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History of video games/Platforms/LaserActive

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  • The Pioneer LaserActive with a Sega Genesis module and branded Genesis controller.
    The Pioneer LaserActive with a Sega Genesis module and branded Genesis controller.

History

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The Pioneer LaserActive was a LaserDisk based multimedia entertainment device with game console capabilities that was released on August 20th, 1993 at a cost of $970.[1] Unlike most multimedia platforms at the time, the LaserActive primarily played games released for other systems through PAC expansion modules, which contained a LaserActive compatible version of that console.

The Sega PAC add on was released in 1993 for $600 and allowed the LaserActive to play Genesis games.[2]

Another PAC was released to play NEC CD-ROM2 games.[1] However it was not compatible with the Arcade Card Pro.[3]

Technology

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Not much information is known about the technology used by the Pioneer LaserActive itself, with most accounts focusing on the capabilities of individual PACs, which are themselves very close in capabilities to the systems they are based on.

Games

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31 games were released for the LaserActive.[1] Games for the LaserActive are not region locked.[4]

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  • The Pioneer LaserActive featured a design that put it at home in a home theater.
    The Pioneer LaserActive featured a design that put it at home in a home theater.
  • A Sega Genesis module is installed on the bottom left.
    A Sega Genesis module is installed on the bottom left.
  • This unit was made in Japan in September 1993.
    This unit was made in Japan in September 1993.
  • The unit is held together with Phillips screws.
    The unit is held together with Phillips screws.
  • A Japanese LaserActive with accessories including Sega and NEC pacs.
    A Japanese LaserActive with accessories including Sega and NEC pacs.

External Resources

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Wikipedia has related information at LaserActive

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Pioneer LaserActive

References

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  1. ↑ a b c "Pioneer LaserActive". Video Game Console Library. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  2. ↑ "The Weird And Wonderful World Of The Sega Genesis" (in en-us). Kotaku. https://kotaku.com/the-weird-and-wonderful-world-of-the-sega-genesis-5795188. Retrieved 27 October 2020. 
  3. ↑ "Why did we need an Arcade Card?". nicole.express. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  4. ↑ "LaserActive, Gaming's Greatest Boondoggle". Wired. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
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