Tag Archives: Sega

SEGA Emojam emoji pager for kids is a quirky clash of past and present cultures

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You’ve probably heard about how some people bemoan the degradation of literacy thanks to “txtspeak” which abbreviated words to avoid hitting the SMS character count cap. Although that may be a thing of the past now that we have longer limits and more flexible messaging services, a newer trend is to completely replace words with their more expressive iconic equivalents: emojis.

In less formal settings, a string of emojis instead of a full paragraph could be more efficient and even fun, and SEGA thinks it could actually be a good thing for kids. Adults might roll their eyes at the thought, but these cute devices might remind them of their own past when text in a single scrolling line was the way to communicate. Of course, these kids have it easier with smileys and icons that can paint a dozen words.

Designer: SEGA

Given how many icons, objects, and faces are now included in the set of emojis almost universally understood by everyone, it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that some people can carry out conversations without typing a single character. Of course, just like any iconography, some images or expressions can be open to interpretation, but that’s also precisely the point with this “Emojam” pager from SEGA. It’s like developing a secret coded language that only you and your close friends can understand.

With this emoji pager, kids can “type” 10 emojis from a selection of 1,100 emojis to send to their friends. That’s quite a lot, especially when you consider that the device only has three buttons. Interpreting the sequence of icons correctly is also part of the fun, making communication more active and less mechanical like the way adults communicate with each other today.

As a device designed for kids, SEGA Emojam has a few safety features to protect their emotional and mental states. It’s a Wi-Fi-only device that can only have 100 people on its friends list, and group chats are limited to five people only. More importantly, you can only add a friend after you physically tap two devices together, which means it will be someone you’ve at least met face-to-face once. The library of emojis, vast as it may be, doesn’t include harmful imagery either.

Admittedly, the idea of an emoji pager might sound cute but its commercial success might be a bit questionable. Still, SEGA definitely thinks it will be a hit among Japanese kids, especially with special emojis from popular franchises like Sanrio. The SEGA Emojam pager launches on December 10 for 7,150 JPY, around $47, though it isn’t clear if it will require a paid subscription to use.

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This SEGA handheld gaming console doubles as pocketable digital calendar

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Handheld gaming propped up in the form of Merlin console with interchangeable cartridges way back in 1978. The trend for handheld gaming consoles was later sparked by Nintendo Game Boy in 1989. Then SEGA jumped into the bandwagon with Game Gear, its first ever handheld in 1990 and followed it up with the Genesis Nomad released in 1995.

Almost a decade later Sony changed the dynamics of handheld gaming with the highly popular PSP in 2004. Fast forward back to the current era and ultra-powerful handheld gaming consoles like Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally and Nintendo Switch bring high-octane action to the small screen.

Designer: WooJin Shin, Nahyun Kwon, JiHoon Park and Seungmin Hong

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The portable freedom to gaming can consume hours without you ever noticing and lead to procrastination. This can push you into missing important calendar notifications. To keep you abreast of all the latest notifications without missing out on the fun gaming sessions in retro style, a team of designers has penned this SEGA handheld that revives old memories of pixelated arcade gaming. Called the SEGA-DBS, this pocketable gaming gadget doubles as a calendar to get rid of your constant smartphone addiction.

By adding the fun element of retro arcades to change the way we all perceive the boring calendar notifications, the concept intends to freshen up things. It’s like your minimalist organizer with the option to play the odd Sonic dash run. Don’t expect high-end gaming on this handheld though, and only three titles will be pre-loaded into the gadget. Remember, we are talking about decluttering stuff and keeping things simple, so this makes complete sense!

The post This SEGA handheld gaming console doubles as pocketable digital calendar first appeared on Yanko Design.

SEGA Genesis Plush Console: Genesis Does What Nintendon’t!

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Made and sold by Kidrobot (which has been responsible for taking hundreds if not thousands of my dollars over the years), this $30 SEGA Genesis Gaming Console 12″ Interactive Plush features a soft likeness of the 1988 gaming system, complete with a detachable controller and removable Sonic the Hedgehog game cartridge. How about that! Now all I need is a plush television to complete my make-believe gaming session.

Can you use it as a pillow? Sure! Can you use it as a kid’s booster seat in the car? No. Now I’m not sure who needs to hear this, but you also shouldn’t use it as a hot plate because my soup is still cold. Maybe if I take out the cartridge and try blowing on it first…

I have fond memories of playing SEGA Genesis growing up. I also have unfond memories of accidentally plugging the SEGA CD’s power supply into the wrong port and killing it. Of course, I never told my parents that; I just pretended it stopped working, and they eventually bought a new one. Whew — thanks for letting me finally get that off my chest; it’s really been weighing on me the past 30 years.

SEGA Genesis plushie lets you throw your controller without feeling guilty

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Gamer tantrums are well-known, especially when they get destructive, but this plush toy recreation of a popular console offers a safer outlet when lashing out.

Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo might be the last remaining contenders in the console wars, but there was a time when they weren’t the only ones in that arena. Before Sega was reduced to being a game publisher, it was also making consoles that eventually became icons in gaming history. The SEGA Genesis is one of those historical gaming machines, and one shop is creating a lovable and huggable version that recreates more than just the console’s form.

Designer: kidrobot

You probably wouldn’t be hugging this console-shaped plush toy in bed or on the couch. Or probably you would if you were feeling a bit melancholic and pining for the good old days of gaming. Or you might want this soft and cushy SEGA Genesis beside you when you’re mashing buttons on your Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch. That way, when you get the urge to throw the controller in frustration, you can simply grab this plush and throw that instead. It’s therapeutic and safe to boot!

This SEGA Genesis Interactive Plush tries to recreate the iconic console faithfully in both shape and size, though it’s admittedly a bit larger than the actual machine. That does mean it’s not exactly fit for comfy hugging, but it won’t take up too much space on your couch or bed either. The plushie also tries to be as faithful to the small design details, from the buttons and indicators to the warning labels at the bottom.

The “interactive” part comes from the pieces that you can remove or “plug” into the console. Rather than just a single plushie, this SEGA Genesis comfort toy is actually made up of three parts. There’s a game cartridge that has Sonic the Hedgehog’s face emblazoned on it. There’s also a controller that can connect and disconnect at will. That could come in handy when you want to throw the controller without the console flying along with it.

This 12-inch SEGA Genesis Interactive Plush is a cute and fun nod to an age long gone. Of course, even those who never even held a SEGA Genesis might still appreciate having something of a reminder of that past, especially one that you only have to wash to keep it clean and usable.

The post SEGA Genesis plushie lets you throw your controller without feeling guilty first appeared on Yanko Design.

These Wireless Charging Mats Look Like SEGA Game Controllers

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Back in the day, I was a serious SEGA fanboy. The SEGA Genesis and Dreamcast are still two of my favorite video game consoles of all time, the Japanese brand offering an outsider’s approach to gaming, releasing offbeat and edgy titles that Nintendo and Sony wouldn’t have dreamed of at the time. Sadly, SEGA isn’t in the console business anymore, but they still make some pretty cool video games for other consoles and mobile devices. If you’re a fan of classic SEGA gaming like me, check out these sweet wireless charging mats.

Numskull teamed up with SEGA to make these “Charging Matz” because any word that ends with “z” is cooler than a word that ends with “s.” They’re available in four styles, including Mega Drive and Dreamcast controllers, a Dreamcast console, and the Sonic the Hedgehog logo, complete with his wagging finger. The picture above also shows a Saturn controller, so I assume that’s on the way too. Each mat offers 10-watt fast charging for Qi-compatible wireless devices and has a non-slip rubber base. I like how the Dreamcast controller even has the VMU there in the middle. Now can I use it to play some Shenmue?

All four SEGA Charging Matz are available for order in the EU and UK via their official SEGA shops. If you want one in the US, check back here and we’ll provide an update when we know when and where you can buy them.

Sonic the Hedgehog Head Plush: Sonic the Headshog?

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I don’t know about you, but I’m used to seeing Sonic the Hedgehog with his head attached to his body. But if you don’t mind having a decapitated blue hedgehog head sitting on your couch, then you might want to grab this colorful plush toy from Tomy and Club Mocchi- Mocchi.

The 15″ plush collectible is a Target exclusive and sells for $29.99. The soft and squishy hedgehog head looks incredibly huggable and would look great in your game room alongside all of those other video game characters who have had their heads separated from their bodies. What? You don’t have any other plush heads lying around? Well, you’d better get your scissors out and start cutting up your stuffed animal collection now.

I think that Sonic’s Spin Dash move would be much more efficient if he was only a head.

[via Geek Culture]

LEGO to Produce a Sonic the Hedgehog Playset: Start Saving Your Gold Rings

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Because dreams occasionally do come true, a Sonic The Hedgehog themed LEGO playset originally proposed by LEGO Ideas user toastergrl (aka 24-year old Viv Grannell) has garnered the necessary 10,000 supporters on the website and approval by LEGO to become an actual product. Wow, 10-year old me is so excited right now! Also: current me.

LEGO is still finalizing the set’s design, although I hope it’s as close to Viv’s original “Green Hill Zone” submission as possible because that looks like a fun playset. Just not to step on – especially not Doctor Robotnik’s drill hands. My toes curled in pain just thinking about it.

Did you watch the Sonic The Hedgehog movie that came out last year? I liked it. And apparently so did enough other people for Paramount to decide to make a sequel, currently set for release April 8th, 2022. Race you to the theater! Get it? Because Sonic runs so fast. I know, with gems like that I’m surprised they didn’t hire me to write it.

[via Polygon]

Sega unveils ‘Total War: Warhammer 3’ with a trailer full of magic and monsters

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Sega has unveiled Total War: Warhammer 3 with an announcement trailer that features plenty of magic and monsters. Creative Assembly's next entry in the real-time strategy series should arrive later this year on Steam and the Epic Game Store."Embarkin...

‘Judgment’ hits PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Stadia on April 23rd

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Detective saga Judgment is making its way to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Google Stadia. Japanese developer Ryu ga Gotoku (perhaps best known for its work on the Yakuza series) is promising upgraded visuals at 60 frames per second, along with s...