Dreamcast Display kiosk
Back in 1999 when Sega were ready to start selling the Dreamcsast they sent out a number of display kiosks to retail chains that would stock there products. The idea is to allow people to get hands-on with the latest game, and hopefully increase sales of software. Most of the time the kiosks run a demo disc containing a selection of trial games (like the Dream-on GDs), other times they run a full retail version of a game.
Other that demos and retail games, Sega would send out pre-production versions of the latest games. I was lucky enough to get one of these white top pre-production games with the Dreamcast in the kiosk.They are not exactly very rare but it’s always good to find a nice little none-retail item like this as a bonus.I was only by chance I got the unit.
It was my dad that first found the kiosk when he was servicing the fire extinguishers in a pub basement near Menston He knew right away that this was something I would just love to have. When he asked the landlord if he would consider selling the kiosk he said that it was no longer wanted and was free for the taking. Dad managed to get the beast into his work van and brought it home. It was a very present surprise for me that day.
As you can imagine, a pub is not the ideal environment for something like this. The case needed a good clean with soapy water to get rid of the nicotine and the smoky smell. It also seemed that as the letters on “Dreamcast” and the main logo started to peel they were pulled off by unsympathetic customers. As you can see in the picture it was missing 2 ½ letters, and the entire “swirl” was gone without a trace.
The simplest solution was to replace them by finding the Dreamcst font, them printing the letters out at the correct scale. I then used that as a stencil, then traced around them onto shiny, thick electrical tape. To replace the swirl I did the same with blue sticky-back paper. I had to guess the size and position.
With the lefts over paper I made a nice Sega logo to go under the screen. Although its not a authentic detail I like It 
The florescent lamps needed replacing but I found the right ones at a local electrical shop. The controller cages needed repairing and repainting, but they still hold good and tight.
One problem is that the kiosk is missing the top lamp. I have plans to make one myself some time. I don’t often play on the kiosk now, it feels more comfortable to be sitting with a Dreamcast hooked up to the TV, than standing and holding the controller with restricted range of movement. Still an interesting addition to the collection. -Neil
