Released in Japan on November 27, 1998, the Sega Dreamcast was the first sixth-generation console — and the first to ship with a built-in modem and broadband option. Its rear panel uses the 12-pin Dreamcast AV connector (composite, S-Video, raw RGB and VGA-capable), a removable modem module slot on the right side that originally housed a 33.6k or 56k dial-up modem (later swappable for the Broadband Adapter), and a captive AC power cord. Four proprietary controller ports sit across the front — twice as many as the Saturn — to support games like ChuChu Rocket and Bomberman without a multitap.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Sega
- Release Year
- 1998
- Model Number
- HKT-3000 (JP) / HKT-3020 (US)
- Category
- Gaming Console
Source: manufacturer product page · Last updated: · How we verify port data →
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Power (PD) | Capabilities | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sega Dreamcast AV (12-pin) | 1 | — | — | AV OUT (rear) | 12-pin proprietary AV out carrying composite, S-Video, raw RGB and (with the official VGA Box adapter) VGA. The VGA Box turned the Dreamcast into one of the best 480p sources of its era. |
| Proprietary Dreamcast Controller Port | 4 | — | — | Controller 1–4 (front) | Four proprietary Dreamcast controller ports, each carrying the Maple Bus at 2 MB/s. Supports VMU memory cards, rumble packs, microphone, fishing rod and lightgun in the controller's own expansion slots. |
Notes & Compatibility
Rear: 12-pin Dreamcast AV connector (composite, S-Video, raw RGB, VGA via VGA Box adapter), captive AC power cord (not modeled — no user-cable inlet). Right side: removable modem-module slot that originally housed a 33.6k modem (JP) / 56k modem (US) and was swappable for the Sega Broadband Adapter (HIT-0400/0401). Front: 4x proprietary Dreamcast controller ports (each supports two VMU/expansion slots in the controller itself). Top: GD-ROM drive (not a port). Best picture: VGA. A VGA Box or VGA cable gives native 480p on most of the library with no mod, but some games refuse VGA, so keep a 15kHz cable too. RGB SCART is that fallback (240p/480i), though a few discs, Skies of Arcadia and Giga Wing among them, output only composite and S-Video. Cheap HDMI dongles are a stopgap.
Common questions
How many ports does the Sega Dreamcast (1998) have?
The Sega Dreamcast (1998) has 5 ports in total: 1 × Sega Dreamcast AV (12-pin) and 4 × Proprietary Dreamcast Controller Port.
What video connections does the Sega Dreamcast (1998) have?
The Sega Dreamcast (1998) has 1 port that can carry video: 1 × Sega Dreamcast AV (12-pin).
Does the Sega Dreamcast (1998) have HDMI?
No. The Sega Dreamcast (1998) has no HDMI port. It does carry video over 1 × Sega Dreamcast AV (12-pin).
Does the Sega Dreamcast (1998) have a headphone jack?
No. The Sega Dreamcast (1998) has no 3.5 mm headphone jack. Its audio connections are 1 × Sega Dreamcast AV (12-pin).