October 31, 1996SATURN ACTRAISER RENAMEDSATURN BASIC DEVELOPMENT KIT ANNOUNCED
October 29, 1996SEGA RELEASES FIGHTING VIPERSCurrently ranked among the top five games in arcades, “Fighting Vipers” is hard-hitting proof that Sega Saturn continues its reign as the undefeated champion of in-home arcade gaming. “Fighting Vipers” leads the pack of four new arcade games shipping for Sega Saturn this holiday season, bringing Sega’s arcade-to-home library to 11 titles. Rated T, “Fighting Vipers” hits retail shelves on Oct. 29 for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
October 26, 1996SEGA PICKS UP BOMBERMANTOMB RAIDER NEWSSOURCE: Marty Chinn of Video Source
October 22, 1996SEGA UNVEILS NETLINKStarting Oct. 31, consumers across the country will be able to do more than simply watch TV — they’ll be able to enjoy the expanse of the Internet without the expense traditionally associated with high-end computers. Simple to use for Internet novices and veritable “Net Heads” alike, the Sega Saturn Net Link is chock full of tools that make surfing the Web, sending and receiving e-mails, participating in chat sessions, and playing networked games an easy and, at less than $400, an affordable experience. “With Sega Saturn Net Link, we’ve given the mass consumer a passport to the exciting world of the Internet,” said Kerry Bradford, general manager of Sega Online, Sega of America. “We’ve simplified the Internet by combining a graphically-rich roadmap, useful tools, and an intuitive interface that takes the `tech’ out of the `Net.'” The Sega Saturn Net Link combines two consumer entertainment products in one: an advanced 32-bit CD-based video game system offering more than 200 interactive entertainment titles by Christmas, and a modem providing full Internet functionality for e-mail, Web surfing and, ultimately, networked game play. It is the only TV-based Web device offering a hybrid CD drive/Internet functionality that can enhance the user’s on-line experience. Sega’s first foray into low-cost Internet access is an extension of the company’s steadfast mission to deliver top-notch interactive entertainment on all platforms, including arcades, consoles, PCs and now, the Internet. While Sega Saturn Net Link offers traditional Internet tools for surfing and e-mail, it will be the first video game console to deliver networked games. The first networkable Sega Saturn Net Link game will be the arcade and Sega Saturn hit, “Sega Rally Championship.” A head-to-head off-road rally race, “Sega Rally Championship” is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 1997. Additionally, a number of third party game companies plan to deliver Sega Saturn Net Link games in 1997 including Capcom and GT Interactive Software. Sega Saturn Net Link will be available nationwide on Oct. 31 for a suggested retail price of $199.99. That price includes a 28.8 Kbps speed modem cartridge that plugs into the Sega Saturn, a phone cord and a CD containing the Web browser and 3D city interface. Sold separately are the Sega Saturn system (SRP $199.99), a Sega Saturn mouse (SRP $24.99) and a PS/2 keyboard adapter (SRP $19.99). A bundled package will also be available (SRP $449.99) combining the Sega Saturn, the modem/browser package, a custom Sega Saturn keyboard and a non-networkable version of the hit arcade game, “Sega Rally Championship.” For information on the features of the Net Link, Click Here SEGA TO BROADEN DISTRIBUTION PLANSSega will broaden the scope of retail outlets to include both core consumer electronics and toy retailers, as well as alternative channels such as rental, computer interest, catalogs and cable programming. A much-anticipated low-cost Internet solution, the Sega Saturn Net Link will be available at retail outlets nationwide, predominantly in Sega’s core retailers, including Toys R Us, Best Buy, Walmart, Electronics Boutique, Neostar, The Good Guys and Incredible Universe. Computer retail channels have also expressed interest in carrying the product. Sega also has opted to tap alternative distribution channels for Sega Saturn Net Link. Offering consumers a chance to “try before they buy,” Sega plans to place Sega Saturn Net Link in the lucrative rental market, ranging from small, independent video rental outlets to regional chain operations. When renting both the Sega Saturn and Sega Saturn Net Link, consumers will receive three days of free Internet access through Concentric Network Corp. Additional channels include the CompuCard catalog, QVC (the cable shopping channel) and value-added retailers targeting college bookstores, school districts, and independent computer and education-oriented outlets. Sega projects that 100,000 Sega Saturn Net Link units will be sold in 1996, citing retailer excitement and consumer demand as early indicators for the product’s success.
October 21, 1996SEGA TO UNVEIL NETLINK
October 18, 1996NEW SATURN SATURN RELEASES
October 17, 1996DAYTONA USA CCE TO BE RELEASED BEFORE THANKSGIVINGNETLINK GAME WOESNEWS CORRECTION: FIGHTING VIPERS IS NOT OUT |