Released in November 1998 in Japan and one year later, in late 1999, in the USA, Europe and Australia.

It was the first console of the sixth generation (PS2, Xbox, Game Cube) and the last console made by SEGA. Sales were positive during its lauch, but highly decreased just after Sony's announcement of the PS2. The Dreamcast was discontinued in March 2001, however, support of the system continued in Europe and Australia until 2002, and console were sold in Japan until 2007.

The Dreamcast was the first console to include built-in modem and Internet support for online play.