A few days ago, the Junkyard posted a couple photos of Dreamcast consoles, highlighting the fact that Japanese systems had "Designed for Windows CE" when PAL and US had "Compatible with Windows CE." Before I was (more) knowledgeable in matters Dreamcast, I assumed that particular OS was already playing a part in the system's operation.
However, simple logic shows that this is not the case, and the console operates from Sega's own software. Each game ran only the bits and bobs of the operating system that it needed. For the most part, games used the proprietary software developed by Sega.
Despite this, it was possible for games to run the Dreamcast-optimized version of Windows CE that Sega and Microsoft had developed. According to Sega Retro, there are around 50 games that do so. Looking over my collection, I posses 4 such games: Armada, Q*Bert, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Who Want to Beat Up a Millionaire. (Denoted by a small text blurb or box on the back of the case - although Armada is merely "Compatible with" and not "Powered by.") Unfortunately, not being well-versed in programming and what-not, I could not tell you the differences between these games and the rest of the Dreamcast oeuvre.
One nice thing about Windows CE was that it had existed for several years prior to the Dreamcast's development. It was a program developed for smaller, less powerful devices. Designed to be embedded, the interface was customizable. Windows CE would supposedly allow for ease in porting PC games to the console.
After consulting with a computer technician friend of mine, it seems that some of the disadvantages would have outweighed those benefits: for instance, the initial load screen would have lasted longer. (Although a longer DC start up theme would have been sweet!) And devices that did use Windows CE, such as the Phillips Nino, were largely mediocre or poorly received.
In the end, Windows CE only saw limited relevance to our beloved DC and Microsoft's involvement in the video game console industry would have to wait a couple years. Still, the whole affair must have had some affect on Microsoft, since the Xbox One has a version of Windows 8 on it.
Do you have one of these intriguing games? If you've seen any noticeable differences, feel free to share in the comments below or on the FB post!
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| At least it's not Vista |
Despite this, it was possible for games to run the Dreamcast-optimized version of Windows CE that Sega and Microsoft had developed. According to Sega Retro, there are around 50 games that do so. Looking over my collection, I posses 4 such games: Armada, Q*Bert, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Who Want to Beat Up a Millionaire. (Denoted by a small text blurb or box on the back of the case - although Armada is merely "Compatible with" and not "Powered by.") Unfortunately, not being well-versed in programming and what-not, I could not tell you the differences between these games and the rest of the Dreamcast oeuvre.
One nice thing about Windows CE was that it had existed for several years prior to the Dreamcast's development. It was a program developed for smaller, less powerful devices. Designed to be embedded, the interface was customizable. Windows CE would supposedly allow for ease in porting PC games to the console.
After consulting with a computer technician friend of mine, it seems that some of the disadvantages would have outweighed those benefits: for instance, the initial load screen would have lasted longer. (Although a longer DC start up theme would have been sweet!) And devices that did use Windows CE, such as the Phillips Nino, were largely mediocre or poorly received.
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| Ehh |
Do you have one of these intriguing games? If you've seen any noticeable differences, feel free to share in the comments below or on the FB post!