The original edition of the console, the FZ-1, was referred to in full as the 3DO REAL Interactive Multiplayer.

The console had advanced hardware features at the time: an ARM60 32-bit RISC CPU, two custom video co-processors, a custom 16-bit DSP and a custom math co-processor. It also featured 2 megabytes of DRAM, 1 megabyte of VRAM, and a double speed CD-ROM drive for main CD+Gs or Photo CDs (and Video CDs with an add-on MPEG video module).

The 3DO included the first music visualizer in a game console, converting CD music to a mesmerizing color pattern.

The controller was also original for its time; a headphone jack and volume dial was available at the bottom of the initial version.