The Treamcast is an unauthorized third-party developed Dreamcast modification released by XingHong Electronic Co., Ltd in Hong Kong and distributed by various companies internationally.
Overview[]
The system is essentially an original Sega Dreamcast in a custom shell with a fold-down display which resembles the revised PlayStation. It gained notoriety due to its portability and smaller size. Despite being commonly labeled as a clone console, the system uses original Sega parts.
Due to the Treamcast’s firmware, the system can play all games, regardless of region. It can read CD-Rs, play MP3s, and play Video CDs with special software. Sega accused the company of copyright violations and was able to halt sale through various websites. Also, despite its origins in Hong Kong, the Treamcast houses an American power supply. It will also take original Dreamcast controllers, 3rd party controllers, and the unique controllers which come with it (which resemble Sega Saturn controllers).
Accessories[]
A large amount of accessories and bundles were also released by XingHong bearing the Treamcast name. Including the DC Pad-8801 (The controller), DreamPhoto Mouse, which is bundled with DC Photo Hunter (a game only compatible with the mouse), a carrying case, and the Treamcast Gun bundle.
History[]
The console became incredibly popular in Hong Kong, where it was sold for around HK$1250[1]. In June 2003, Lik Sang, an international distributor from Hong Kong, would create an article on the system. Due to the demand caused by his article, he would send the system to Sega of Japan for approval to sell it. In August of the same year, Sega would decline Sang the ability to sell the console and state that the Treamcast was “An infringement upon our company’s property”.[2]