From 96c5f9577f8daf1df1aa4cb355f196ad8c578c41 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2024 03:27:51 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 01/13] DC issues for AU-NZ market --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 8 ++++++++ 1 file changed, 8 insertions(+) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index e180d612..999fa924 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -25,6 +25,14 @@ aliases: [/projects/consoles/dreamcast/] The Sega Dreamcast introduced many new features over its predecessor (the [Saturn](sega-saturn)) to appeal to both game developers and console gamers. While this was Sega's last attempt to conquer the console market, some of the technologies that were pioneered in the Dreamcast carried on and into future mainstream devices. +The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New Zeland on October 25, 1999, but was delayed just three days before the launch to November 30 without any explanation. Ozisoft, the distributor, warned retailers that selling the console before the new date would result in fines. The delay was partly due to the console still awaiting approval from Telecom NZ, as announced by Ozisoft New Zealand. When the console finally launched, it lacked both an Internet access disk and a demo disk, and there was a severe shortage of units and peripherals. The console was also significantly more expensive in Australia, priced at AUD 500 (USD 350) compared to USD 199 in the United States. + +Two days after the launch, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until 2000. Despite earlier assurances that shipments of the console and games would arrive on time, many retailers were left without stock. When one retailer contacted Ozisoft for answers, they were told, "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. + +In addition to these logistical issues, the Australian Dreamcast had a significant drawback: it could only connect to the Internet through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This service was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which limited the online capabilities of the console. At the time of the launch, there were also no first- or third-party Visual Memory Units (VMUs), controllers, keyboards, or first-party software available, further frustrating early adopters. + +Many immediately cancelled their pre-orders of these issues. + ## {.supporting-imagery} ## CPU From a632e381fcbddfcd4cb133245328667f3c35212b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:22:37 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 02/13] Fix typo --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index 999fa924..ac2b9572 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ aliases: [/projects/consoles/dreamcast/] The Sega Dreamcast introduced many new features over its predecessor (the [Saturn](sega-saturn)) to appeal to both game developers and console gamers. While this was Sega's last attempt to conquer the console market, some of the technologies that were pioneered in the Dreamcast carried on and into future mainstream devices. -The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New Zeland on October 25, 1999, but was delayed just three days before the launch to November 30 without any explanation. Ozisoft, the distributor, warned retailers that selling the console before the new date would result in fines. The delay was partly due to the console still awaiting approval from Telecom NZ, as announced by Ozisoft New Zealand. When the console finally launched, it lacked both an Internet access disk and a demo disk, and there was a severe shortage of units and peripherals. The console was also significantly more expensive in Australia, priced at AUD 500 (USD 350) compared to USD 199 in the United States. +The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New Zealand on October 25, 1999, but was delayed just three days before the launch to November 30 without any explanation. Ozisoft, the distributor, warned retailers that selling the console before the new date would result in fines. The delay was partly due to the console still awaiting approval from Telecom NZ, as announced by Ozisoft New Zealand. When the console finally launched, it lacked both an Internet access disk and a demo disk, and there was a severe shortage of units and peripherals. The console was also significantly more expensive in Australia, priced at AUD 500 (USD 350) compared to USD 199 in the United States. Two days after the launch, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until 2000. Despite earlier assurances that shipments of the console and games would arrive on time, many retailers were left without stock. When one retailer contacted Ozisoft for answers, they were told, "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. From b41f8ee2aab3c944c8916b47a23c6c6c94d57a7d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Sat, 31 Aug 2024 18:58:23 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 03/13] Update dreamcast.Rmd.md https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/24/dc-internet-finally-hits-australia https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/19/dreamcast-goes-down-to-175-in-australia --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 14 +++++++++++--- 1 file changed, 11 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index ac2b9572..ce8b2af4 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -25,11 +25,19 @@ aliases: [/projects/consoles/dreamcast/] The Sega Dreamcast introduced many new features over its predecessor (the [Saturn](sega-saturn)) to appeal to both game developers and console gamers. While this was Sega's last attempt to conquer the console market, some of the technologies that were pioneered in the Dreamcast carried on and into future mainstream devices. -The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New Zealand on October 25, 1999, but was delayed just three days before the launch to November 30 without any explanation. Ozisoft, the distributor, warned retailers that selling the console before the new date would result in fines. The delay was partly due to the console still awaiting approval from Telecom NZ, as announced by Ozisoft New Zealand. When the console finally launched, it lacked both an Internet access disk and a demo disk, and there was a severe shortage of units and peripherals. The console was also significantly more expensive in Australia, priced at AUD 500 (USD 350) compared to USD 199 in the United States. +The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New Zealand on October 25, 1999, but was delayed just three days before the launch to November 30 without any explanation. Ozisoft, the distributor, warned retailers that selling the console before the new date would result in fines. The delay was partly due to the console still awaiting approval from Telecom NZ, as announced by Ozisoft New Zealand. -Two days after the launch, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until 2000. Despite earlier assurances that shipments of the console and games would arrive on time, many retailers were left without stock. When one retailer contacted Ozisoft for answers, they were told, "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. +When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: -In addition to these logistical issues, the Australian Dreamcast had a significant drawback: it could only connect to the Internet through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This service was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which limited the online capabilities of the console. At the time of the launch, there were also no first- or third-party Visual Memory Units (VMUs), controllers, keyboards, or first-party software available, further frustrating early adopters. + - **Lack of Essential Disks**: The console was released without an Internet access disc or a demo disk, which were critical for showcasing its capabilities. Just two days after the release, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until March 2000. + + - Even after Internet access disc came the console could only connect through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This ISP was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which severely restricted the online capabilities of the console. + + - **Severe Shortages**: Despite earlier assurances that shipments of the console and games would arrive on time, many retailers were left without stock. There were no Visual Memory Units (VMUs), controllers, keyboards, or first-party software available even third party ones, leaving early adopters frustrated and disappointed. + + - When one retailer reached out to Ozisoft, they were told: "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. + + - **High Price Point**: The Dreamcast was priced at AUD 500 (approximately USD 350) in Australia, significantly higher than its USD 199 price tag in the United States. This price was later reduced to AUD 299 (around USD 175) a year after launch. Many immediately cancelled their pre-orders of these issues. From cb0b50f1f24fca9bf2e237bf3834eb212800426b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2024 22:42:41 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 04/13] AU&NZ 'NET https://www.eurogamer.net/article-29374 --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index ce8b2af4..03219d41 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: - - **Lack of Essential Disks**: The console was released without an Internet access disc or a demo disk, which were critical for showcasing its capabilities. Just two days after the release, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until March 2000. + - **Lack of Essential Disks**: The console was released without an Internet access disc or a demo disk, which were critical for showcasing its capabilities. Just two days after the release, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until early 2000. While it was released in Australia in March 2000, it was not released in New Zealand and was canceled in October. - Even after Internet access disc came the console could only connect through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This ISP was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which severely restricted the online capabilities of the console. From 7b3c3e47765e5fc2430ea610047c6669631e712a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:33:12 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 05/13] Software seized by customs https://retrocdn.net/images/6/64/Edge_UK_080.pdf, page 7, 'Dreamcast blunders down under' --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 2 ++ 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index 03219d41..a3ab66e2 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -33,6 +33,8 @@ When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: - Even after Internet access disc came the console could only connect through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This ISP was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which severely restricted the online capabilities of the console. + - All of the Dreamcast software was seized by customs officials due to the absence of a 'country of origin' marking on the packaging. + - **Severe Shortages**: Despite earlier assurances that shipments of the console and games would arrive on time, many retailers were left without stock. There were no Visual Memory Units (VMUs), controllers, keyboards, or first-party software available even third party ones, leaving early adopters frustrated and disappointed. - When one retailer reached out to Ozisoft, they were told: "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. From 10236aa494b5170dfc1cab2eab92175531d0305a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:57:28 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 06/13] Add reason why internet got delayed https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201038/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/23/more-on-the-dreamcast-delay-in-australia-and-new-zealand --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index a3ab66e2..09b7408c 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: - - **Lack of Essential Disks**: The console was released without an Internet access disc or a demo disk, which were critical for showcasing its capabilities. Just two days after the release, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until early 2000. While it was released in Australia in March 2000, it was not released in New Zealand and was canceled in October. + - **Lack of Essential Disks**: The console was released without an Internet access disc or a demo disk, which were critical for showcasing its capabilities. Just two days after the release, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until early 2000 reason being different phone sockets and telepermit check. While it was released in Australia in March 2000, it was not released in New Zealand and was canceled in October. - Even after Internet access disc came the console could only connect through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This ISP was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which severely restricted the online capabilities of the console. From ccc3e86dd66f2a905a7b1d23cc5ba087b208502f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2025 20:15:58 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 07/13] Australia no advertisement https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200117/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/01/dreamcast-hits-australia --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 4 +++- 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index 09b7408c..d750a5f0 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -39,7 +39,9 @@ When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: - When one retailer reached out to Ozisoft, they were told: "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. - - **High Price Point**: The Dreamcast was priced at AUD 500 (approximately USD 350) in Australia, significantly higher than its USD 199 price tag in the United States. This price was later reduced to AUD 299 (around USD 175) a year after launch. +- **No Advertising**: Unless you follow the console market, you won't know that the Dreamcast was released in Australia, because it was not advertised. + +- **High Price Point**: Even if you followed the console market, it was priced at $500 AUD (about $350 USD), much higher than the $199 USD price tag in the US. This price was reduced to $299 AUD (about $175 USD) about a year after launch. Many immediately cancelled their pre-orders of these issues. From 90ac3d1ce5cd99b0a5c1c6ca0d4de6109280eeed Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2025 15:46:55 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 08/13] modem info & details to customs Sources: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcasts-dismal-aussie-outing/1100-2460893/ https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/02/update-on-dreamcast-launch-in-australia --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 6 ++++-- 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index d750a5f0..03714459 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -31,13 +31,15 @@ When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: - **Lack of Essential Disks**: The console was released without an Internet access disc or a demo disk, which were critical for showcasing its capabilities. Just two days after the release, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until early 2000 reason being different phone sockets and telepermit check. While it was released in Australia in March 2000, it was not released in New Zealand and was canceled in October. - - Even after Internet access disc came the console could only connect through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This ISP was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which severely restricted the online capabilities of the console. + - Even after Internet access disc arrived, the console could only connect to internet through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This ISP was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which severely restricted the online capabilities of the console. - - All of the Dreamcast software was seized by customs officials due to the absence of a 'country of origin' marking on the packaging. + - Another thing to note is that the Australian Dreamcast did not have a 56Kbps modem, instead it had a 33.6Kbps modem. - **Severe Shortages**: Despite earlier assurances that shipments of the console and games would arrive on time, many retailers were left without stock. There were no Visual Memory Units (VMUs), controllers, keyboards, or first-party software available even third party ones, leaving early adopters frustrated and disappointed. - When one retailer reached out to Ozisoft, they were told: "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. + + - All of the Dreamcast software was seized by customs officials due to the absence of a 'country of origin' marking on the packaging. When Ozisoft got their hands on them. All the games were disorganized, shrink wrapped and missing classification. - **No Advertising**: Unless you follow the console market, you won't know that the Dreamcast was released in Australia, because it was not advertised. From a5d0c018e685365fa0b4efed11bba0f2e5ff782c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2025 16:14:44 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 09/13] Add sales estimates https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195153/https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/47613/dreamcast_labelled_no_new_games_wizard/#expand --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index 03714459..65b2e07f 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: - **High Price Point**: Even if you followed the console market, it was priced at $500 AUD (about $350 USD), much higher than the $199 USD price tag in the US. This price was reduced to $299 AUD (about $175 USD) about a year after launch. -Many immediately cancelled their pre-orders of these issues. +Sales estimates were 200.000 units in year one. Although there is no exact information on how many Dreamcasts have been sold in Australia, I don't think they sold that much because of the problems I mentioned. ## {.supporting-imagery} From e1ddc66bafa671828b29f72517c13743341c6160 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:26:52 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 10/13] Fix AUD price --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 7 ++++--- 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index 65b2e07f..b8ca684a 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -38,12 +38,13 @@ When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: - **Severe Shortages**: Despite earlier assurances that shipments of the console and games would arrive on time, many retailers were left without stock. There were no Visual Memory Units (VMUs), controllers, keyboards, or first-party software available even third party ones, leaving early adopters frustrated and disappointed. - When one retailer reached out to Ozisoft, they were told: "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. - + - All of the Dreamcast software was seized by customs officials due to the absence of a 'country of origin' marking on the packaging. When Ozisoft got their hands on them. All the games were disorganized, shrink wrapped and missing classification. -- **No Advertising**: Unless you follow the console market, you won't know that the Dreamcast was released in Australia, because it was not advertised. + - **No Advertising**: Unless you follow the console market, you won't know that the Dreamcast was released in Australia, because it was not advertised. + + - **High Price Point**: Even if you followed the console market, it was priced at $499 AUD (about $350 USD), much higher than the $199 USD price tag in the US. This price was reduced to $299 AUD (about $175 USD) about a year after launch. -- **High Price Point**: Even if you followed the console market, it was priced at $500 AUD (about $350 USD), much higher than the $199 USD price tag in the US. This price was reduced to $299 AUD (about $175 USD) about a year after launch. Sales estimates were 200.000 units in year one. Although there is no exact information on how many Dreamcasts have been sold in Australia, I don't think they sold that much because of the problems I mentioned. From 3afd152ebad289f85128f674ebe3bf5ef8ea5717 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:41:12 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 11/13] add original date https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/03/dreamcast-delays-down-under https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195153/https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/47613/dreamcast_labelled_no_new_games_wizard/ --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index b8ca684a..3453ff30 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ aliases: [/projects/consoles/dreamcast/] The Sega Dreamcast introduced many new features over its predecessor (the [Saturn](sega-saturn)) to appeal to both game developers and console gamers. While this was Sega's last attempt to conquer the console market, some of the technologies that were pioneered in the Dreamcast carried on and into future mainstream devices. -The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New Zealand on October 25, 1999, but was delayed just three days before the launch to November 30 without any explanation. Ozisoft, the distributor, warned retailers that selling the console before the new date would result in fines. The delay was partly due to the console still awaiting approval from Telecom NZ, as announced by Ozisoft New Zealand. +The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New Zealand at the end of September but got delayed due to issues with internet compatibility and game availability. The new release date was October 25, 1999, but got delayed again just three days before the launch this time to November 30 without any explanation. Ozisoft, the distributor, warned retailers that selling the console before the new release date would result in fines. The delay was partly due to the console still awaiting approval from Telecom NZ, as announced by Ozisoft New Zealand. When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: From c4a00c0e405be383189376e6fe75dcb12c853db9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:50:03 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 12/13] add marketing campaign launch date https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/02/update-on-dreamcast-launch-in-australia --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index 3453ff30..e8cb0281 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: - All of the Dreamcast software was seized by customs officials due to the absence of a 'country of origin' marking on the packaging. When Ozisoft got their hands on them. All the games were disorganized, shrink wrapped and missing classification. - - **No Advertising**: Unless you follow the console market, you won't know that the Dreamcast was released in Australia, because it was not advertised. + - **No Advertising**: Unless you follow the console market, you won't know that the Dreamcast was released in Australia, because it was not advertised. However, marketing campaign began on December 5th, 1999, five days after the console's launch. - **High Price Point**: Even if you followed the console market, it was priced at $499 AUD (about $350 USD), much higher than the $199 USD price tag in the US. This price was reduced to $299 AUD (about $175 USD) about a year after launch. From acdec3478800b5aa5e5fdadc9f4e1854c8d67525 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EuropaYou <53128780+EuropaYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:53:55 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 13/13] move content to bottom of article --- articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md | 49 +++++++++++++++++++++------------------ 1 file changed, 26 insertions(+), 23 deletions(-) diff --git a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md index e8cb0281..6ef8f693 100644 --- a/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md +++ b/articles/dreamcast.Rmd.md @@ -25,29 +25,6 @@ aliases: [/projects/consoles/dreamcast/] The Sega Dreamcast introduced many new features over its predecessor (the [Saturn](sega-saturn)) to appeal to both game developers and console gamers. While this was Sega's last attempt to conquer the console market, some of the technologies that were pioneered in the Dreamcast carried on and into future mainstream devices. -The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New Zealand at the end of September but got delayed due to issues with internet compatibility and game availability. The new release date was October 25, 1999, but got delayed again just three days before the launch this time to November 30 without any explanation. Ozisoft, the distributor, warned retailers that selling the console before the new release date would result in fines. The delay was partly due to the console still awaiting approval from Telecom NZ, as announced by Ozisoft New Zealand. - -When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: - - - **Lack of Essential Disks**: The console was released without an Internet access disc or a demo disk, which were critical for showcasing its capabilities. Just two days after the release, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until early 2000 reason being different phone sockets and telepermit check. While it was released in Australia in March 2000, it was not released in New Zealand and was canceled in October. - - - Even after Internet access disc arrived, the console could only connect to internet through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This ISP was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which severely restricted the online capabilities of the console. - - - Another thing to note is that the Australian Dreamcast did not have a 56Kbps modem, instead it had a 33.6Kbps modem. - - - **Severe Shortages**: Despite earlier assurances that shipments of the console and games would arrive on time, many retailers were left without stock. There were no Visual Memory Units (VMUs), controllers, keyboards, or first-party software available even third party ones, leaving early adopters frustrated and disappointed. - - - When one retailer reached out to Ozisoft, they were told: "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. - - - All of the Dreamcast software was seized by customs officials due to the absence of a 'country of origin' marking on the packaging. When Ozisoft got their hands on them. All the games were disorganized, shrink wrapped and missing classification. - - - **No Advertising**: Unless you follow the console market, you won't know that the Dreamcast was released in Australia, because it was not advertised. However, marketing campaign began on December 5th, 1999, five days after the console's launch. - - - **High Price Point**: Even if you followed the console market, it was priced at $499 AUD (about $350 USD), much higher than the $199 USD price tag in the US. This price was reduced to $299 AUD (about $175 USD) about a year after launch. - - -Sales estimates were 200.000 units in year one. Although there is no exact information on how many Dreamcasts have been sold in Australia, I don't think they sold that much because of the problems I mentioned. - ## {.supporting-imagery} ## CPU @@ -374,6 +351,32 @@ Eventually, unauthorised commercial discs (cheat loaders, movie players, etc) di Some problems surfaced afterwards: Although GD-ROMs can store a gigabyte of data, CD-ROMs can only fit ~700 MB, so how could 'rippers' shrink the bigger games to fit on a CD? By re-compressing music and graphics until it fits. They may even try to split it into two discs. After all, game data is not a single blob anymore (like on an old cartridge), but is now organised hierarchically into files and directories. +## Dreamcast in Australia and New Zealand + +The Dreamcast console was originally scheduled for release in Australia and New Zealand at the end of September but got delayed due to issues with internet compatibility and game availability. The new release date was October 25, 1999, but got delayed again just three days before the launch this time to November 30 without any explanation. Ozisoft, the distributor, warned retailers that selling the console before the new release date would result in fines. The delay was partly due to the console still awaiting approval from Telecom NZ, as announced by Ozisoft New Zealand. + +When the Dreamcast finally launched, it faced several significant issues: + + - **Lack of Essential Disks**: The console was released without an Internet access disc or a demo disk, which were critical for showcasing its capabilities. Just two days after the release, Ozisoft announced that the Internet access disk would not be available until early 2000 reason being different phone sockets and telepermit check. While it was released in Australia in March 2000, it was not released in New Zealand and was canceled in October. + + - Even after Internet access disc arrived, the console could only connect to internet through one ISP, Telstra Big Pond. This ISP was known for being both expensive and underpowered, which severely restricted the online capabilities of the console. + + - Another thing to note is that the Australian Dreamcast did not have a 56Kbps modem, instead it had a 33.6Kbps modem. + + - **Severe Shortages**: Despite earlier assurances that shipments of the console and games would arrive on time, many retailers were left without stock. There were no Visual Memory Units (VMUs), controllers, keyboards, or first-party software available even third party ones, leaving early adopters frustrated and disappointed. + + - When one retailer reached out to Ozisoft, they were told: "We don't know where the shipment is." It was later discovered that the shipment had been sent to the wrong state due to Ozisoft's strategy of only shipping consoles when there was space available on cargo planes, likely to save on shipping costs. + + - All of the Dreamcast software was seized by customs officials due to the absence of a 'country of origin' marking on the packaging. When Ozisoft got their hands on them. All the games were disorganized, shrink wrapped and missing classification. + + - **No Advertising**: Unless you follow the console market, you won't know that the Dreamcast was released in Australia, because it was not advertised. However, marketing campaign began on December 5th, 1999, five days after the console's launch. + + - **High Price Point**: Even if you followed the console market, it was priced at $499 AUD (about $350 USD), much higher than the $199 USD price tag in the US. This price was reduced to $299 AUD (about $175 USD) about a year after launch. + + +Sales estimates were 200.000 units in year one. Although there is no exact information on how many Dreamcasts have been sold in Australia, I don't think they sold that much because of the problems I mentioned. + + ## That's all folks ![A Dreamcast I had to get in order to write lots of stuff here.
Not too bad for its age!](folks.png)