The SC-3000 features the same processor and display processor as the Sega SG-1000, MSX1, Spectravideo SV-318/SVI-328, and Coleco ColecoVision. In addition, it has the same sound chip (which is also used in the Sega Master System), so that the possibilities of these systems are almost identical in terms of hardware.

The only exception to this are MSX computers, which use a different sound chip, the General Instrument AY-3-8910. This one is almost identical to the Texas Instruments SN76489A. This has made it relatively easy to convert computer games between the four different systems. An emulator like blueMSX takes advantage of these similarities and currently emulates the SG-1000, SC-3000, ColecoVision and Spectravideo SV-318 in addition to the MSX standard.

The SC-3000 sold for ¥29,800 ($257,98) in 1983 and was marketed as a beginner's home computer. Since the games were compatible with both the SC-3000 and SG-1000 and the SC-3000 could also run computer applications, more copies were sold than the SG-1000.

Users could create their own programs and games. In addition, a speech synthesis module, a light pen, and various accessories developed by third-party manufacturers were available.

The SC-3000H, originally sold for ¥33,800, was an upgraded version of this system that featured more RAM and an improved keyboard since the original keyboard was a low-end membrane type.

An expansion module was available for the SC-3000, the SF-7000. The SF-7000 added 64KB RAM and 8KB ROM, a 3-inch floppy drive, a Centronics parallel port, and an RS232 serial port.