H bar a sticker, and would come equipped with specalist software which could be configured by the user.

SC-3000H, AU
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New Zealand

SC-3000

SC-3000, NZ
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France

SC-3000H (ITMC)

The French SC-3000H was distributed by ITMC, who put their name on the system in the place of Sega's.

SC-3000H, FR

SC-3000H (Yeno)

This was later replaced with Yeno branding.

SC-3000H, FR
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External links

• SC-3000 Console Database
• Page on SC-3000 and SF-7000