Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report

MIL-CD COMPATIBILITY

Dreamcast's profile picture
Published in 
Dreamcast
 · 6 years ago
MIL-CD COMPATIBILITY
Pin it

Which are the MIL-CD compatible Dreamcasts? It's a question which is becoming more and more prevalent these days as only that version of the system can be used to play the ever increasing library of homebrew and indie (as well as the odd "back up") games. I know a lot of people are confused as to which units to look our for and many are convinced it is connected to model number, or HKT number but that is simply not the case.

Here is a quick guide to spot if the console is compatible and you dont have access to the box to check if it can play recent releases such as Sturmwind or classic homebrew tiles like Beats of Rage on a Japanese Dreamcast.


Step 1

Take a look at the underside of the console. There should be a sticker with a barcode like the following.

MIL-CD COMPATIBILITY
Pin it

Next, check the third number across from the left.

MIL-CD COMPATIBILITY
Pin it

This number indicates the year in which the console was manufactured, the one above was made in 2000.

Each year the console went through a packaging redesign and the odd internal alteration as follows.

  • 8 = 1998 model (First edition, orange Yukawa box)
  • 9 = 1999 model (Yukawa white box edition/White Dreamcast logo edition)
  • 0 = 2000 model (White Dreamcast logo edition, a small number are incompatible)
  • 1 = 2001 model (White Dreamcast logo edition, almost all are incompatible with MIL-CD)

To ensure that your console will work with MIL-CDs you should try to pick up a console that was made in 1998 or 1999. To ensure you get a GD-rom drive with the least wear and tear the newest model possible is advised.

The first two numbers in the barcode also represent the company that built the drive.

  • 01 = ASAHI Electron
  • 02 = SEIYO D
  • 03 = SANWA DENKI S
  • 04 = T.TKR
  • 05 = UGO DENSHI

Sega Dreamcast labels showing that different companies manufacture the Dreamcast's console.
Pin it
Sega Dreamcast labels showing that different companies manufacture the Dreamcast's console.

Step 2

On 1st November, 2000 Sega also changed their name from "Sega Enterprises" to "Sega Corporation" and therefore, all consoles made after this date will carry the revised name on the label at the bottom of the console. It just so happens that after this date Sega removed all MIL-CD compatiblity from their consoles so if you have a Sega Corporation Dreamcast then it probably isn't going to work with MIL-CDs.

MIL-CD Compatible model
Pin it
MIL-CD Compatible model
Incompatible model
Pin it
Incompatible model

I hope this guide proves useful to those searching for a new console. Please be aware though that this is only a rough guide and I am sure there are exceptions laying about considering the state that the company was in at the time. However, for the most part it should prove accurate and so happy hunting.

← previous
next →
loading
sending ...
New to Neperos ? Sign Up for free
download Neperos App from Google Play
install Neperos as PWA

Let's discover also

Recent Articles

Recent Comments

Neperos cookies
This website uses cookies to store your preferences and improve the service. Cookies authorization will allow me and / or my partners to process personal data such as browsing behaviour.

By pressing OK you agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge the Privacy Policy

By pressing REJECT you will be able to continue to use Neperos (like read articles or write comments) but some important cookies will not be set. This may affect certain features and functions of the platform.
OK
REJECT