# Picture Magic

> 1996 graphic tablet from Sega

**Wikidata**: [Q122278302](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122278302)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/picture-magic

## Summary
Picture Magic is a 1996 graphic tablet manufactured by Sega that functions as a computer input device for drawing and creating digital images. It represents Sega's venture into computer peripherals during the mid-1990s, expanding their product line beyond traditional gaming hardware.

## Key Facts
- Picture Magic is a 1996 graphic tablet from Sega
- It was manufactured in Japan
- It is classified as a subclass of graphic tablet
- The product was based on Q1063978
- It has a Sega Retro ID of "Picture_Magic" with qualifier P9675 of 588
- Publication date: 1996
- It serves as a computer input device specifically for drawing and digital image creation
- Manufacturer: Sega (Q122741)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Picture Magic?
A: Picture Magic is a 1996 graphic tablet produced by Sega that functions as a computer input device. It allows users to draw and input digital images directly into a computer system.

### Q: When was Picture Magic released?
A: Picture Magic was released in 1996. This date is confirmed by Sega Retro and other published sources.

### Q: What was the purpose of Picture Magic?
A: Picture Magic was designed to enable users to create digital artwork by hand-drawing directly onto the tablet surface, which would then be translated into digital images on a computer.

### Q: Where was Picture Magic manufactured?
A: Picture Magic was manufactured in Japan, where Sega is based.

## Why It Matters
Picture Magic represents Sega's venture into computer input peripherals during the mid-1990s, expanding their product line beyond traditional gaming consoles. As a graphic tablet, it addressed the growing need for digital art creation tools during the early days of computer graphics. This product demonstrated Sega's willingness to diversify their offerings and adapt to emerging technological trends. While primarily marketed in Japan, the Picture Magic served as an early example of consumer-friendly drawing tablets that would later become more common with the rise of digital art and design software. Its existence provides insight into Sega's broader business strategies during the 1990s, particularly as they navigated the transition between generations of gaming consoles.

## Notable For
- One of Sega's few forays into computer input peripherals outside of gaming hardware
- Released at a time when graphic tablets were becoming more accessible to consumers
- Represents Sega's expansion into digital content creation tools during the 1990s
- Has a dedicated entry in the Sega Retro database, indicating its significance in Sega's product history
- Classified specifically as a graphic tablet, distinguishing it from other types of input devices

## Body
### Product Overview
Picture Magic is a 1996 graphic tablet manufactured by Sega, a Japanese company. It functions as a computer input device designed for drawing and creating digital images. The product was released in 1996 and represents Sega's venture into the computer input peripherals market.

### Classification and Relationships
- Graphic tablet [class] — computer input device
- Subclass of: graphic tablet
- Manufacturer: Sega (Q122741)
- Country: Japan
- Based on: Q1063978

### Technical Details
- Sega Retro ID: "Picture_Magic" with qualifier P9675 of 588
- Publication date: 1996
- References: Sega Retro (2023-09-07) and other sources

### Market Context
Picture Magic was part of Sega's product lineup during the mid-1990s, a period when the company was expanding its reach beyond gaming consoles. As a graphic tablet, it served as a tool for digital art creation, targeting users who needed to transfer hand-drawn artwork into digital formats.

## References

1. [Picture Magic. 2019](https://segaretro.org/Picture_Magic)
2. [Picture Magic - Sega Retro](https://segaretro.org/Picture_Magic)