The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer (often called simply 3DO) is a video game console originally produced by Panasonic in 1993. Further renditions of the hardware were released in 1994 by Sanyo and Goldstar. The consoles were manufactured according to specifications created by The 3DO Company, and were originally designed by Dave Needle and RJ Mical of New Technology Group. The system was conceived by entrepreneur and Electronic Arts founder Trip Hawkins.

Despite a highly-promoted launch (including being named Time magazine's "1994 Product of the Year") and a host of cutting-edge technologies, the 3DO's high price £599.95 at launch, limited third-party developer support, and an over-saturated console market prevented the system from achieving success comparable to competitors Sega and Nintendo. The console was released in North America on October 4, 1993, and in Japan on March 20, 1994.

One game series of particular note was founded on this console, Need For Speed, with other original games such as Return Fire garnering praise from the gaming press.

Any success the console may have had was effectively snuffed out by the arrival of the Sony PlayStation, which soon had ports from the 3DO library, as well as its own stellar line up of games.

Very kindly donated by Andy Taylor of RetroComputers.Online.

Manufacturer: Panasonic
Date: 1993

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH13612. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.