The Sega Dreamcast’s built-in web browser was killed by Google earlier this week. In less dramatic terms, Google closed a PlanetWeb browser compatibility window that had somehow remained ajar for a quarter-century. While a raft of Google services no longer respond properly to the Dreamcast’s ancient SSL/TLS stack, fan-made search engines and online gaming servers remain available, so internet-connected Dreamcast stalwarts aren’t entirely doomed.
Sad news guys. After over 25 years of support, Google has finally discontinued support for Dreamcast web browsers. ☹️ pic.twitter.com/3FEKtNWtO1December 14, 2025
As highlighted by Dreamcast Live, above, the pack-in browser supplied by Sega on a silvery CD is now useless for anything other than an ornament, memento, or Frisbee. The fan account confirmed that even the latest PlanetWeb 3.0 was affected by Google’s changes.
We note that PlanetWeb 3.0 is no spring chicken, though, as it was launched in 2001. But it is as modern as this browser family gets. PlanetWeb 1.0 was released in 1999, and version 2.0 followed a year later. Thus, the official Dreamcast browser lineage stretches back around 26 years.
Ultimately, PlanetWeb’s demise stems from its use of obsolete web standards. In some ways, it is surprising it endured so long with old SSL, an old JavaScript engine, and outdated ciphers.
What can a late 2025 Dreamcaster do?
For web search, devoted Dreamcast owners can turn to http://frogfind.de/, a search portal set up by retro computing and gaming YouTuber Action Retro. The results garnered via Frog Find are powered by Google, Brave, and DuckDuckGo, and the page/queries are pleasantly barren of distractions. However, some mirrors seem to be down, like the .com alternative.
Meanwhile, some of the most enduring Sega Dreamcast games with online communities continue to run, Google or not. Servers for titles like Phantasy Star Online and Quake III Arena will still tick along regardless.
Dreamcast homebrew community participants are also looking at alternatives and workarounds for any issues that might arise and disrupt their enjoyment of this old, underrated, but not unloved console.
I owned a Dreamcast in the early 2000s mainly for the wonderful light gun games library, which were fantastically responsive and great fun on an old CRT. With a PC and/or Mac also owned at the time, I felt little need to buy the required peripherals and connect the Dreamcast to the Internet.
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