Console: New Nintendo 3DS XL
Feature: Themes
Category: Retro (Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System, Sega Dreamcast)
Love Sega? Love Nintendo? Well the 3DS has you covered, as there are some terrific Sega hardware and Sega game specific themes available on the 3DS!
In Part I of this series, we cover three Sega themes available in the 'Retro' section of the 3DS Theme Shop: Game Gear, Master System, and Dreamcast (to access the Theme Shop, enter the 3DS's system settings, and tap or select the 'Change Theme' button).
First up in this retro-infused trilogy is the Sega Master System theme. This theme offers new folder icons for Utilities and Demos, and contains a picture of the SMS hardware over the iconic gray on white grid that was ubiquitous across Master System packaging and merchandise of the era filling the upper 3DS screen. The touch screen portion has a classic black and burgundy Master System cartridge with an animated Alex chomping on a burger as you move through the extra touch screen fields. It’s a really fun touch that will no doubt bring a smile to any Master System fan’s face.
A terrific addition to these 3DS themes, is the incorporated music track offered for each one. The Master System theme comes with a “Master System BGM medley, containing the Alex Kidd in Miracle World main theme, Phantasy Star’s classic Palma theme, and more.
*For those SMS fans eager for even more classic Sega fun, try closing and opening the 3DS while on, and you’ll be treated to the item ‘get’ sound effect from Miracle World each time you reopen the system!
As with other 3DS themes in this series, the Sega Game Gear theme also has some terrific Sega-fied bells and whistles. First, you’ll notice that the Utilities and Demos folder icons have been changed to Sonic Game Gear cartridge icons, and moving along the touch screen field to the right, will also rotate through different title screens on the Game Gear’s screen, switching between Sonic the Hedgehog, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, and puzzle classic Columns. Additionally, the top screen of the 3DS houses a larger, and closer view of the Game Gear screen / hardware, though in this case the screen is blank (well, blue!) to allow 3DS game icons to hover over the GG screen for a nice overall effect.
The 3DS Game Gear theme is also accompanied by some classic GG Sonic the Hedgehog chiptunes (Green Hills Zone BGM, Game Gear Ver.) which really takes the overall retro-Sega atmosphere to the next level.
*Just as with the Master System Theme, try closing the screen to enter sleep mode, then open it again to be treated to an extra jingle!
Our final theme highlighted in Part I of our Sega 3DS Retro Themes post is one that's still thinking...
Just like with the SMS and Game Gear themes, the Dreamcast theme treats us to new folder icons, an animated touch screen background (with dancing controller and VMU as you scroll to the right!), and a dedicated BGM track entitled 'Day Dawns' from legendary online Dreamcast RPG Phantasy Star Online.
The top screen boasts a static image that contains the classic North American Dreamcast banner that adorned DC games and merchandise during its lifecycle from 1999-2001.
What theme would you choose?
*The SMS, GG, and DC themes, and several other Sega related themes, are available for purchase for $1.99 each in the US 3DS Theme Shop.
Stay tuned for Part II of our Sega 3DS Retro Themes series in a future post here on Coins!