3DO

The Panasonic 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, released in 1993, was a bold attempt to deliver a high-end, CD-based multimedia gaming experience to the home market. Developed by The 3DO Company and manufactured by Panasonic, GoldStar, and Sanyo, it offered advanced graphics and full-motion video capabilities that were ahead of its time, powered by a 32-bit ARM60 RISC processor, custom graphics chipset, and 16-bit stereo PCM sound. Despite these technical achievements, the system struggled commercially due to its high launch price, limited exclusive titles, and stiff competition from emerging 16-bit and early 32-bit consoles. Its library included 349 games, featuring notable titles like Gex, The Need for Speed, Road Rash, and Star Control II, while standard 3DO controllers provided basic 3-button and D-pad functionality, with optional multi-button variants for more complex gameplay. Selling around 2 million units, the 3DO remains a fascinating piece of gaming history, remembered for its ambition and innovation rather than widespread commercial success, and it represents a unique chapter in the evolution of home video game consoles.