After many delays, Sega has now officially joined the other companies who’ve been capitalizing on the retro gaming boom by releasing cheesy emulation boxes putting together a mini version of their classic console loaded with roms. The US / NA version can now be pre-ordered here for $80, with a targeted release date of September 20th: https://amzn.to/2HQHE2I
Sega’s Genesis and Mega Drive Mini will be localized to regions and offer different looks and features. The US version looks like the original Genesis 1 (which is why I’m pre-ordering…that thing has always looked so bad ass!!!) and comes with two controllers. It’s currently announced features are as follows:
Key Features
– Miniature SEGA Genesis replica
– Includes 40 legendary games
– Plug and play readyBox Contents
– SEGA Genesis Mini Console & 2 wired controllers
– 40 games- Power cable & USB adapter
– HDMI cable
Currently Announced Games (Wave 1):
– Ecco the Dolphin
– Castlevania: Bloodlines
– Space Harrier 2
– Shining Force
– Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
– Toe Jam & Earl
– Comix Zone
– Sonic the Hedgehog
– Altered Beast
– Gunstar Heroes
The included games are pretty enticing, as Gunstar Heroes and Castlevania: Bloodlines are fairly expensive on the used market and the other games listed are certainly no “throwaways”! Unlike the PlayStation Classic, the first list of games released seem like a positive thing, but I’m curious why they’re announcing in “waves”? Is it just to build hype? Just something that gives them another excuse for a press release when each wave is announced? Is it possible they’re waiting to see how many pre-orders they get, so they’ll know if they can afford to license other games to be used? All speculation of course…
Here’s official pages for the North American and European releases:
Sega Genesis Mini: http://genesismini.sega.com/
Sega Mega Drive Mini: http://megadrivemini.sega.com/
The Japanese version of the console looks like it will come with a choice of one or two 6-button controllers instead of the 3-button that the other regions will be getting. I think I’m in the rare minority of people that unless the games uses all 6 buttons (Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat), I’d much rather use the 3-button controller. I guess a bit of nostalgia might be a factor, but after playing on countless different controllers over the years, I really feel like it just fits better in my hands. Also, I’ve never seen a good quality 3-button aftermarket controller, so I’m happy Sega’s taking it seriously.
Luckily for us, Retrobit’s USB controllers are cheap enough to make the lack of 6-button not that big of a deal. Also, I’m sure 8Bitdo will capitalize on this, as they have with every other major “mini” console release. Just make sure to get the 2.4GHz version and not the bluetooth!
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#セガフェス2019 では #メガドラミニ の試遊台を10台ご用意！
今からご案内がはじまりました！１F配信ブースでは『メガドライブ ミニ（仮称）こぼれ話』をお届けしております。
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— セガ公式アカウント (@SEGA_OFFICIAL) March 30, 2019
