Some prototypes of European accessories for the Dreamcast
In the world of video games, there is not only the development and programming of our favorite games. We tend to forget all the other jobs that are often ignored and poorly documented. The following photos will show you one of the stages of the design of the packaging of the European accessories of the Dreamcast before their launch, certainly linked to the Marketing department of the Sega Europe branch.
These prototypes show the evolution of the design of the PAL packaging of the different Dreamcast accessories over time and allow to better understand the design choices that were made for the final version of the packaging.
Some of the accessories below will never be released in Europe. For other accessories in the photos, their packaging will finally not be retained by Sega Europe for their future release.
I would like to thank a collector who wishes to remain anonymous for sharing with us some photos of his collection.
The PAL Dreamcast 4x Memory Card prototype
Both photos show the only sealed copy of the 4X Memory Card. Sega Europe used it as a model for the European design. Finally, it was never marketed in Europe and will remain an American and Japanese exclusive.
The PAL Dreamcast VMU prototype
There were more, 2 copies, including the one in the photo, still exist. The neutral package looks like the Japanese version of the VMU. Sega Europe used them as a template for the European design layout. As they were not of sufficient quality and attractive for the European market, their own packaging was designed (cardboard box).
The PAL Dreamcast Pack Vibration prototype
Originally, there were 12 of them in neutral format. Sega Europe used them as a template for the European design layout. As the photo shows, we are moving towards the Japanese packaging.
The PAL Dreamcast Microphone prototype
These 7 photos show the three different European packagings initially planned by Sega Europe for the Microphone accessory. Finally, it will be sold only in bundle with the game Planet Ring. It was never sold individually.
European PAL-Version of the Show Dreamcast Console Setup
In many Press Kit, it is possible to see this Dreamcast console with a long controller cable. This console has been used for events or presentations of the Dreamcast. There are 2 controllers with the AWM 2725 E77874 cable. It is in very good condition. The European PAL version of the Dreamcast console is a PAL system, it has a metal cooling system, the system boots with the blue logo and plays PAL games.
Some differences:
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"Designed for" instead of "Compatible with" Microsoft Windows CE.
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There are no protections to prevent the GD-Rom from directly touching the plastic when opening the console's cover.
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No warning message on the back of the console.
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The length of the controller cable is enough to go to the Moon!
More photos to come
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