SEGA SAKURA

SEGA was *the* gaming company in the 90’s. For me, the SEGA Mega Drive was the first console I ever played, the first brand I ever truly engaged with. It was a huge part of my childhood. I’m pretty sure I could play Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with my eyes closed and I’m not ashamed to say I still listen to the soundtrack to this day. The brand took on the then king Nintendo and looked to bear the torch for the future of video games and consumer technology.

The Original SEGA Mega Drive

Sadly that future would not come to pass, and SEGA would not be able to capture that same success it saw with the Mega Drive in any future gaming hardware.

But what if it had? What if SEGA continued being a leader in the console wars or resurrected itself as a leading gaming platform today, recapturing that original Mega Drive essence we all remember?

Presenting, SEGA SAKURA.

SEGA SAKURA is a re-imagining of SEGA as if they were the leading gaming platform today. The concept is a combination of a cloud based streaming service and gaming hardware, designed to accommodate the rich history of traditional video games alongside newer VR experiences.

As cloud gaming is relatively new and achieving a seamless gaming experience online is still not ideal - SAKURA utilises a combination of remote streaming with local dedicated hardware - resulting in a lighter, smaller console.

The SAKURA controller is designed with both VR and traditional gaming platforms in mind. By keeping the traditional number of buttons it retains access to the large library of games before it - but by splitting it into 2 controllers, reformatting the second shoulder button into a grip button and identifying VR face buttons through contrasting texture, the controller provides compatibility for the ever growing library of VR titles.

The VR headset builds off the current successful “Inside Out” tracking system of todays leading VR headsets - using an array of cameras beneath the semi-translucent surface of the headset.

Stylistically, the SAKURA platform echoes elements of the classic SEGA MEGADRIVE and retro gaming era whilst updating the design for a modern context. Elements such as the black gloss contrast, repeating linear patterns, basic geometric profiles and chamfer details are interpreted in a more sophisticated manner to bring it in-line with today’s consumer technology.

Process Images

DISCLAIMER:
This is a passion project created for my personal enjoyment and that of other SEGA fans. Project Sakura is in no way endorsed by SEGA, its parent or subsidiary companies, nor is it intended to infringe on any existing or future material. The designer makes no claim to any of the designs, logos, branding or names that are trademarked, copyrighted or otherwise protected by any international or intellectual property or patent law. No copyright infringement is intended or implied.