The Dreamcast was Sega's fifth (and final) home console, releasing in Japan during 1998 with US and Europe launches following a year later. It was a massive step up from the last generation of consoles, allowing for larger, more graphically impressive games.
Unlike consoles like the PS2 and GameCube which would release years later, the Dreamcast could connect online without the need for extra adaptors — the console was even home to the first console MMORPG in the form of Phantasy Star Online.
Despite some initial success, the Dreamcast's sales declined quickly. Sega discontinued the console in 2001, announcing that it would leave the console market entirely.