Sega Kids Computer Pico

Summary

While Sega continues to devote herself to the classic home consoles, the first console for learning appears in parallel. The Sega Pico (called Pico Kids Computer in Japan) combines numerous functions and technologies and is especially designed for children between the ages of three and eight (learning fields are mainly counting, reading and painting). The processors are identical with those of the Sega Mega Drive, with the exception of the sound.

The Pico is based on a special storage medium (called “storyware”) which can be called a hybrid of module and electronic picture book. The opened page of the book corresponds to the display on the TV screen. The Pico is controlled by the “Magic Pen”, a special input pen that is guided over a base of the console. The pen, however, is not a classic touch pen that actually has to physically touch the base, because the console uses electromagnetism to transmit signals.