3DO facts for kids
 Panasonic FZ-1 R.E.A.L. 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. |
|
| Manufacturer | Panasonic, Sanyo, and GoldStar |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Fifth generation |
| Release date | October 4, 1993 |
| Units sold | 2 million |
| Media | CD-ROM |
| Storage | cartridge |
| Online services | Cancelled |
| Best-selling game | Gex, over 1 million |
| Backward compatibility |
No compatibility |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | M2 (canceled) |
The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer (often called the 3DO) was a video game console. It was invented by a company called The 3DO Company. The person who created it was Trip Hawkins, who also started Electronic Arts.
The 3DO Company did not build the consoles themselves. Instead, they made a set of rules and designs. Other companies could then use these rules to build their own 3DO machines. Panasonic made the first models in 1993. Later, in 1994, Sanyo and GoldStar also sold their own versions of the console.
Contents
What Made the 3DO Special?
When the 3DO first came out, many people thought it was great. Time Magazine even called it the "1993 Product of the Year." It had many new and advanced technologies for its time.
Advanced Features of the 3DO
The 3DO used CD-ROMs for its games. This was a big deal because CDs could hold much more information than the cartridges used by other consoles. This meant games could have better graphics and sounds.
Why the 3DO Didn't Succeed
Even with its cool features, the 3DO did not sell very well. There were a few main reasons for this.
High Price Tag
The biggest problem was its cost. The 3DO was much more expensive than other popular video game consoles. Consoles from Sega and Nintendo were cheaper. Because of this, most people chose to buy consoles from Sega or Nintendo instead.
Lack of Advertising
Another issue was that the 3DO was not advertised very well. Many people did not even know it existed. This made it hard for the console to become popular.
End of the 3DO Console
Because of its high price and low sales, no more 3DO consoles were made after 1996. The company had planned to make another console called the M2, but it was never released.
Games for the 3DO
Some games were planned for the 3DO, like Alone in the Dark and Myst. One of its most famous games was Gex, which sold over 1 million copies.
See also
- 3DO Interactive Multiplayer para niños (in Spanish)
