A New Dreamcast?

Sega has filed an application to renew the patent on the Dreamcast in the United States, prompting optimistic speculation that the Japanese games giant is looking to re-enter the hardware market.

The patent was filed with the US Patent and Trademark office, and covers not only the console, but controllers, floor mats, joysticks, mice, flash memory cards, videogame software and computer game programs – so essentially, pretty much anything related to a console, basically. But will this result in a return to the hardware game for Sega?

As Sega fans ourselves, we make no secret of the fact we’d love to see this happen. The death of the Dreamcast in 2001 was one of gaming’s lowest points, and it wouldn’t be the first time Sega has been linked with a return to the hardware game: on several occasions, it’s been rumoured that Sega’s overlords at Sammy have been looking for partners to launch a console based around its low end ATOMISWAVE arcade board, although unsurprisingly, nothing has come of this.

Likewise, the fact Sega’s high definition Lindbergh arcade board uses many off-the-shelf PC components means it could act as the basis for a Sega console.

However, we have our doubts that it’s true. Even ignoring the fact that much of Sega’s development structure is now geared towards multiformat development, the costs of developing and launching a modern console are astronomical, even with the billions of Yen Sega-Sammy Holdings has stored away.

Indeed, it seems more likely that Sega is simply doing what all good companies do: namely keeping its trademarks up-to-date, should it need them again in the future.

This is a distinct possibility, as Sega has previously released peripherals based on ones from its old consoles for machines such as the PS2. Likewise, with retro downloads proving popular on all three main formats these days (and indeed, with Dreamcast game Rez due to hit Live Arcade soon), hanging onto the Dreamcast name is a wise move.

Still, it would be nice if it was true, wouldn’t it? If you wish to share your thoughts on the topic – or simply wish to get all nostalgic and wax lyrical about how wonderful Sega’s last console was – the comments section is at 360 gamer

Thanks to 360 Gamer Magazine for this information.