The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer was a video game console released in 1993, putting it in direct competition with Atari’s Jaguar, the Super Nintendo, the Phillips CD-i, and SEGA’s Genesis and add-ons. The console itself was designed by The 3DO Company, but they took a novel approach at production. Instead of producing the console themselves, they leased out the rights to produce the systems to companies like Sanyo, Panasonic, and Goldstar. The systems are for the most part functionally identical, but some models have slight advantages and disadvantages when compared to others.

So the first thing we’ll tackle is the confusing hardware configurations. The most well-known of the manufacturers was Panasonic, leading some to incorrectly think that it was actually their console in the same way Playstation is a Sony console. Panasonic made the FZ-1 R.E.A.L. 3DO, pictured below:

The FZ-10 is the same as the FZ-1, except it features a toploading design and was cheaper at launch:

And finally, the Goldstar model:

There are other models, but these are the three that made it to North America. Of the three, the FZ-10 is the one I’d recommend because it has two controller ports and a top-loading design. A top loader is less likely to break due to the fact that it has fewer moving parts, though the 3DO in general is a pretty well-built console. If you find one, it’s likely to work. The Goldstar model, which is the one I own, is generally held to be the worst of the three American consoles because some people report a few games running sluggishly on it. I’ve never noticed anything of the sort, but then again I’ve not played every game in the library. It’s definitely something to take note of when buying a 3DO. The Goldstar is also less likely to work with pirated games, but just as with the Dreamcast I don’t recommend pirating your games because it can wear out you console before its time. You can also go for the Japanese Sanyo console, is a nice console. The 3DO is one of few disc-based consoles that is region free, so go crazy with import consoles and games.

So, I mentioned the Panasonic FZ-10 being notable for having two controller ports. Well, that’s because the controllers themselves have controller ports on them, meaning you piggy-back and link controllers directly to each other for multiplayer gaming. It’s a novel concept, but it gets the job done. It also leads to lots of people falling down when you’re playing the 3DO in a group, which is hilarious.

Let’s take a look at the controller itself:

There are many variations, but the above is both the best and most common. It is essentially a SEGA Genesis controller with shoulder buttons. The controller port is on the top of the controller. You can probably see a bit of raised plastic next to the cord. As you might expect from your experience with the Genesis, the controller is comfortable and functional. It’s a bit smaller and has less exaggerated curves, but it feels about the same in your hands.

The 3DO is a very powerful console for its time, which comes as no surprise when you look at its original price tag (700 dollars in 1993!). The best looking 3DO games hold their own with early PS1 and Saturn games, meaning the 3DO holds a distinct place in the pecking order. It’s definitely above the Jaguar and SEGA 32X, and definitely below the PS1 and Saturn. But there are a lot of nice looking games for the system:

Sorry, but I had a hell of a time finding good 3DO screen shots. Just take my word for it when I tell you that there are some good-looking games.

And again, we come down to the library. Compared to the Atari Jaguar, the 3DO has the distinct advantage of having a much larger library. While in my personal opinion there are no 3DO games that live up to the awesome standard of Rayman or Tempest 2000 on Jaguar, the 3DO is much more likely to have games to satisfy every type of gamer.

Gex, Road Rash, Return Fire, Samurai Shodown, Lemmings, Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Alone in the Dark, Myst, Need for Speed, Wing Commander III, Cannon Fodder, Puzzle Bobble, Primal Rage, and Wolfenstein 3D. As well as some lesser-known and/or 3DO-exclusive games like Star Control 2, Captain Quazar, Yu Yu Hakusho, etc. If you’re interested, get on Youtube and check 3DOkid’s account. He posted a series of videos counting down what he believes to be the system’s top 50 games. The fact that it even has 50 games worth mentioning should tell you something off the bat.

The 3DO is also (in)famous for “adult games” and those horrible FMV games that the SEGA CD had. So if that’s what you’re into, go right ahead.

I’ll say again that I believe 3DO is a console that has something for everyone. No matter what kind of games you like, there’s something on the 3DO that you’ll enjoy the hell out of. The system is a lot cheaper now (obviously) than it ever was before. You can probably track down a console in the 50-60 dollar range, depending upon which model you buy. And most of the games are pretty cheap, too. There’s no reason not to own this cool little piece of history, if only to answer the question “What the hell is that thing?” when people come over to the house.

The breakdown:
Build quality: A-
Controller: A
Library size: C+
Library quality: B-
Aesthetics: C+ to A-, depending upon which console you have
Community: B
Collectibility: B-
Overall: B+

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