SC-3000
From Sega Retro
The SC-3000 is the computer equivalent of the SG-1000 cartridge-based gaming console manufactured by Sega. Like how the SG-1000 was Sega's first home video game console, the SC-3000 was their first home computer, and in fact the only one developed by Sega on their own. The SC-3000 is backwards compatible with SG-1000 software, and likewise, assuming the software does not require the SC-3000's extra functions, SC-3000 software may be played on an SG-1000 (and keyboard functions can be taken care of by the SK-1100 add on).
The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as a computer for beginners. Since games were compatible with both the SC-3000 and SG-1000 and since the SC-3000 was also able to run computer applications, the SC-3000 outsold the SG-1000. The SC-3000 offered users the chance to create their own programs and games on the machine. It also received a variety of add-ons, including a Speech Synthesis Unit, a Light Pen, and several other third party accessories.
Though it was an initial success in Japan, the SC-3000 inevitably lost out (as did many other computers of the era) to the rising MSX computer standard by the middle of the decade. As it happens, the SC-3000/SG-1000 and MSX share similar hardware, and so you often see many game conversions between the two. Like the MSX, the SC-3000 is to be plugged into a standard TV rather than a dedicated monitor.
Like the SG-1000, the SC-3000 only saw a limited release outside of Japan. It was distributed in Australia by John Sands and in New Zealand by Grandstand, and also saw a limited release within Europe (such as France, where it was distributed by Yeno). However at this point these markets were already oversaturated with cheap home computers so the SC-3000 was not a huge success.
The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, was an upgraded version of this system with more RAM and an upgraded keyboard (the original keyboard was of the low-end membrane type), so the upgrade was sorely needed.
Contents
Models
Japan
SC-3000 Black Verison
The standard SC-3000, released in July of 1983. Sometime after the initial production the packaging was changed.
The SC-3000
- SC-3000 Black JP 2.jpg
Computer with original box
- SC-3000 Black JP 3.jpg
Computer with later box
SC-3000 White Verison
A white edition released in the same month. This color was exclusive to Japan, and matches the SG-1000 Mark II and SG-1000 Mark III
The unit
- SC-3000H JP 2.jpg
The box and contents of the box
SC-3000 Red Verison
Interestingly Japan got a red version of the unit as well. Even to this day the west usually sees computers only released in black or white shells, but in Japan, red was acceptable too (the Sharp X1 was bright red).
- SC-3000 JP Red 1.jpg
The unit with its box
A close up
SC-3000H Black Verison
With the SC-3000H, gone were the rubber keys in favour of the traditional plastic keyboard setup.
SC-3000H, black version
SC-3000H White Verison
The SC-3000H also came in white. Otherwise it's identical to the above.
SC-3000H, white version
- SC-3000 White JP 2.jpg
Contents of box
Australia
SC-3000
John Sands quickly brought the system to Australia, and it too was released within 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 1.jpg
The contents of the box
- SC-3000 AU 2.jpg
The keys
Front of box
Label on the underside of unit
SC-3000H
The SC-3000H was given the English treatment also. Again, this was the only color available.
- SC-3000H AU 2.jpg
The SC-3000H, Australian version
Close up of the unit
France
SC-3000H
The French SC-3000H was distributed by Yano, who put their name on the system in the place of Sega's.
The SC-3000H, French version
"YENO" branding
"Manufactured by Sega"
Label on the underside of unit
Front of box
External links
| Sega SG-1000 Hardware | |
| SG-1000 Variations | SG-1000 | SG-1000 II | SC-3000 | SC-5000 | Othello Multivision | Pasocom Gakushuudzukue | SD-G5 | Arcade |
|---|---|
| Add-ons | Super Control Station SF-7000 | 4 Color Plotter Printer | Data Recorder SR-1000 | Sega Keyboard |
| Game Controllers | Joystick (SJ-200) | Joystick (SJ-300) | Joypad (SJ-150) | SJ-151 | Handle Controller | Bike Handle | Sega Graphic Board | Pasoko-1000 |
| Misc. Hardware | Card Catcher | Extension Cable Kit (JC-100) | SD-80 | Sega Compact Floppy Disk |
| Unlicensed Clones | Dina 2 in one | Fullwis Video Game FR-II |