Key Dreamcast Zip Drive Detail?

Recently, an industry trade publication was tricked into running a fake screenshot of the Dreamcast zip drive, and, consequently, several web sites posted the shots as well. The screenshot, according to Iomega, is actually "a Zip 250 drive that someone modified to look like part of the Sega line." The Iomega spokesperson went on to say that, "In actuality, the Zip drive will be built into the Dreamcast console and will not be offered externally."

At first, this comment doesn't seem feasible. Since we already have several Dreamcast units, we know that the Dreamcast won't have a Zip drive inside. But when you take into account past reports, it becomes a little clearer. A few weeks ago, a Japanese newspaper claimed that the Zip drive would attach to the bottom of the Dreamcast and the two parts would lock together (like a Sega Genesis did with the Sega CD). This would explain how the drive could be considered an internal drive, rather than an external drive, as the fake screen depicted.

GameSpot News today spoke with Sega of America about the Zip drive, and while no details could be revealed, it was suggested that Iomega was perhaps speaking about one of the possible products - or configurations of products - that the two companies are working on. (Sega and Iomega are currently sharing technology for a few future Dreamcast devices). Sega held back from elaborating on details of these future devices.

So while we have yet to see a real screenshot, it is possible that the future Dreamcast Zip drive will attach underneath the Dreamcast, looking very similar to how the Nintendo 64 and its 64DD disk drive were connected in Nintendo's past mock-up screens. There are slots on the bottom of the Dreamcast casing for such a connection. GameSpot News will bring you the latest as we hear it.