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From Sonic Retro

Sega Channel logo

Sega Genesis with the Sega Channel Adaptor

Initial Sega Channel adaptor made by Scientific Atlanta

Later model Sega Channel adaptor made by General Instrument

Sega Channel was a project developed by Sega for the Sega Genesis gaming system. For a monthly subscription, the gamer would get an adapter which, once connected to their cable television connection would provide them with unlimited access to over 50 games, with new games appearing every 2 weeks. The games would be downloaded in about a minute and play just like the normal versions.

Sega also ran several promotions through the service. Special previews for up-and-coming titles were provided; some import games not found in the United States were exclusive to the service; cheats and tips were handed out.

In 1996, Sega introduced a "Wireless" version of the Sega Channel. This wireless service lasted about a year.

The service was also available in some parts of the United Kingdom, Canada, South America, and Japan on certain cable services.

Within the first two years, the Sega Channel was distributed in over 20 million homes. Although fairly successful, the service ended up failing; more up to date consoles were making the Genesis obsolete.

External links

• Archive.org - Archive of the Sega Channel official homepage
• Business Wire - Sega Channel Cited by "Popular Science" as Among 1994's Outstanding Products and Technological Achievements
• Sega Channel - Technical details on Sega Channel and its game delivery method.