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Should I Buy The Sega Dreamcast?

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Have you been looking at buying a retro gaming system but don’t know which one you should go with? With all the options out there the choice can be difficult, but we will help guide you through the best of the best. 

So, should I buy the Sega Dreamcast?

Although there is quite a bit of debate about what system you should buy, the Sega Dreamcast is one that has never disappointed the gamers who own it. So if you like having the best gaming system and playing the best games ever made, then the Sega Dreamcast is for you! 

If you want to know more about the Sega Dreamcast, and the games available for it, you will want to keep reading this article! You can also watch this short video to learn all the information as well! 

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History of the Dreamcast

If you think back to the year 1998 and what you were doing? Well, while you think about it, I will let you know what was happening in the gaming industry. SEGA was busy launching its short-lived but extremely loved SEGA Dreamcast home video game console. The Dreamcast proved itself to be one of the most iconic game systems in the industry. It was the fifth and final game console to be developed by SEGA and also the first of the sixth generation of consoles that have been released.

Sony’s PlayStation 2, Nintendo’s GameCube, and Microsoft’s Xbox followed the release of the Sega Dreamcast. The Dreamcast was supposed to be released on November 8, 1998, in Japan, and September 9, 1999, in North America and October 14, 1999, in Europe. Due to the release of the PlayStation, the release of the Dreamcast was moved up to May 1999, in North America. Unfortunately, its life span ended in 2001 when SEGA discounted the hardware. This created a problem because many did not get to experience all the Dramcast had to offer. A true gamer, however, would stop at nothing to get his or her hand on this piece of history. The SEGA Dreamcast quickly became scarce, and is now a collector’s item. If you’ve battled with the idea of purchasing a Dreamcast, you should just go and do it, as this game is one of a kind!

Why is the SEGA Dreamcast a must-have?

Over 20 years have passed and game enthusiasts still are trying to get their hands on a Dreamcast. Why do some gamers deem this a must-have? Let’s look into 5 reasons why this console is a must have for every gamer ever. 

1. It is the first of its kind using a 128-bit system. 

This game was the first to offer an authentic arcade quality gaming experience. It boasted 3D graphics, and the display was amazing.


2. This game has many firsts and one of them is the inclusion of online playing capabilities.

Seeing through the lens of all 1998 had to offer this was a huge deal. Phantasy Online is a prime example of how SEGA got online gaming down pretty well. Coming from just gaming using multiplayer to this feature, SEGA is still scoring major points for this development. Now, online gaming is the norm but Dreamcast was a pioneer in this respect.


3. This is a collector’s item. 

Dreamcast falls under retro gaming. This is because the game was created over 20 years ago and its life span was extremely short. People know how good it was and are buying or selling their personal collection. As time goes by the more vintage and classic it will become. As a gaming enthusiast or a collector of vintage items, this is a good console to get your hands-on.


4. The Dreamcast is old school. 

The games have aged perfectly. They are considered by most to be extremely fun with a variety of games to suit whatever your preference is. From fighting games such as Powerstone to beloved action-adventures like Shenmue to even sporting games. No matter what you like, a legendary game is there for you.


5. Some of the Classic Dreamcast games include:

  • Soulcalibur
  • Crazy Taxi
  • Jet Grind Radio also known as Jet Set Radio in Japan and Europe
  • Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
  • Virtua Tennis

6. The peripherals of the Dreamcast were nothing short of exciting helping gamers to have iconic gaming experiences game after game.

For example, the VMU- Memory card allowed for game-specific content to be displayed on its microdisplay. This device could even function as a cyber-pet as can be seen in games such as Sonic Adventure. The technology behind this memory card was astounding at the time and still is.

Where can you purchase a SEGA Dreamcast?

The time when Dreamcast could just be pulled off a shelf like a PlayStation is far gone. Maybe your problem isn’t so much that you do not know if you should buy and maybe it is that you don’t know where to get it. Purchasing a Dreamcast is less tedious than you think it is. You can purchase one here, or you can check out these three other places they have been found. 

EBay

EBay is the go-to for purchasing second-hand items no questions asked. If you are buying a Dreamcast this is a good place to start. While this is one of the easier ways to get a Dreamcast, it can still get difficult. You will have to sharpen your bidding skills and keep your eye out for good deals and try your best to avoid any scams because on the internet there are many scammers. The game is a collector’s item so stakes are even higher.

GameStop

This option might not be the most reliable but it is still a good one. This option has an edge because of the warranty that you will be able to get if purchased. While the game console and games might not be stocked up all year round, they still carry these retro games from time to time at good pricing.

Thrift Shops

Some people have just now dusted off their Dreamcast after being stored for years. Other people were not so enthused with the game because maybe they are just not a gamer and have given it to charity stores or thrift shops. You will be surprised at the gems that are in these places because some people don’t normally know what great of an item they had. A plus is that if you do find and purchase a Dreamcast in one of these stores. You will be doing your due diligence in supporting a worthy cause.

Things to consider when purchasing a Dreamcast

While these are not major turn offs but rather small speed bumps in the road, it is still good to know what you are getting yourself into. If you choose to buy a Dreamcast you will want to consider these things.

1. Purchasing the gaming console and games especially the popular ones can be quite expensive. 

The limited supply will drive up prices with basic supply and demand.


2. The more modern the television the harder it might be to connect the game to the tv. 

Conclusion

Are you still wondering if you should buy a SEGA Dreamcast? Then maybe you really should. Apart from a few concerns that can be worked around it will be worth it! If you are a gaming enthusiast or a retro gamer this is definitely a game you will want to buy. What matters the most is that you are interested in the games and ready to discover all that the game has to offer and have fun with it. The game library is simply legendary with great options to choose from. Here is a video of the top 10 Dreamcast games ever made!