How to Buy Accessories for a Sega Dreamcast

By using state-of-the-art technology to create its new Dreamcast system, Sega also opened the door to numerous enhancements, pushing new boundaries for gaming consoles. All prices are approximate.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Televisions
• Dreamcast RFU Adapter
• Dreamcast Carrying Cases
• Dreamcast Games
• Dreamcast Jump Packs
• Dreamcast Keyboards
• Dreamcast Memory Card Or VMU
• Dreamcast Racing Wheels
• Dreamcast Tremor Packs
• Sega Dreamcast Console
• Sega Dreamcast Controllers

1. Choose from a variety of game-specific controllers, including a racing pad, fighting pad and fishing pole controller ($20 to $50).

2. Add either a memory card or a visual memory unit (VMU) to your console. While the memory card functions normally to save your progress in various games, the VMU can also be used to move game play between systems. Even more important, it can play mini games downloaded from various Dreamcast titles ($15 to $20).

3. Consider tremor and jump packs for your Dreamcast controllers to enhance your gaming experience and help you feel each crash or hit ($10 to $20).

4. Choose a racing wheel to use in all car-racing games ($50).

5. Be aware of miscellaneous accessories: the Dreamcast keyboard, which enables you to e-mail and surf the Web; a VGA adapter, which enhances the graphics on your TV or monitor; choices of guns for first-person shooting games; an RF switch or adapter for those TVs without audio/video connections; extension cables for controllers; game and system organizers; system carrying cases and backpacks; and replacement adapters and wires ($10 to $60).

6. Look for these accessories and others at local and online electronic and toy retailers.

Tips & Warnings

• Memory requirements for a specific game will be explicitly stated in the game's instructions.
• Hint books for virtually every major game are available. Consult them if you get stuck or if you just want to know all the ins and outs of any particular title ($10).
• Taking proper care of your Dreamcast, games and accessories will ensure their longevity.
• The Dreamcast is not compatible with all keyboards. Only this specific Dreamcast accessory can be used.

on 11/22/2005 In order to take advantage of Dreamcast's online gaming capability, you'll need to subscribe to its own full-fledged ISP, Sega.com.

on 11/22/2005 Be aware that the new portable video game system by SNK, Neo Geo Pocket Color, can connect to the Sega Dreamcast and share data. All Dreamcast games developed by SNK will have this functionality.

on 11/22/2005 A continuing problem with these accessories is that many of them use unsafe compression techniques and are prone to failure. Evaluate the cost-to-risk ratio.