SEGA SC-3000 is mainly based on the hardware of SEGA SG-1000 console, all the games cartridges can be used in both systems. There are some cartridges of SEGA MARK III that can be read by SC-3000 also (i.e. The Graphic Board GB-800).

These systems can only run with a ROM cartridge inserted. In these ROMS are stored all games and program applications, and at the power on of the system all data are read and played.

This computer has great features compared to its 8 bit based competitors. Its different programmable chips (Video, Sound and Peripherals) gave the user a good programming flexibility and power, especially if the machine language is used.

The VDP (Video Display Processor), used in many MSX systems also, offers 4 main video modes, two graphics modes, and two text modes. It has many features dedicated to the sprites (32 independent sprites definition, attributes and movements), other dedicated to the background graphics. And one, unfortunately not implemented in SC-3000, let overlay another video signal coming from another VDP.

The sound processor has three independent sound channels, and 2 separated noise and white sound generators. All of these channels have their independent attenuator. So it is possible to program the chip and play very good music.

The Input/Output programmable chip let the user program how to read the keyboard, load and write data to the cassette tape and to the printer also.

It can be possible to disable keyboard key press, or control Joystick movements or input/output to cassette tape interface.