Buying a Dreamcast

vfrkid · #1 14-10-2001, 15:43

I’m about to buy a DC and have been reading a lot of posts and followed a lot of links, but I’m confused about a couple of things what is the difference between a pre and post 2000 model and how will this effect game loading? Ive already bought three games on Cdr and a boot disc, I put the boot disc in the CD reader on my PC and opened it, it only has 3 small text files in German on it is that right?

Thanks Vfr Kid

Areku · #2 15-10-2001, 02:37

Most of the backups (aka game rips) you can download from the Internet are not prepared for DCs manufactured after December 2000. Thus, they won't work unless you follow some steps to convert them to be recognized with the newest DC models.

You could either try finding a second hand DC or begin studying the way to convert most of these backups.

vfrkid · #3 15-10-2001, 12:04

Thanks for taking time to answer my Question

What about the back ups available mail order, will these boot on a post Dec 2000 DC? Also when looking for a machine where is the Date usually stamped?
Thanks
Vfr Kid

MajinPenis · #4 15-10-2001, 12:52

What about the back ups available mail order, will these boot on a post Dec 2000 DC?

Thats pathetic.

Also when looking for a machine where is the Date usually stamped?

On the bottom of the machine/box, its pretty friggin noticible.

vfrkid · #5 15-10-2001, 14:16

Listen Things that are obvious to you may be not so obvious to some one who is learning the subject, It can be very confusing a lot of posts contradict each other, Maybe in a couple of months I’ll know more than you! In future if you think my posts are stupid just ignore them and don’t bother replying .

ai3izme · #6 16-10-2001, 08:58

I bought a my 2nd Dreamcast under a month ago and back ups play great on my system. So I don't think there will be a problem.

vfrkid · #7 16-10-2001, 18:13

Were they self-booting games? Have u tried a none booting game with boot disc, some of the post I read say their Dec 2000 DC will not accept the Utopia b/discs, I find this so confusing it was so easy to back up ps1 games!

Cheers vfkid

suckshuncup · #8 17-10-2001, 00:08

> What about the back ups available mail order, will these boot on a post Dec 2000 DC?

Likely someone sold you stuff he downloaded from an FTP somewhere. Ain't nuttin' pathetic 'bout that -- just you're paying someone for something you can do yourself -- all you need is time, DiscJuggler, a fast internet connection, and you know where to look for them. Hope you didn't pay more than five bucks a CD -- if so, you've been had.

> Have u tried a non-booting game with boot disc?

Don't work -- the boot disc is only for backups that are not self-booting. However, I wonder why no one is making a next-level bootdisc that boots old-time self-booting games on DCs made after Dec2000?!? Come on! Where's the kick-ass crackers out there that have the coding savvy for this stuff?!?

> some of the post I read say their Dec 2000 DC will not accept the Utopia b/discs, I find this so confusing it was so easy to back up ps1 games!

Yeah, PSX is hella-easy to backup. Don't know if Utopia works with new DCs, but I don't see why not.

What it boils down to is this: you find yourself a used DC from before dec2000 on ebay and you're set.... you buy a brand new one and you're taking a risk.

That should be your best answer right there.

Good luck!

#9 17-10-2001, 00:21

dude just find someone find someone with the older dc model and buy it from them. Then there will be no worries about backup games and playing them. PEACE!

MajinPenis · #10 17-10-2001, 12:18

Umm, dont buy a dc made just before dec2k, since october and november (if that kind even exists) models will probably not boot. I suggest you go with something a bit more old school, like something from '99 to early 2000.

vfrkid · #11 17-10-2001, 14:25

Thanks chaps Ive just about got it now. I only bought 3 games the man I got them from charges £10 for 3, I just got those so I could test the DC when I buy it, Ive got a copy of discjugler on a utilities disc it also comes with a crack , its not the latest version but seems to be compatible with my Cdr, and have downloaded a walkthrough on how to download and burn to a .cdi. So I’m sure to be posting some more questions soon! All I need now is a DC. I now have to hunt round for a S/H one. I think I’ll write to Sega and complain, [joke] which is a shame because, new ones are quite reasobly priced,]. Though I think they have stopped making them now [correct me if I’m wrong.] I think there will be loads after Xmas with the ps2, and also the neo 4 chip coming out soon!