Previously unknown prototype SEGA Dreamcast logo unearthed
A user on Reddit discovered a prototype Dreamcast logo via a patent listing.
It’s always cool to see the evolution of game consoles over time, especially years after the system’s lifespan is over. Uncovering prototype images and design documents to see what could have been always leads to some intriguing discoveries. For SEGA Dreamcast fans, there’s another beta element that’s worth a look: a newly-uncovered prototype Dreamcast logo.
Reddit user LeFaggo found the logo on the World Intellectual Property Organization’s online database, which contains information on millions of patents and trademarks registered around the world. Browsing the Japan Patent Office’s listings unveiled a previously-unseen logo for the SEGA Dreamcast.
You can see the prototype logo below.
What’s up with this prototype SEGA Dreamcast logo?
The patent office listing doesn’t tell us much about the logo itself, and we can’t even confirm that this logo came before SEGA settled on the iconic flatter spiral design. The trademark filing date for this logo is Nov. 20, 1998 — just a week before the console launched in Japan. By contrast, SEGA filed the trademark for the final logo on June 10. It is possible, however, that SEGA refiled the prototype logo at a later date to renew the trademark.
As for the logo itself, it has the same spiral shape but with a more patterned three-dimensional look. Despite the same basic geometry, it’s interesting how the different perspective gives the Dreamcast logo such a different feel.
It’s important to note that the majority of trademarks for images are filed in black-and-white. This allows companies to enforce trademarks on logos in different colors rather than just one palette. As such, it’s possible that the black-and-white color scheme seen here wasn’t intended to be the final design. Whether or not SEGA had already settled on the classic orange-red (or blue, if you’re in Europe) design isn’t specified, however.
What do you think of this prototype Dreamcast logo? Let us know!
