Upcoming Sega Dreamcast Peripherals Expand and Enhance Gameplay; From MP3 Players to Ethernet Cards, Sega is Taking Gamers Where Gaming is Going

Business Wire, May 11, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

E3Expo 2000

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2000

Today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Sega(R) of America showcased breakthrough console peripherals for the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast(TM) videogame console, including items that will enhance online multiplayer gaming via SegaNet(TM), the only high-speed online console gaming network and ISP.

In addition to offering a slew of new colors for Sega Dreamcast controllers and Visual Memory Units (VMUs), Sega unveiled an ethernet card for broadband gameplay, an MP3 player for downloading music, a zip drive for storage space, an attachable microphone for interactive games, and an Internet-oriented digital camera. While none of the release dates have been announced for the U.S. market, these peripherals are all currently in production.

"Now that Sega Dreamcast has established itself as a superior gaming machine with the best titles, it's time to take it to the next level," said Charles Bellfield, director of communications, Sega of America. "We feel that our Sega Dreamcast peripherals will expand and enhance an already superior gaming experience on the platform. Sega has always been about taking gamers where gaming is going, and these new additions clearly illustrate that point."

Following is a list of peripherals currently in development:

      --  Ethernet Card -- Allows gamers to easily upgrade their Sega
        Dreamcast unit to handle broadband Internet connections. This
        modular unit can easily be popped into the space housing the
        current 56K modem to allow for cable modem and DSL
        connections.

      --  MP3 player -- Gamers can download all of their favorite MP3
        tunes to this small VMU-sized player that slides easily into
        the Sega Dreamcast controller.

      --  Zip Drive -- Creates the ideal storage facility for any files
        downloaded from the Internet via Sega Dreamcast.

      --  Sega Dreamcast Camera -- Allows Sega Dreamcast users to view
        their online game-sparring opponents, as well as conduct
        teleconferences with friends by relaying video and audio
        signals over the Internet in real-time. This digital camera
        can also be used for taking still images and transporting them
        over the Internet using Sega Dreamcast.

      --  Sega Dreamcast Microphone -- For use with the voice
        interactive title "Seaman(TM)," this microphone attaches to
        the Sega Dreamcast controller and allows players to verbally
        communicate with the game's sophisticated artificial
        intelligence.

      --  Dreamcast Mouse and Keyboard -- Navigating the Internet on
        Sega Dreamcast will be a breeze with these new additions,
        especially when perusing game scores and downloading special
        game augmentations at SegaNet.

      --  Colored Controllers and Visual Memory Units (VMUs) -- Spanning
        the full spectrum of the rainbow (Sonic Blue, Zombie Green,
        Knuckles Red, Tails Yellow, Robotnik Black), Sega is unveiling
        a wide array of colorful controllers and VMUs. The color-coded
        VMUs will make it easy to differentiate where each game is
        saved.

About Sega Dreamcast

The 128-bit Internet ready Sega Dreamcast is available in the U.S. with a built-in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality via SegaNet(TM), the only high-speed online console gaming network and ISP service for Sega Dreamcast and PC users. Sega Dreamcast currently has more than 80 titles available. The total Sega Dreamcast game library count will be more than 200 in the year 2000.

About Sega

Sega of America Dreamcast, Inc. is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at www.sega.com.

About Sega.com

Sega.com, Inc. is a new online Internet entertainment company whose goal is to become the online destination for gamers. Sega.com comprises of SegaNet, the only high-speed online console gaming network. SegaNet offers gamers the best in 3D multiplayer games, chat, community, cheat codes, tournaments and content. SegaNet is also an ISP for Sega Dreamcast and PC users, offering gamers everything they need to know about gaming and other areas of interest that tie in with gaming and other areas of interest that tie in with gaming including music, TV, community, movies, sports and e-commerce.