Sega NetLink

"NetLink" redirects here. For the Linux program, see Netlink.
The Sega Net Link

Sega Net Link (also called Sega Saturn Net Link) was an attachment for the Sega Saturn game console to provide Saturn users with internet access and access to email through their console. The unit was released on October 31, 1996. The Sega Net Link consisted of a 28.8 kbit/s modem that fit into the Sega Saturn cartridge port and came packed with a browser developed by Planetweb, Inc. The unit sold for US$199, or US$400 bundled with a Sega Saturn.

The Net Link connected to the internet through standard dial-up services. Unlike other online gaming services in the US, one does not connect to a central service, but instead tells the dial-up modem connected to the Saturn's cartridge slot to call to the person with whom one wishes to play. Since it requires no servers to operate, the service, in theory, can operate as long as at least two users have the necessary hardware and software, as well as a phone line. [1]

In Japan, however, gamers did connect through a centralized service known as SegaNet, which would later be taken offline and converted for Dreamcast usage.

Product details

While the Net Link was not the first accessory which allowed console gamers in North America to play video games online, it was the first to allow players to use their own Internet Service Provider (ISP) to connect. While Sega recommended that players use Concentric, the Sega Net Link enabled players to choose any ISP that was within its technical specifications. The device was capable of connecting at a 28.8 kilobit/s connection in America and 14.4 kbit/s in Japan. The success of the Net Link was limited by factors such as high cost, the small number of Saturn owners compared to the competition, and lack of games that took advantage of Net Link capabilities.

Online Net Link games used XBAND technology, which had previously been used in the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Genesis modem games.

In Japan, the Net Link required the use of smartcards with prepaid credits. These smartcards or "Saturn media cards" cost ¥2,000 and one game credit was ¥20, which means that one could play about 100 games per card. The Saturn had a floppy drive and printer cable converter (both Japan only) which could be used with the Net Link. A web browser from Planetweb was included, and a mouse and keyboard adapter were available to simplify navigation.

Before the Net Link was not made available for wide release in Europe, Sega performed a test release in Finland before deciding not to widely release the unit in the European market.

Despite the Saturn's relative lack of success in America, the Net Link had a number of users, and five games were released domestically that supported it. Sega of America originally wanted to sell 100,000 Net Link units. [2] Sales records show that the Sega sold 40,000 units. [3]

Net Link games can still be played today, as the Net Link modem can use direct-call to connect two players to each other, but the "Net Link Zone" method, which allowed gamers to meet in IRC, can no longer be used as the servers were shut down in 2001.

Net Link Zone

The Net Link Zone connected to an Internet Relay Chat server irc.sega.com which was changed to the server irc0.dreamcast.com on the release of Sega's Dreamcast. These servers were originally run by Sega employees but were given over to be run by Net Link chat users Leo Daniels and Mark Leatherman.

Successor

SegaNet was launched in 2000 for the Dreamcast, carrying the same name in Japan. The European counterpart was called Dreamarena.

Games compatible with Net Link

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Vinciguerra, Robert. "Discovering the World Through a Sega Saturn NetLink". The Rev. Rob Times. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
  2. ↑ News article from cnet written before release http://news.cnet.com/Sega-catapults-to-the-Net/2100-1023_3-239291.html.
  3. ↑ Soohoo, Ken. "Rare Sega Saturn File 4.035 Golden Net Link Web Browser Resurfaces; Plus Republished 1998 Interview With Then Planetweb CTO Ken Soohoo". The Rev. Rob Times. Retrieved 16 December 2013.

External links

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