description Pioneer LaserActive Overview
The LaserActive is a home video game console and LaserDisc player released by Pioneer in 1993. Besides playing LaserDiscs, CDs, and dedicated game software, it accepted optional plug-in modules, called PACs, that let it run NEC PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis software, including CD-based games. A very high launch price of about $970 in the United States limited sales, and the system was discontinued after a short run.
help Pioneer LaserActive FAQ
What was the Pioneer LaserActive?
The LaserActive was a Pioneer home console and LaserDisc player released in 1993. It played LaserDiscs, audio CDs, and dedicated game software.
What were LaserActive PAC modules used for?
PAC modules were optional plug-in hardware units that expanded the console's game support. Depending on the module, the system could run NEC PC Engine or TurboGrafx-16 software and Sega Mega Drive or Genesis software.
Was the LaserActive compatible with ordinary game cartridges?
Not by itself. It required the appropriate PAC module and compatible media, so PC Engine and Mega Drive support depended on the hardware installed in the console.
Why is the LaserActive notable in video game history?
It combined a LaserDisc player with several gaming formats in one modular system. Its 1993 release made it an early example of a high-end multimedia console with platform-specific add-ons.
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