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Sega SG-1000

SG-1000 · 1983–1985 · home console

Specifications

Cpu: Zilog Z80A, 8-bit, 3.58 MHz
Gpu: TMS9918A-derived VDP, 16 KB dedicated VRAM, 16 on-screen colors
Ram: max: 1 KB (fixed, no official expansion) · base: 1 KB main RAM
Media: ROM cartridge (Sega's "My Card" credit-card sized cartridges also supported via the My Card adapter)
Output: RF video out only, mono audio via the VDP's built-in PSG
Release Price: 15,000 yen (Japan launch)

Variants

Models

SG-1000 II1984 redesign with a detachable, Master System style joypad instead of the fixed paddle-controllers, plus a repositioned cartridge slot. Same core specs.

SC-3000Companion home computer sharing the SG-1000's board and cartridge slot, with a full keyboard added. Not a straight console variant but binary-compatible with SG-1000 software.

Upgrade paths

other

Sega Card (My Card) software via the card slot on later units, and peripherals like the light phaser or the SK-1100 keyboard unit · No hardware upgrade path to speak of: 1 KB of RAM is soldered and the Z80A is not swappable. Most "upgrades" are just peripheral add-ons rather than performance changes.

~$20-$40 for period peripherals where still found

EASY