Difference between revisions of "Sega Pico"

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[[Image:Pico.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Sega Pico console]]The '''Sega Pico''', known as '''Kids Computer Pico''' (キッズコンピューター・ピコ) in Japan, is a video game console made by [[Sega]] aimed at young children between the ages of 2 and 8. It was first launched to a Japanese audience in 1993 before being brought to North America and Europe a year later.
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{{ConsoleBob
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| logo=Pico logo.png
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| consoleimage=Pico.jpg
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| imgwidth=300
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| name=
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| maker=[[Sega]] (until 1998), [[Sega Toys]] (since 1998)
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| variants=
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| add-ons=
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| processor=
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| releases={{releasesPico
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| pico_date_jp=1993-06-26
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| pico_rrp_jp=16,000
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| pico_date_us=1994-10
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| pico_rrp_us=159.99
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| pico_date_eu=1994
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| pico_date_br=1995-12{{magref|sgp|21|13}}
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| pico_rrp_br=349.00{{magref|sgp|21|13}}
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| pico_date_uk=1994-09{{magref|mega|20|10}}
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| pico_date_tw=1997
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| pico_date_ru=1996-01{{magref|migr|8|92}}
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| pico_rrp_ru=990000
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| pico_date_cn=1997<ref>https://archive.org/details/game-software-93-02/%E7%94%B5%E5%AD%90%E6%B8%B8%E6%88%8F%E8%BD%AF%E4%BB%B697%E4%B8%8A%E5%8D%8A%E5%B9%B4%E5%90%88%E8%AE%A2%E6%9C%AC/page/n175/mode/2up?view=theater</ref>
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| pico_date_kr=1995-03
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}}
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}}
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{{stub}}The '''Sega Pico''', known in Japan as the '''Kids Computer Pico''' (キッズコンピューター・ピコ) and later the '''Kids Communication Pico''' (キッズコミュニケーション・ピコ), is a video game console developed and manufactured by [[Sega]] and [[Sega Toys]]. Aimed at young children between the ages of 2 and 8, the ''Pico'' was one of the first education-oriented game systems, and the first to gain mass market appeal. It is also the first system to use touch controls as the default control scheme.
  
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The console has seen a wealth of success in Japan, so much so that games are still being produced for the console to this day. In the western world, however, the Pico was less successul, with developers abandoning the system by early 1997. As of April 2005, 3.4 million Pico consoles and 11.2 million software cartridges had been sold.
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Released in Japan in 1993, and the United States and Europe in 1994, the Pico platform was officially supported in Japan as late as 2005 when its successor, the [[Advanced Pico Beena]] was released. Though obscure in the eyes of some, the Pico stands as one of the most successful devices of its kind, being the first educational console to ship globally and the primary inspiration for future educational devices from [[LeapFrog]] and [[wikipedia:VTech|VTech]].
  
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Pico cartridges are affectionately called "storyware", as each cartridge is shaped like a book. The console plugs into a TV, and when the book pages are turned, the TV's screen changes to an animated replica. Games are controlled using a "magic pen" similar to the stylus on a [[Nintendo DS]] or a tablet. A touch screen controls an on-screen cursor, though there is also a d-pad and a button on the left hand side of the unit.
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==Hardware==
 +
The Pico can be seen as a hybrid between a traditional cartridge-based video game console, a graphics tablet and an electronic book reader. It is a sturdy yet colourful device designed to both appeal to and "survive" the torment of young children. Though not invincible, Picos can cope with small bumps and spillages with greater ease than mass-market consoles, and feature no small parts or hazards unsuitable for small children.
  
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The Pico won critical acclaim amongst Toy and Edutainment companies in the US [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+PICO+sweeps+1995+awards%3b+top+honors+and+accolades+from...-a017815970][http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+Pico+once+again+recognized+as+the+leading+children%27s...-a018958803] and by 1996 the Pico had an installed base of 400,000 units[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sega%27s+Pico+edutainment+system+drives+ELA+category+growth%3b+Pico+grows...-a017981909]. Like the [[Sega Mega Drive]], the North American distribution rights were picked up by [[Majesco]] after the console's popularity began to dwindle, and in 1999, Majesco reissued Sega Pico systems at the reduced price of $49.99, $100 less than the previous asking price[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Majesco+Signs+Licensing+Deal+to+Distribute+Sega+Pico+Educational...-a055353637].
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All Picos are built similarly to modern day laptops, in that they are devices made up of two, foldable halves allowing for portability and easy storage. The bottom half rests on a flat surface and acts as the primary source of input, while the top is held at a 90-degree angle, supported by a support at the back. Also included is a handle for easy transportation, and with the exception of TV and power connectors, everything is built-in to the unit.
  
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==Pico Models==
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The Pico has five, unlabeled face buttons on the bottom left - one large {{RedButton}} button (often mistaken for a d-pad), and four smaller {{WhiteButton}}, {{GreenButton}}, {{OrangeButton}} and {{PurpleButton}} buttons. Most notably, the Pico has a "touch pad" and a hard-wired "Magic Pen" for manipulating this pad (the Magic Pen also acts an extra button when pressed down). Picos also have an expansion port on the right hand side, and in early models, a [[DE-9]] port, which is presumed to have gone unused.
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:''Main article: [[Sega Pico Models/Revisions]]''
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Picos, like most home consoles, connect to televisions. Interestingly the Pico relies on [[composite video]] for its display, as opposed to the then-standard [[RF connector|RF]] technology, providing better image quality than many other systems of the era. The Pico also needs an [[AC adaptor]], similar to those used with the [[Sega Mega Drive]] Model 2 and [[Sega 32X]].
 +
 
 +
Pico cartridges are affectionately called "storyware", with each cartridge shaped like a book with multiple "pages". Cartridges plug into the top half of the system and pages open out to fill the space, with games recognising which pages have been turned and changing the TV display accordingly. The Pico's cartridge slot "pivots", meaning cartridges can be placed in the system at an angle and locked into place when in use. The last "page" of each cartridge can also be manipulated by the Magic Pen, effectively creating two touch pads.
 +
 
 +
Much of the Pico's success came from its ability to support extra peripherals. For example, the [[Drive Pico]] mounts a large, plastic steering wheel on top of the touch pad, and gives the user an alternative way to play specific games. Though no such peripherals were released in North America or Europe, dozens were released in Japan and markets such as South Korea, particularly towards the end of the system's lifespan.
 +
 
 +
From a technical perspective, the Sega Pico uses hardware derived from the [[Sega Mega Drive]], lacking only a [[Zilog Z80]] and a [[YM2612]] for driving FM Sound. Also, strictly speaking the touch pad technology uses electromagnetism to send signals, and therefore does not need to physically touch the device in order to operate.
 +
 
 +
It was also the earliest known device to use active digitizer technology.
 +
 
 +
===Models===
 +
{{mainArticle|Sega Pico Models}}
 +
 
 +
Aside from cosmetic changes, ''Pico'' consoles remained unchanged throughout their lifespan. The system is also region-free, though NTSC/PAL differences must be considered. Later editions, such as the ''Beena'', add basic internet support. All ''Pico'' software is compatible with all ''Pico'' hardware, with the exception of software designed for [[Yamaha]]'s '''Mixt Book Player Copera''' hardware variant, which will not function correctly in standard ''Pico'' systems.
  
 
==Emulation==
 
==Emulation==
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Pico emulation is notoriously difficult as even though the hardware is similar to that of the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Mega Drive]], each game page needs to be scanned and represented digitally.
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Because the Pico’s hardware is based upon that of the Mega Drive, several Mega Drive [[emulator]]s (''e.g.'' [[Kega Fusion]]) can in fact run Pico [[ROM]]s. However, support for non-hardware elements of the Pico experience, most notably game books, is dependent upon the programmer specifically adding support for these – as well as the person who created the backup of the game including all necessary files, chiefly scans of the storyware cartridge’s pages. Thus, Pico emulation has become notorious for being difficult, chiefly because of the need to scan and digitally represent each page of the game.
  
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In May of 2008 a PC Emulator capable of emulating the controls and games of Pico was released under the name of [[PicoDrive]]. It came about due to the release of several prototype Pico ROMs which were released by drx just over 2 months earlier.
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In May 2008, a PC-based emulator capable of emulating the controls and games of Pico was released, under the name of [[PicoDrive]]. It came about due to the release of several prototype Pico ROMs, which were released by [[sonic:drx]] just over 2 months earlier.
  
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== List of games ==
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==Games==
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This is a list of the Sega Pico games released in the US and PAL territories. For Japanese games, see [[Japan Region Pico games]].
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{{MainArticle|List of Pico games}}
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{{multicol|
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===List of games===
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*''A Year at Pooh Corner ''
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{{BulletPointGameList|Pico}}
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*''Adventures in Letterland With Jack and Jill ''
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*''Alex and Alice ''
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*''[[Allowa Pongka]]''
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*''Berenstain Bears' A School Day''
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*''[[Bioneun Nal]]''
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*''Crayola: Create a World''
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*''[[Geumdokki Eundokki]]''
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*''Disney's 101 Dalmations ''
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*''[[Jeulgeoun Deuraibeu]]''
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*''Disney's Lion King''
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*''[[Tinga-wa Haenggo-eui Toongtang Toongtang Doshi]]''
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*''Disney's Pocahontas ''
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*''Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt! ''
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*''[[Pink Panther's Magic Island]]'' (unreleased)
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*''The Great Counting Caper With the 3 Blind Mice ''
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*''[[Pink Panther's Shapes and Colors]]'' (unreleased)
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*''Magic Crayons ''
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*''[[Sanou Kaihatsu Series Tansaku - Kansei - Kioku]]'' (unreleased)
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*''Math Antics with Disney's 101 Dalmations ''
 
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*''Mickey's Blast Into the Past ''
 
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*''Muppets on the Go ''
 
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*''Musical Zoo''
 
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*''Pepe's Puzzles ''
 
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*''Pink Panther's Magic Island ''
 
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*''Pink Panther's Shapes and Colors ''
 
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*''Richard Scarry's Huckle and Lowly's Busiest Day Ever ''
 
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*''Scholastic's The Magic School Bus''
 
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*''Sesame Street''
 
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*''[[Sonic's Gameworld|Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld]]''
 
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*''[[Tails And The Music Maker]]''
 
 
*''[[Sonic Jr.]]'' (unreleased)
 
*''[[Sonic Jr.]]'' (unreleased)
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}}
 
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[[Category:Sega Pico]]
 
  
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}
 +
 +
==Artwork==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Pico JP logo 1993.png|Japanese logo (1993)
 +
Pico logo.png|North American/European/Australian/Asian logo
 +
Pico logo KR.png|South Korean logo
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Patents==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Patent EP0664523B1.pdf|EP0664523B1
 +
Patent EP0751481B1.pdf|EP0751481B1
 +
US5669781.pdf|US5669781
 +
Patent US5739814.pdf|US5739814
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references />
 +
 +
{{PicoOmni}}
 +
{{Sega Consoles}}
  
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{{Sega_Consoles}}
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[[Category:Sega Pico| ]]

Latest revision as of 10:00, 30 December 2023

Pico logo.png
Pico.jpg
Sega Pico
Manufacturer: Sega (until 1998), Sega Toys (since 1998)
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Pico
JP 		¥16,00016,000
Sega Pico
US 		$159.99159.99
Sega Pico
EU
Sega Pico
UK
Sega Pico
BR 		R$349.00349.00[1]
Sega Pico
CN
Sega Pico
KR
Sega Pico
RU 		990000руб990000
Sega Pico
TW

This short article is in need of work. You can help Sega Retro by adding to it.

The Sega Pico, known in Japan as the Kids Computer Pico (キッズコンピューター・ピコ) and later the Kids Communication Pico (キッズコミュニケーション・ピコ), is a video game console developed and manufactured by Sega and Sega Toys. Aimed at young children between the ages of 2 and 8, the Pico was one of the first education-oriented game systems, and the first to gain mass market appeal. It is also the first system to use touch controls as the default control scheme.

Released in Japan in 1993, and the United States and Europe in 1994, the Pico platform was officially supported in Japan as late as 2005 when its successor, the Advanced Pico Beena was released. Though obscure in the eyes of some, the Pico stands as one of the most successful devices of its kind, being the first educational console to ship globally and the primary inspiration for future educational devices from LeapFrog and VTech.

Hardware

The Pico can be seen as a hybrid between a traditional cartridge-based video game console, a graphics tablet and an electronic book reader. It is a sturdy yet colourful device designed to both appeal to and "survive" the torment of young children. Though not invincible, Picos can cope with small bumps and spillages with greater ease than mass-market consoles, and feature no small parts or hazards unsuitable for small children.

All Picos are built similarly to modern day laptops, in that they are devices made up of two, foldable halves allowing for portability and easy storage. The bottom half rests on a flat surface and acts as the primary source of input, while the top is held at a 90-degree angle, supported by a support at the back. Also included is a handle for easy transportation, and with the exception of TV and power connectors, everything is built-in to the unit.

The Pico has five, unlabeled face buttons on the bottom left - one large Red button (often mistaken for a d-pad), and four smaller White, Green, Orange and Purple buttons. Most notably, the Pico has a "touch pad" and a hard-wired "Magic Pen" for manipulating this pad (the Magic Pen also acts an extra button when pressed down). Picos also have an expansion port on the right hand side, and in early models, a DE-9 port, which is presumed to have gone unused.

Picos, like most home consoles, connect to televisions. Interestingly the Pico relies on composite video for its display, as opposed to the then-standard RF technology, providing better image quality than many other systems of the era. The Pico also needs an AC adaptor, similar to those used with the Sega Mega Drive Model 2 and Sega 32X.

Pico cartridges are affectionately called "storyware", with each cartridge shaped like a book with multiple "pages". Cartridges plug into the top half of the system and pages open out to fill the space, with games recognising which pages have been turned and changing the TV display accordingly. The Pico's cartridge slot "pivots", meaning cartridges can be placed in the system at an angle and locked into place when in use. The last "page" of each cartridge can also be manipulated by the Magic Pen, effectively creating two touch pads.

Much of the Pico's success came from its ability to support extra peripherals. For example, the Drive Pico mounts a large, plastic steering wheel on top of the touch pad, and gives the user an alternative way to play specific games. Though no such peripherals were released in North America or Europe, dozens were released in Japan and markets such as South Korea, particularly towards the end of the system's lifespan.

From a technical perspective, the Sega Pico uses hardware derived from the Sega Mega Drive, lacking only a Zilog Z80 and a YM2612 for driving FM Sound. Also, strictly speaking the touch pad technology uses electromagnetism to send signals, and therefore does not need to physically touch the device in order to operate.

It was also the earliest known device to use active digitizer technology.

Models

Main article: Sega Pico Models.

Aside from cosmetic changes, Pico consoles remained unchanged throughout their lifespan. The system is also region-free, though NTSC/PAL differences must be considered. Later editions, such as the Beena, add basic internet support. All Pico software is compatible with all Pico hardware, with the exception of software designed for Yamaha's Mixt Book Player Copera hardware variant, which will not function correctly in standard Pico systems.

Emulation

Because the Pico’s hardware is based upon that of the Mega Drive, several Mega Drive emulators (e.g. Kega Fusion) can in fact run Pico ROMs. However, support for non-hardware elements of the Pico experience, most notably game books, is dependent upon the programmer specifically adding support for these – as well as the person who created the backup of the game including all necessary files, chiefly scans of the storyware cartridge’s pages. Thus, Pico emulation has become notorious for being difficult, chiefly because of the need to scan and digitally represent each page of the game.

In May 2008, a PC-based emulator capable of emulating the controls and games of Pico was released, under the name of PicoDrive. It came about due to the release of several prototype Pico ROMs, which were released by sonic:drx just over 2 months earlier.

Games

Main article: List of Pico games.

List of games

Magazine articles

Main article: Sega Pico/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Sega Pico/Promotional material.

Artwork

  • Japanese logo (1993)

  • North American/European/Australian/Asian logo

  • South Korean logo

Patents

  • EP0664523B1

  • EP0751481B1

  • US5669781

  • US5739814

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 SuperGamePower, "Dezembro 1995" (BR; 1995-xx-xx), page 13
  2. ↑ Mega, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-21), page 10
  3. ↑ Magazina Igrushek, "4/1996" (RU; 1996-xx-xx), page 92
  4. ↑ https://archive.org/details/game-software-93-02/%E7%94%B5%E5%AD%90%E6%B8%B8%E6%88%8F%E8%BD%AF%E4%BB%B697%E4%B8%8A%E5%8D%8A%E5%B9%B4%E5%90%88%E8%AE%A2%E6%9C%AC/page/n175/mode/2up?view=theater


Sega Pico
Topics Technical specifications | History | List of games | Magazine articles | Promotional material | Hardware comparison | Storyware
Hardware Pico consoles
Mixt Book Player Copera
Accessories Anpanman Pico | Cooking Pico | Dance Pico | Doubutsu Pico | Drive Pico | Fishing Pico | Kangofusan Pico | Keyboard Pico | Kitchen Pico | Moshi Moshi Pico | Mouse Pico | Oekaki Pico | Oshare Pico | Plarail Pico | Rhythm Pico | Space Pico | Tomica Pico | Ultraman Pico | Utatte Pico | Pri Fun
Sega Home Video Game Systems
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SG-1000 SG-1000 II Mega Drive Mega Drive II
SC-3000 Mega-CD Mega-CD II Genesis 3
Sega Mark III 32X Dreamcast
Master System Master System II
AI Computer Game Gear
Saturn
Pico Beena
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