Sega releasing a new games console? Worst. Idea. Ever.
Sega hasn’t been involved in the home console market for seven years now, after deciding to call it a day when the Dreamcast bombed quite spectacularly. But there is now speculation that the company could be planning a return to the scene of its greatest triumphs. Seriously, a new Sega console? Worst. Idea. Ever.
Sega was, at one time, the pinnacle of the games industry. Who can forget those heady days when it was Sega versus Nintendo; Sonic versus Mario (not at the Olympics), and neither Sony or Microsoft had even entered the race. And then it all went slightly pear-shaped for Sega.
First, the Japanese gaming giant insisted on releasing Mega Drive add-ons such as the Mega-CD and 32X. Then came the Saturn, which while a decent console was too difficult to develop for and suffered a massive blow after going head-to-head with the original Playstation. And finally, the Dreamcast, a magnificent console way ahead of its time that was killed off prematurely.
And that was it, Sega exited the home console market, and instead concentrated on releasing multi-platform games and its Arcade business. Sadly, even those two facets of its business are now going down the drain, with Arcades virtually dying out and most Sega titles being poor. So what’s a company to do faced with odds like those?
Siliconera is reporting how Sega has trademarked three supposedly connected things in the US and Europe: Ringedge, Ringwide, and a logo with rings. The report suggests these are “for use with video game software, arcade game boards, stand alone video game machines, and arcade game machines with built-in screens.”
Don Reisinger, who writes The Digital Home over at CNet, is a man I have the utmost respect for. His column is a must-read and he is usually right on the ball. But this time, he’s actually dropped the ball or even missed it altogether.
He surmises that with the current state of the Arcade business, it’s unlikely Sega will be planning a full-on push in that direction. And he’s right, it does seem slightly pointless. So what if these trademarks are the early stages of a new home console being prepared by Sega?
Reisinger loves the idea, thinks it could save the company, and reckons there are enough Sega loyalists left to make it work. No, no, and thrice no. Seriously, it’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard. And I’m a fan of Sega, so this opinion isn’t borne out of some hatred toward the company.
We have three brilliant current-gen home consoles on the market right now, all of which offer something different and cater to diverse sets of people. Where would Sega fit into this market? It wouldn’t. And it would have to spend an absolute fortune trying to wriggle its way in, a fortune it cannot really afford.
Let’s be honest, with Sega, it was always about the games – the hardware hardly mattered. And it’s developing and releasing games on every console known to man right now. Why would it want to suddenly change direction and release games on just one system?
I love Sega and I really like Reisinger, but for my money, they are both barking up the wrong tree with this one. The world has moved on, and both Sega itself and the fanboys determined to stay loyal need to do the same. Forget making a new console and concentrate on making Sonic the Hedgehog the mascot he once was. That’s surely a more sensible idea.
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42 Responses to “Sega releasing a new games console? Worst. Idea. Ever.”
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February 10th, 2009
Haven’t Sega shot this one down like a zillion times?
February 10th, 2009
Sure they could make it, look at Nintendo they headed the wrong direction for a very long time. Look at them now…
February 10th, 2009
It seems like every week sega threaten to release a new console. I would’nt buy it
February 10th, 2009
“Don Reisinger, who writes The Digital Home over at CNet, is a man I have the utmost respect for.”
Dave, that man writes some of the worst articles I’ve ever seen grace a technology site.
I’ve read a lot of his columns, and some of them are completely ridiculous. Like a few weeks ago when he suggested that “Bad economy means lame games”, and that “2009 will be a dull year for gaming”; yet completely failed to mention the games coming from Sony that have required hefty investment; $20 million for KZ2 and Uncharted 2; plus GOW3 and GT5 (convinced that will come this year) et al.
The man is clueless Dave. Take today. “Why Microsoft needs more Seinfeld ads” when it was suggested by the New York Times that those ads actually gave a negative response towards MS and completely failed. I mean do a quick Google search about them. The response from them was largely negative. At least when you see an Apple ad, you know you’re going to be entertained. The Seinfeld ads made no sense at all.
Read David Carnoy on CNET. He talks sense.
February 10th, 2009
lock_down – Horses for courses. I like the way Reisinger plucks a topic out of the ether and runs with it, even if he’s going against the grain of mainstream opinion.
On the Sega console he’s clearly wrong, but he’s still entertaining when he’s talking crap.
February 10th, 2009
I’m not a big fan on Sega games in general.
I usually avoid if they have the Sega logo on them.
I never was a fan of the Virtua Fighter Series though I hear they are pretty good. Sega has gone out of their way to destroy the Sonic games. Even Golden Axe a game that should have reignited the series with a current gen game was panned as being unplayable.
They do have some hope though. I hear the Valkry Chronicles is pretty good, as well as Yukuza 3. Time will tell. I lost faith and wouldn’t be looking forward to a Sega console.
February 10th, 2009
Good point about Sega games. I own about 13 current gen games at the moment… none of which are from Sega.
I suppose it is possible though. The market for video games keeps expanding. Currently we have three successful consoles on the market; four is not out of the question. Sega certainly would be able to match Sony in terms of quantity of first part exclusives. Quality on the other hand….
February 10th, 2009
Sega need to bring out a modern 2D Sonic game.
February 10th, 2009
I think we’re all ignoring the larger issue here. And that is: How do put an avatar up???
-Arvis
February 10th, 2009
go to gravatar.com
dont post a pic of your face dude… im not built to handle that kinda horror dude…
February 10th, 2009
“Sega need to bring out a modern 2D Sonic game.”
I vote for 3d on a 2d plane! Then, remove Sonic and insert Mario! Win!
February 11th, 2009
Dave is right where would Sega fit in in this generation of consoles. It most likely won’t happen. But the Sega sucessor is Microsoft. Most fans of the Xbox would probably look at a Sega Console. I know I would. Sega did have good games and it was the Hardcore choice at the times. I think Sega could bring some compitition to Microsoft. But like I siad befor It’s not going to happen. I will agree that Sega has lost some of the spunk it use to have in the Games Dept. I do own 2 Sega games I think, the Club which is a really good game that I think is slept on. I prsonally think The Club is a great practice for other shooters. I also own Sega Rally which is another slept on game that is just awesome. I have to play it tonight.
February 11th, 2009
The only Sega published game I’m looking forward to is Aliens: Colonial Marines.
February 11th, 2009
I’ll probably pick up Condemned 2 as it’s only 19.99 on Amazon and I heard it’s pretty damn good.
February 11th, 2009
since sony will never recoup the 4 billion (and growing) in losses associated with the ps3, while shouldering another 100 or so million on the ps4’s R&D, it’s not unthinkable to reason sony may bow out of the market next gen or the one after, leaving a gaping hole for either SEGA or Apple to fill the gap.
doubtful anytime soon, as the current economic climate hardly invites a 4th competitor at this point.
February 11th, 2009
What happened kev? I thought we wouldn’t have to read one of your retarded posts for another week.
February 11th, 2009
bored at work…you don’t have to read them at all..in fact, i would prefer you didn’t. all of my posts have facts which you refuse to acknowledge. kinda like the Rush Limbaugh of Gamer.blorge.
February 11th, 2009
Kev, what’s you’re PSN ID? I’ll send you an invite tonight.
February 11th, 2009
“Doubtful anytime soon, as the current economic climate hardly invites a 4th competitor at this point.”
Would’ve been a better post me thinks.
February 11th, 2009
Microsoft lost more than 4 billion with the Xbox and they (unfortunately) are still around.
@ Barnabe.
He’ll have a psn ID by Feb 27th.
February 11th, 2009
SONOFABITCH!!!
he’s back… ok back to the old routine…
February 11th, 2009
Kev…
…
…get a Gravatar.
February 11th, 2009
i should. but really, i don’t give this site enough attention to care. i read and post between tasks.
phranc – learn the difference between earmarked money and lost money, please. thanks.
this is why ms had no impact to their outlook given their “4 billion loss”. they had money set aside to the tune of around 6 billion.
they KNEW they would never own the ip in the xbox thus never creating any significant money. they did it (for the 1,000th time) to create a userbase from nothing. they did, too. very nicely.
February 11th, 2009
HAHAHAHAHAHAH
AGAIN KEV DOES IT AGAIN!!!
February 11th, 2009
Lets also remember that MS 4 Billion loss came over 5 years. Sony lost 4 Billion in 1 Year.
February 11th, 2009
And here was me thinking this thread would become a wonder ‘Teh Dreamcast TwoooZ’ thread.
Instead, back to PS3 bashing. Good work guys. *thumbs up*
February 11th, 2009
Well Kev and CAD need to get together to collaborate thier answers a bit better…. is it a 4 billion dollar loss or a 4 billion dollar earmark….
Earmarking is what they tell investors and shareholders idiots. You guys are quite free to believe it if you wish.
I can honestly say that after some time now of being a proud 360 and ps3 owner, and quite frequently alternating between the two to play various games. I can say there is bugger all difference between the two gameplay and visual wise. Each have their pro’s and con’s. I will say that I am pissed off that I can’t connect the 360 to the net because I don’t have a network cable long enough and It doesn’t include wireless – you gotta pay an extra 150 bucks for the adaptor = joke !!??
Back on topic…… I am a fan of Sega, but there is no room for them in the console market, unless they come up with a machine that EVERYONE must have (and be more of a must have, than Wii)
February 12th, 2009
spidey – MS has never claimed they “lost 4 billion”. only the gaming “journalists” who didn’t listen to Robbie Bach in 2000 who stated the money was already earmarked. of course, the sony fanboys, and their 6th grade education, gravitated to the word “loss” because they can’t understand investment to create customers.
CAD – the ps3 fanboys don’t like to look at the numbers… they refuse reality… kinda like those members of the “world is flat” foundation. no kiddin, there are people who actually believe it…
February 12th, 2009
sw – when fact are considered “bashing”, you know the ps3 is in bad shape.
February 12th, 2009
Bad shape? Kev the PS3 is like Angelina Jolie.. dark, curvy, sexy, and getting better with age. The 360 is like a drunken two bit whore…. Who waits until you fall asleep and then steels your kidneys and leaves in a bathtub full of ice….
What I’m trying to say is that the PS3 will sell more units in three years, then the 360 did. Most of the Sony corporation’s losses steam from the weakening Yen.
February 12th, 2009
“sw – when fact are considered “bashing”, you know the ps3 is in bad shape.”
I already used *snore* today, so erm:
*yawn*
Anyways, 9/9/09! Dreamcast2 baby! (Yes I know its NOT happening!, just thought I would post something slightly on topic!)
February 12th, 2009
barnabe – when will you clowns stop with the predictions? every single one has failed.. yet here you are promising more…geez…
you do realize the ps3 has sold less year over year right? with this kind of declination in sales, they certaintly won’t meet your promise…
i wonder if you guys consider this a trend or is just sales spikes you consider trends…lmao….
idiots…
February 12th, 2009
sorry..not a decrease…just not an increase….
treading water is not where sony needs to be.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20090211133015_Nintendo_Wii_Continues_to_Dominate_Console_Market_Xbox_360_Stagnates_PlayStation_3_Becomes_Victim_of_Economic_Recession.html
February 12th, 2009
Just because ms “don’t claim” to have lost 4 billion doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
Kev, it is common knowledge that ms lost 4 billion in its short xbox orig venture.
Your the one of few (CAD) that has your fingers in your ears saying “IT’S ONLY TRUE IS MS SAYS SO”
You like talking about “ps3 fanboys” I have openly stated that I own both and are happy with both….. Am I a ps3 fanboy because I have bad things to say about xbox as well as the ps3??
February 13th, 2009
If I go to the casino with $500 I’m willing to lose, and then I lose it, according to kev, it’s not really a loss. I love your logic.
February 13th, 2009
spidey – robbie bach made the statement BEFORE the original xbox hit the market. how can you claim a loss when the money has been set aside and the console wasn’t on the market yet.
until you learn a thing about business models, i’d suggest you don’t post anything about the industry.
phranc – gambling and business are not the same. again, don’t post anything business related. you’ll only embarrass yourself…again…
their ONLY intention with the original xbox was to create a userbase they can draw on in future generations.
really, you two need waaaaay more schooling.
February 13th, 2009
oh btw; the year to years sales of the ps3 has actually decreased. since you ps3 fanboys like to claim the 3 month increase in the ps3 sales last year as a “trend” a year to year decrease is also a trend. as the the trend continues, it’s not unthinkable Stringer will pull them out of the market next gen, or the one after. sorry for the bad news….. oh wait…no i’m not…
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/02/year-over-year-ps3-sales-drop-bad-news-for-sony.ars
February 14th, 2009
Oh sorry Kev, us mere mortals don’t know about the “business” like you do…..
Everyone knows it was a LOSS, your the only one saying it wasn’t. Wake up sunshine.
Oh the ps is dooooomed….. the sky is falling, the sky is falling.
February 14th, 2009
Spidey, kev wouldn’t know about business if it came up and slapped him in the face.
February 15th, 2009
LOL. Too true !!
February 17th, 2009
..says the two that can’t define the console’s business model….
no, genius..it was Robbie Bach, Seamus Blackley and Ed Fries who stated the money was earmarked to create a userbase.
if you actually paid attention to what was going on, you may have remembered this fact.
sorry to make you look foolish, but you make it too easy Spidey and lock_down…
February 17th, 2009
spidey – don’t know if the sky is falling, but sony won’t keep around a money-hemorraging unit….
not looking good for future playstations…