Dreamcast Zip-Drive

The never released Zip-drive for the Dreamcast, was believed to have been developed to eliminate the need for multiple VMUs, serve as a storage solution for internet downloads and would have allowed game developers to create downloadable content.

Especially the demand for email storage was a concern, as email could only be stored on a limited user account on Segas servers, and made Sega join up with Iomega Corp. to produce a custimised version of Iomega's 100-Mbyte Zip.

The following was said by a Sega spokesman:

"We have chosen a Zip drive for its durability and low cost,”

"For gaming purposes, durability is essential."

As shown on the picture, the Zip-drive would been mounted under the Dreamcast and it would have been front loaded. No further details are know, and wether it would have been compatible with PC Zip drives will remain a mystery.

The prototype was shown at a Japanese trade show in 2000, and it is widely believed that it was actually a working unit that was shown off.

The suggested retail price in the US would probably have been $199.