Variations of the Sega Mega Drive
Encyclopedia
During its lifespan, the Sega Mega Drive
received several officially licensed variations. While only one major design revision of the console was created during its lifespan, each region has its own peculiarities and unique items, while other variations were exercises in reducing costs (such as the removal of the little-used 9-pin EXT. port) or expanding the capabilities of the Mega Drive. A list of these variations can be found below.
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This console is a variant of the European Mega Drive and often mistaken for a Japanese Mega Drive as they are almost cosmetically identical.
, Power Base Converter and Virtua Racing
. Also, due to a correction of a bug in the memory controller, some games which exploited this bug are also incompatible, namely Disney's Gargoyles
. It was released in 1998 as the "Genesis 3" in USA and South America. It originally retailed for $50 and was later lowered as far down as $19.99. The smaller size and weight of the unit proved problematic in certain situations, as a single controller proved heavy enough to drag the system with it if left hanging.
The other release is Mega Drive 3 with 86 games. Released by TecToy in Brazil, it features a new design, no cartridge slot and 86 games built-in. The controllers are oval-shaped, with only 3 buttons. Comes with a plastic stand so it can be placed on an upright position. This console is most likely not based on the original Sega hardware, as it also features six games by Electronic Arts
originally released for mobile phones: FIFA 08
, Need for Speed: ProStreet
, The Sims 2
and SimCity
.
, Power Base Converter and Virtua Racing
. It's been reported unable to properly emulate the in-game music when playing from the original game cartridges of titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2
.
The main difference between the two versions is that Blaze Mega Drive comes with 15 built-in games, rather than the Firecore's 20: It retains the sound emulation issues of the Sega Firecore.
only, this new version announced by TecToy in August 2009 has a totally revamped design: this new console is white and gray, the controllers have six differently colored buttons and comes with a new guitar controller. Although this system has a SD card slot allowing the owner to play MP3
as well as roms on the device, it has no cartridge slot. It does, however, have 87 built-in games in its memory, including Sonic 3, Golden Axe
, Altered Beast
and The Sims
. It also includes the new game Guitar Idol (a Guitar Hero
clone), meant to be played with the guitar controller.
The 20 built-in games are fully licensed by Sega
, and comprise of:
Some versions include Shinobi III and Ristar
, instead of Revenge of Shinobi and Sonic Spinball.
The games are accessed from a series of four menu screens. All games are provided in their basic state, with no additional enhancements or benefits. There is no functionality for two or more players, even though some of the games still include their multi-player options.
The physical specifications of the Mega Drive Handheld include: a back-lit colour screen, headphone jack, AV out jack, mono speaker, and volume wheel. The unit is powered by three AAA batteries. A composite AV cable is provided to optionally connect the device to a television.
The Mega Drive Handheld has been reviewed favourably, particularly in comparison to the technical problems of the Sega Nomad
, a previous handheld console that played Mega Drive games. Most negative criticism concerns the selection of built-in games, which is deemed lacklustre.
A variant of this is sometimes sold in German discounters as Millennium Mega Drive Portable.
A special "Limited Streets of Rage Edition" of the system was released in early 2011. As well as the 15 main games, this edition also included Streets of Rage
, Streets of Rage 3
and Virtua Fighter
.
-approved Mega Drive based handheld was released at the end of 2009. It will not come pre-loaded with 20 games like the Firecore, but features the ability to run regular Mega Drive cartridges on the go, as well as licensed games stored in a SD
card connected to a special cartridge. The console is powered by a USB-rechargeable battery, and has an AV output. Upon release many were disappointed by the handheld's lack of proper sound emulation in popular games such as Sonic 3 or Sonic & Knuckles.
Wondermega (named X'eye in North America) - A combined Mega Drive and Mega-CD sold by Victor (known as JVC
outside Japan) - Never released in Europe
Sega Multi-Mega (named the Sega CDX in North America) - An integrated Mega Drive/Genesis and Mega-CD/Sega CD console with the capability of also functioning as a portable CD player, aimed at the more affluent market. The British release sold at £350, the North America release sold at $400.
.
The Sega Mega-Play was another arcade system like the Mega-Tech, but this only had four cartridge slots and could not play Master System games. Cartridges were shaped like those for the Japanese Mega Drive, but incompatible with consumer Mega Drive or Mega-Tech systems.
. The device lacked its own screen, but could play Mega Drive cartridges when hooked up to a small monitor used on Japan Airlines flights. The unit featured a directional pad on the left side and six buttons on the right, similar to the layout of a game controller.
A consumer version of Mega Jet was released by Sega of Japan on March 10, 1994 at the cost of US$123. It was essentially the same as the unit that was used on JAL flights, meaning that it still lacked a screen and could not be powered on without an AC adapter. A mono DIN plug cord was added and the necessary AC adapter was included with the unit. No other additions or improvements were made. Sega followed it up in October 1995 with the Genesis Nomad for the American market, essentially a Mega Jet featuring a 3.25 inch color LCD screen, and a battery pack attached to the rear of the system, holding six AA batteries, making it completely portable, as opposed to simply being a small Mega Drive system. In addition to its other improvements over the Mega Jet, an A/V output plug was added to the top of the unit, allowing owners to play games on a television screen with a separate A/V cable. One particularly interesting feature was the ability for one player to play using a connected TV while another watched on the Nomad. The directional pad on the unit controlled all one-player games, and a port on the bottom allowed a second controller to be plugged in for two-player games. This meant that the Nomad could be a fully functional home system as well as a completely portable handheld solution with a pre-existing library of games available for it.
While the Nomad won praise for its screen resolution and features, there were some problems. The 32X and Mega-CD were not compatible with the unit, and Sega's Power Base Converter, used to play Sega Master System games on the Mega Drive/Genesis, was also incompatible. Battery life was a major problem as well: six AA batteries could be exhausted in about 2 hours.
On paper, the Nomad was the perfect color portable. It had a full color, backlit display, and supported an estimated 600 titles already on the shelves in addition to being a functional home system. But despite the price falling from $179 to $79.99, rendering moot any complaints of overpricing, the handheld did not garner enough support to continue.
's CLD-A100 LaserDisc
player. The player was both a Laserdisc and CD player right out of the box, while the addition of add-on modules manufactured by Sega and NEC could make the unit function as a gaming system as well. Sega's PAC-S1 module, released at a price of ¥39,000, allowed users to play Mega Drive, Mega-CD and specially created Mega LD games through the player. The Mega LD games were briefly thought to be the next evolution in gaming, mainly because the massive storage capacity of the Laserdiscs they were printed on meant that games could be multiple times larger than before and include broadcast quality full-motion video and surround sound, features that have become commonplace on modern DVD-ROM based systems.
An NEC module, PAC-N1, gave the unit the capability to play TurboGrafx-16
games. The addition of either module also made the unit compatible with either Sega or NEC brand control pads. A later module was released for the unit by Pioneer, allowing it to function as a full-feature Karaoke
machine.
Pioneer later engineered 3D glasses for the system (Kit GOL-1); the glasses required an adapter to be attached before they could function with the player, but each adapter could support a pair of the goggles, allowing 2 users to play in 3D simultaneously.
manufactured by IBM
with an integrated Mega Drive. The system was released in Japan only. Three models were available, ranging from ¥148,000 to ¥248,000; only the top-of-the-line model was supplied with a hard disk
. A special monitor (sold separately) was available, which could display both 15 kHz RGB video signals from the Mega Drive hardware and the 31 kHz VGA output of the PC hardware, both from the VGA connector. The system also contained composite NTSC
video and stereo RCA jacks for connection to a TV. Additionally, Mega Drive games could be played at the same time as the PC section is being used, and it was possible for the Mega Drive and PC hardware to interact with each other, as shown with the Puzzle Construction program. It was also possible for Mega Drive software to be run from the PC's RAM
.
Etymologically, TeraDrive is a portmanteau of "Tera-", which denotes 1012 (1 000 000 000 000), and "Mega Drive".
under license from Sega with Mega Drive and IBM-compatible
PC functionality in one. The Mega PC was similar in concept to the Teradrive, but was an unrelated project.
CD player. The unit was made up of two components - an Aiwa bookshelf-size CD radio
and a dock which added the Mega Drive connections (excepting sound, which the main radio unit handled.) Oddly, Sega and Aiwa chose not to place the interface between the two on the sides that would connect, but instead opted to use a connection cable on the back. This variant of the Mega Drive is one of the rarest made, and only saw limited release into the Japanese market.
Sega Mega Drive
The Sega Genesis is a fourth-generation video game console developed and produced by Sega. It was originally released in Japan in 1988 as , then in North America in 1989 as Sega Genesis, and in Europe, Australia and other PAL regions in 1990 as Mega Drive. The reason for the two names is that...
received several officially licensed variations. While only one major design revision of the console was created during its lifespan, each region has its own peculiarities and unique items, while other variations were exercises in reducing costs (such as the removal of the little-used 9-pin EXT. port) or expanding the capabilities of the Mega Drive. A list of these variations can be found below.
Japan
- Japanese-language settings
- Headphone jack
- AUX port marked A/V OUT
- 9-pin EXT. port
- RF modulator
- Has a cartridge lock
- On the circular molding, in purple is the text "AV Intelligent Terminal High Grade Multipurpose Use". At the bottom of the circle is a purple square section with a red power indicator LED.
- "Mega Drive" is printed in white on the lower right of the console to the left of the Sega logo.
- The reset button and start button on the joypad are blue.
- Model number HAA-2510
Europe, Australia and New Zealand
- Video outputs PALPALPAL, short for Phase Alternating Line, is an analogue television colour encoding system used in broadcast television systems in many countries. Other common analogue television systems are NTSC and SECAM. This page primarily discusses the PAL colour encoding system...
50 Hz signal. - Smaller "16 BIT" logo than Japanese model, as per the Genesis.
- English-language settings.
- Unable to play Japanese Mega Drive games due to shape of cartridge slot. However, adapters were sold to play Japanese games in the European model, and by widening the cartridge slot it is possible to play many import games with no additional modifications, especially with the earlier games.
- Cartridge lock removed.
- The text "High Definition Graphics · Stereo Sound" located behind cartridge port (only found on earlier models).
- The reset button and the start button are white.
- Model number 1600-03 (original model), 1601-03 (second variation without "High Definition Graphics - Stereo Sound" text or EXT port)
Brazil
- Converted to display PAL-M (60 Hz) signal
- English-language settings
- Unable to play Japanese and European Mega Drive games due to region limitation. However, adapters were sold to play Japanese and European games in the Brazilian model.
- Cartridge lock removed
- Toymaker Tec ToyTec ToyTectoy is a Brazilian videogame and electronics company. They are best known for publishing and distributing Sega's consoles and video games in that country. The company stock is also traded at Bovespa...
manufactured and distributed the console. - The text "High Definition Graphics · Stereo Sound" located behind cartridge port (only found on earlier models).
- The reset button and the start button are white.
Asia
- "AV INTELLIGENT TERMINAL HIGH GRADE MULTIPURPOSE USE" printed around circle on some models, omitted on others.
- Larger "16-Bit" logo used as per Japanese model.
- Power panel magenta instead of white.
- "Start" and "Reset" button are blue
- Identical to European Mega Drive with PAL or NTSC output
- Used Japanese Mega Drive logo and packaging similar to the Japanese version
- Games packaged the same as European with the same labeling. However, the cartridges are shaped like Japanese Mega Drive games.
- Model number: 1601-15 (revision without the EXT port)
North America (as Sega Genesis)
- AUX port marked A/V OUT
- Headphone jack with volume slider (adjusts audio volume output to headphones only, not A/V OUT)
- 9-pin EXT. port on early models
- Reset and start buttons are gray
- "SEGA GENESIS" graphic in light gray on top of machine below cartridge slot
- "HIGH DEFINITION GRAPHICS" along circle above cartridge slot, and "SEGA GENESIS" graphic in two shades of gray, on early models.
- Model number MK-1601 is made in JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, newer revisions were made in TaiwanTaiwanTaiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
to cut production costs
South Korea (as Samsung Super Alladin Boy [수퍼겜보이])
- The official Korean release was licensed and marketed by Samsung Electronics, as were the games.
- Released May 1990
Japan
- New square shape
- No headphone jack
- One custom multi-output for picture and sound (9-pin mini-DIN connectorMini-DIN connectorThe mini-DIN connectors are a family of multi-pin electrical connectors used in a variety of applications. Mini-DIN is similar to the larger, older DIN connector...
rather than the 8-pin DIN connectorDIN connectorA DIN connector is a connector that was originally standardized by the , the German national standards organization. There are DIN standards for a large number of different connectors, therefore the term "DIN connector" alone does not unambiguously identify any particular type of connector unless...
on the original model) - Purple colored flaps on cartridge port
- The text "High Grade Multi Purpose Intelligent Terminal" located behind cartridge port.
- Packaged with six-button controller.
- No power LED
- Slide power switch
Europe, Australia and New Zealand
- New square shape
- No headphone jack
- A/V port switched to one custom multi-output for picture and sound (previously, only mono sound was used, as the stereo sound came through the headphone jack)
- Push-button power switch
- Smaller power connector and different AC adapter used
- RF modulator removed
- Has a red power LED between the power and reset buttons
- Auto-switching RF lead included
- Model number MK-1631-50
North America (as Sega Genesis 2)
Note: This model was not officially named "Genesis 2".- New square shape
- No headphone jack
- One custom multi-output for picture and sound
- Has a red power LED between the power and reset buttons
- "Genesis" logo printed in the area above the cartridge slot
- Model number MK-1631
South Korea (as Samsung Super Aladdin Boy II [수퍼알라딘보이 II])
- Officially licensed Korean version of Sega Mega Drive 2
- Licensed and distributed by Samsung Electronics
North America (as Sega Genesis 3)
Announced in 1997 as a "budget" version, the Genesis 3 was manufactured by Majesco. In order to cut costs, the expansion port and a few connections on the cartridge slot were omitted, which made the Genesis 3 incompatible with the Sega CD, Sega 32XSega 32X
The Sega 32X, codenamed Project Mars, is an add-on for the Mega Drive/Genesis video game console by Sega. Its aim was to increase the lifespan of the aging Mega Drive/Genesis system, which was facing stiff competition from the SNES...
, Power Base Converter and Virtua Racing
Virtua Racing
Virtua Racing or V.R. for short, is a Formula One racing arcade game, developed by Sega-AM2 and released in October 1992. Virtua Racing was initially a proof-of-concept application for exercising a new 3D-graphics platform under development, the "Model 1". The results were so encouraging, that...
. Also, due to a correction of a bug in the memory controller, some games which exploited this bug are also incompatible, namely Disney's Gargoyles
Gargoyles (video game)
Gargoyles is a platform game released for the Sega Genesis, based on the cartoon of the same name, developed and published by Buena Vista Interactive...
. It was released in 1998 as the "Genesis 3" in USA and South America. It originally retailed for $50 and was later lowered as far down as $19.99. The smaller size and weight of the unit proved problematic in certain situations, as a single controller proved heavy enough to drag the system with it if left hanging.
- Smaller square shape
- No expansion port
- No headphone jack
- No power LED, but there is a red mark underneath the power switch, which becomes visible when the Genesis 3 is turned on
- One multi-output for picture and sound. It has the necessary pin outs to be able to use the Genesis 2 Stereo A/V cable http://nfggames.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:genesisav; though an apparent revision of the Genesis 3 was manufactured that is incompatible with stereo sound, despite also having the pinouts
- Does not support Sega CD, Sega 32X or Power Base Converter
- "Sega Genesis 3" below cartridge slot
- Model number MK-1461
- Does not support Game Genie device
- In addition, Japanese Mega Drive cartridges (which do not contain an internal region lockout) can be played without a converter or modification, as the cartridge slot, which is the same shape as the original Japanese console, allows for these cartridges to be inserted freely.
Brazil
Note: This model looks like the North American Sega Genesis 2 (lots of different versions with different built-in games).The other release is Mega Drive 3 with 86 games. Released by TecToy in Brazil, it features a new design, no cartridge slot and 86 games built-in. The controllers are oval-shaped, with only 3 buttons. Comes with a plastic stand so it can be placed on an upright position. This console is most likely not based on the original Sega hardware, as it also features six games by Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
originally released for mobile phones: FIFA 08
FIFA 08
FIFA 08 is the 2008 installment of EA Sports' series of football video games. Developed by EA Canada, it is published by Electronic Arts worldwide under the EA Sports label. It was released on all popular gaming formats in September 2007 in Europe, Australia, and Asia, and in October 2007 in North...
, Need for Speed: ProStreet
Need for Speed: ProStreet
Need for Speed: ProStreet is the 11th installment of Electronic Arts' popular racing game series Need for Speed. On May 21, 2007, Electronic Arts published a teaser trailer of ProStreet, and officially announced it ten days later. It was released worldwide in November 2007. Its action footage was...
, The Sims 2
The Sims 2
The Sims 2 is a strategic life simulation computer game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to the best-selling computer game, The Sims, which debuted on February 4, 2000. It was first released on September 14, 2004 for Microsoft Windows. A port to Apple Mac OS X...
and SimCity
SimCity
SimCity is a critically acclaimed city-building simulation video game, first released in 1989, and designed by Will Wright. SimCity was Maxis' first product, which has since been ported into various personal computers and game consoles, and spawned several sequels including SimCity 2000 in 1994,...
.
North America
Announced in 2008 as the "Firebox" and "Sega Genesis 4" and released in 2009 as the "Firecore", a remodeled "Sega Genesis" console that featured built-in games. The Genesis Firecore was manufactured by ATGames. The system doesn't have an expansion port, which makes the Firecore incompatible with the Sega CD, and is also incompatible with Sega 32XSega 32X
The Sega 32X, codenamed Project Mars, is an add-on for the Mega Drive/Genesis video game console by Sega. Its aim was to increase the lifespan of the aging Mega Drive/Genesis system, which was facing stiff competition from the SNES...
, Power Base Converter and Virtua Racing
Virtua Racing
Virtua Racing or V.R. for short, is a Formula One racing arcade game, developed by Sega-AM2 and released in October 1992. Virtua Racing was initially a proof-of-concept application for exercising a new 3D-graphics platform under development, the "Model 1". The results were so encouraging, that...
. It's been reported unable to properly emulate the in-game music when playing from the original game cartridges of titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
.
- Smaller than the Genesis 3
- No expansion port
- No headphone port
- Power LED, unlike the Genesis 3
- Mono A/V output
- Does not support Sega CD, Sega 32X or Power Base Converter
- "Sega Genesis" above cartridge slot, and a red sticker that says "Firecore" in the corner
- Has a NTSC/PAL switch
- First licensed Sega Genesis/Mega Drive to have no region lockout
- Larger cartridge slot to accommodate all Sega Genesis/Mega Drive cartridges
- Cartridge slot is not keyed; the user must make sure the cartridge is inserted correctly (label towards the front) or else the system will destroy the cartridge's internal ROM data.
- 20 Built-in Games:
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted CastleAlex Kidd in the Enchanted Castleis a side-scrolling platform game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis video game console. The game was released in Japan in February 1989, North and South America in August 1989 and in Europe on November 1990...
, Alien StormAlien Stormis a 1990 beat 'em up arcade game by Sega, later ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and Sega Master System. The Sega Mega Drive version was also released on Wii's Virtual Console in 2007...
, Altered BeastAltered BeastAltered Beast is a 1988 beat 'em up arcade game developed and manufactured by Sega. The game is set in Ancient Greece, and follows a centurion who is resurrected by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena, and to do so become able to turn into beasts such as the werewolf with usage of power-ups...
, Arrow FlashArrow FlashArrow Flash is a horizontal scrolling shooter video game developed by Sega and released by Renovation Products in the US in 1990 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis...
, Columns III, Crack DownCrack Downis a run and gun arcade game originally released by Sega in 1989, and ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1990. It was also ported and released to a number of home computer platforms by U.S. Gold....
, Decap AttackDecap AttackDecap Attack, a westernised version of the Japanese game , is a video game for the Mega Drive/Genesis console. The game is also a part of the Sega Genesis Collection for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable and Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3...
, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean MachineDr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine-External links:* at Game Rankings* at The Internet Movie Database...
, Ecco the DolphinEcco the DolphinEcco the Dolphin is a puzzle video game released in 1992 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. The central character, Ecco, is a bottlenose dolphin controlled by the player through a progression of side-scrolling aquatic levels...
, Ecco Jr.Ecco Jr.Ecco Jr. is a video game in the Ecco the Dolphin series, released in Summer 1995. It had the controls and basic gameplay of the other two Mega Drive/Genesis titles, but was very much geared towards younger players, lacking the high difficulty of Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of...
, ESWATESWATESWAT may refer to:*ESWAT Cyber Police , a 1989 scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Sega*ESWAT: City Under Siege, a 1990 side scrolling platform video game for the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis video game console...
, FlickyFlickyFlicky is an arcade game made by Sega. First released in arcades in 1984, Flicky was also released at the time for the SG-1000, and then ported to the MSX and Japanese computers Sharp X1, Fujitsu FM-7 and NEC PC-8801. It was later ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1991...
, Gain GroundGain GroundGain Ground is a 1988 action-strategy arcade game with real-time strategy elements, later ported to the Sega Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, and PC Engine . In 2004, it was re-released in Radica Games' TVPlay Legends Vol. II TV Games compilation. It was remade in the PlayStation 2 title Sega...
, Golden AxeGolden AxeGolden Axe is a side-scrolling beat 'em up and hack & slash arcade video game released in 1989 by Sega for the System 16-B arcade hardware. It is the first game in the Golden Axe series....
, Jewel MasterJewel MasterJewel Master is a 1991 video game for the Sega Genesis game console. It took place in the country of Mythgard, where the protagonist, The Jewel Master must traverse the harsh lands ranging from scorching deserts to rugged mountains and through long forgotten ruins to collect the 12 elemental rings...
, Kid Chameleon, Shadow Dancer, Shinobi III, Sonic & KnucklesSonic & KnucklesSonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone...
, Sonic Spinball
Europe (as Blaze Mega Drive)
In Europe, a version of the Firecore is marketed by Blaze and is simply called the Sega Mega Drive.The main difference between the two versions is that Blaze Mega Drive comes with 15 built-in games, rather than the Firecore's 20: It retains the sound emulation issues of the Sega Firecore.
- Alex KiddAlex Kiddis a video game character whose popularity peaked during the late 1980s and who was the protagonist of both a series of video games released by Sega and their fictional universe, as well as in numerous spin-off merchandise such as novelizations and comics...
, Alien StormAlien Stormis a 1990 beat 'em up arcade game by Sega, later ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and Sega Master System. The Sega Mega Drive version was also released on Wii's Virtual Console in 2007...
, Altered BeastAltered BeastAltered Beast is a 1988 beat 'em up arcade game developed and manufactured by Sega. The game is set in Ancient Greece, and follows a centurion who is resurrected by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena, and to do so become able to turn into beasts such as the werewolf with usage of power-ups...
, Arrow FlashArrow FlashArrow Flash is a horizontal scrolling shooter video game developed by Sega and released by Renovation Products in the US in 1990 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis...
, Bonanza Bros.Bonanza Bros.is a 1990 3D-style, 2D shooting platform arcade game by Sega. It is one of the earliest arcade games powered by the arcade system board, the Sega System 24.-Gameplay:Bonanza Bros...
, Columns, Crack DownCrack Downis a run and gun arcade game originally released by Sega in 1989, and ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1990. It was also ported and released to a number of home computer platforms by U.S. Gold....
, Decap AttackDecap AttackDecap Attack, a westernised version of the Japanese game , is a video game for the Mega Drive/Genesis console. The game is also a part of the Sega Genesis Collection for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable and Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3...
, ESWATESWATESWAT may refer to:*ESWAT Cyber Police , a 1989 scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Sega*ESWAT: City Under Siege, a 1990 side scrolling platform video game for the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis video game console...
, Fatal LabyrinthFatal LabyrinthFatal Labyrinth is a role-playing video game produced by Sega. Originally available exclusively on the Sega Meganet multiplayer gaming service in 1990, it was later remade for the Sega Mega Drive in . The game appears in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3...
, FlickyFlickyFlicky is an arcade game made by Sega. First released in arcades in 1984, Flicky was also released at the time for the SG-1000, and then ported to the MSX and Japanese computers Sharp X1, Fujitsu FM-7 and NEC PC-8801. It was later ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1991...
, Gain GroundGain GroundGain Ground is a 1988 action-strategy arcade game with real-time strategy elements, later ported to the Sega Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, and PC Engine . In 2004, it was re-released in Radica Games' TVPlay Legends Vol. II TV Games compilation. It was remade in the PlayStation 2 title Sega...
, Golden AxeGolden AxeGolden Axe is a side-scrolling beat 'em up and hack & slash arcade video game released in 1989 by Sega for the System 16-B arcade hardware. It is the first game in the Golden Axe series....
, Shadow Dancer and Sonic & KnucklesSonic & KnucklesSonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone...
.
Tectoy Mega Drive 4
Released in BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
only, this new version announced by TecToy in August 2009 has a totally revamped design: this new console is white and gray, the controllers have six differently colored buttons and comes with a new guitar controller. Although this system has a SD card slot allowing the owner to play MP3
MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
as well as roms on the device, it has no cartridge slot. It does, however, have 87 built-in games in its memory, including Sonic 3, Golden Axe
Golden Axe
Golden Axe is a side-scrolling beat 'em up and hack & slash arcade video game released in 1989 by Sega for the System 16-B arcade hardware. It is the first game in the Golden Axe series....
, Altered Beast
Altered Beast
Altered Beast is a 1988 beat 'em up arcade game developed and manufactured by Sega. The game is set in Ancient Greece, and follows a centurion who is resurrected by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena, and to do so become able to turn into beasts such as the werewolf with usage of power-ups...
and The Sims
The Sims
The Sims is a strategic life-simulation computer game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Its development was led by game designer Will Wright, also known for developing SimCity...
. It also includes the new game Guitar Idol (a Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems and published by RedOctane for the PlayStation 2 video game console. It is the first entry in the Guitar Hero series. Guitar Hero was released on November 8, 2005 in North America, April 7, 2006 in Europe and June 15, 2006 in...
clone), meant to be played with the guitar controller.
Sega Mega Drive Handheld
The Sega Mega Drive Handheld is a portable videogame system containing 20 built-in Sega Mega Drive games. It has been manufactured and distributed since late 2007 by various companies, most commonly by Blaze Europe, TecToy for the Brazilian market & AtGames.The 20 built-in games are fully licensed by Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
, and comprise of:
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted CastleAlex Kidd in the Enchanted Castleis a side-scrolling platform game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis video game console. The game was released in Japan in February 1989, North and South America in August 1989 and in Europe on November 1990...
- Alien StormAlien Stormis a 1990 beat 'em up arcade game by Sega, later ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and Sega Master System. The Sega Mega Drive version was also released on Wii's Virtual Console in 2007...
- Altered BeastAltered BeastAltered Beast is a 1988 beat 'em up arcade game developed and manufactured by Sega. The game is set in Ancient Greece, and follows a centurion who is resurrected by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena, and to do so become able to turn into beasts such as the werewolf with usage of power-ups...
- Arrow FlashArrow FlashArrow Flash is a horizontal scrolling shooter video game developed by Sega and released by Renovation Products in the US in 1990 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis...
- Columns III
- Crack DownCrack Downis a run and gun arcade game originally released by Sega in 1989, and ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1990. It was also ported and released to a number of home computer platforms by U.S. Gold....
- Decap AttackDecap AttackDecap Attack, a westernised version of the Japanese game , is a video game for the Mega Drive/Genesis console. The game is also a part of the Sega Genesis Collection for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable and Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3...
- Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean MachineDr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine-External links:* at Game Rankings* at The Internet Movie Database...
- Ecco the DolphinEcco the DolphinEcco the Dolphin is a puzzle video game released in 1992 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. The central character, Ecco, is a bottlenose dolphin controlled by the player through a progression of side-scrolling aquatic levels...
- Ecco Jr.Ecco Jr.Ecco Jr. is a video game in the Ecco the Dolphin series, released in Summer 1995. It had the controls and basic gameplay of the other two Mega Drive/Genesis titles, but was very much geared towards younger players, lacking the high difficulty of Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of...
- ESWATESWATESWAT may refer to:*ESWAT Cyber Police , a 1989 scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Sega*ESWAT: City Under Siege, a 1990 side scrolling platform video game for the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis video game console...
- FlickyFlickyFlicky is an arcade game made by Sega. First released in arcades in 1984, Flicky was also released at the time for the SG-1000, and then ported to the MSX and Japanese computers Sharp X1, Fujitsu FM-7 and NEC PC-8801. It was later ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1991...
- Gain GroundGain GroundGain Ground is a 1988 action-strategy arcade game with real-time strategy elements, later ported to the Sega Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, and PC Engine . In 2004, it was re-released in Radica Games' TVPlay Legends Vol. II TV Games compilation. It was remade in the PlayStation 2 title Sega...
- Golden AxeGolden AxeGolden Axe is a side-scrolling beat 'em up and hack & slash arcade video game released in 1989 by Sega for the System 16-B arcade hardware. It is the first game in the Golden Axe series....
- Jewel MasterJewel MasterJewel Master is a 1991 video game for the Sega Genesis game console. It took place in the country of Mythgard, where the protagonist, The Jewel Master must traverse the harsh lands ranging from scorching deserts to rugged mountains and through long forgotten ruins to collect the 12 elemental rings...
- Kid Chameleon
- RistarRistarRistar, known as in Japan, is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis in 1995. A Sega Game Gear version, which features different levels than the Mega Drive version, was also released in the same year.The game stars a humanoid cartoon star...
- Shadow Dancer
- Shinobi III
- Sonic & KnucklesSonic & KnucklesSonic & Knuckles is a 1994 platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was developed in the United States at Sega Technical Institute by members of Sonic Team, and was published by Sega worldwide on October 18, 1994.As well as working as a standalone...
- Sonic Spinball
Some versions include Shinobi III and Ristar
Ristar
Ristar, known as in Japan, is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis in 1995. A Sega Game Gear version, which features different levels than the Mega Drive version, was also released in the same year.The game stars a humanoid cartoon star...
, instead of Revenge of Shinobi and Sonic Spinball.
The games are accessed from a series of four menu screens. All games are provided in their basic state, with no additional enhancements or benefits. There is no functionality for two or more players, even though some of the games still include their multi-player options.
The physical specifications of the Mega Drive Handheld include: a back-lit colour screen, headphone jack, AV out jack, mono speaker, and volume wheel. The unit is powered by three AAA batteries. A composite AV cable is provided to optionally connect the device to a television.
The Mega Drive Handheld has been reviewed favourably, particularly in comparison to the technical problems of the Sega Nomad
Sega Nomad
The Sega Nomad was a handheld game console sold for the North American consumer market which played Mega Drive/Genesis game cartridges. The system was similar to the Japanese Sega Mega Jet, but featured a built-in color screen; the Mega Jet needed a separate monitor...
, a previous handheld console that played Mega Drive games. Most negative criticism concerns the selection of built-in games, which is deemed lacklustre.
A variant of this is sometimes sold in German discounters as Millennium Mega Drive Portable.
A special "Limited Streets of Rage Edition" of the system was released in early 2011. As well as the 15 main games, this edition also included Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage, known in Japan as , is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Sega in 1991 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the first installment of the Streets of Rage series which was followed by Streets of Rage 2 and Streets of Rage 3. The game was also converted over to Sega's Game...
, Streets of Rage 3
Streets of Rage 3
Streets of Rage 3 is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Sega in 1994 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the last part of the Streets of Rage series. It was later released for the Japanese version of Sonic Gems Collection for the GameCube and PlayStation 2, and for the Wii Virtual Console...
and Virtua Fighter
Virtua Fighter
is a 1993 fighting game developed for the Sega Model 1 arcade platform by AM2, a development group within Sega, headed by Yu Suzuki. It is the first game in the Virtua Fighter series, and the first arcade fighting game to feature fully 3D polygon graphics. It has been ported to several home video...
.
Retro Gen Portable
Another portable version, this SegaSega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
-approved Mega Drive based handheld was released at the end of 2009. It will not come pre-loaded with 20 games like the Firecore, but features the ability to run regular Mega Drive cartridges on the go, as well as licensed games stored in a SD
Secure Digital
Secure Digital is a non-volatile memory card format developed by the SD Card Association for use in portable devices. The SD technology is used by more than 400 brands across dozens of product categories and more than 8,000 models, and is considered the de-facto industry standard.Secure Digital...
card connected to a special cartridge. The console is powered by a USB-rechargeable battery, and has an AV output. Upon release many were disappointed by the handheld's lack of proper sound emulation in popular games such as Sonic 3 or Sonic & Knuckles.
The Wondermega/X'eye
JVC
, usually referred to as JVC, is a Japanese international consumer and professional electronics corporation based in Yokohama, Japan which was founded in 1927...
outside Japan) - Never released in Europe
- Improved sound capabilities
- MIDI port
- 2 microphone inputs
- S-video out (only in Wondermega, not in later X'eyes)
- Packaged with a CD called Game Garden that had FlickyFlickyFlicky is an arcade game made by Sega. First released in arcades in 1984, Flicky was also released at the time for the SG-1000, and then ported to the MSX and Japanese computers Sharp X1, Fujitsu FM-7 and NEC PC-8801. It was later ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1991...
and Pyramid. The CD player is compatible with CD-Gs. - Another release came with Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia, Prize Fighter, and a Karaoke CD+GCD+GCD+G is an extension of the compact disc standard that can present low-resolution graphics alongside the audio data on the disc when played on a compatible device...
demo CD. - Later Japanese pack had a platform game called Wonder DogWonder DogWonder Dog is the name of a Sega CD side-scrolling adventure game and it is also one of the first games developed of the system. You control a dog whose friend has been kidnapped, and he finds a suit in a bone-like spaceship...
by Core DesignCore DesignCore Design was a British video game studio best known today for creating the popular Tomb Raider series.-History:Based in the city of Derby, England, Core Design was set up in 1988 by Chris Shrigley, Andy Green, Rob Toone, Terry Lloyd, Simon Phipps, Dave Pridmore, Jeremy Heath-Smith and Greg Holmes...
. - Supported the "Wonder CD" peripheral that allowed one to create music and connect to MIDI-enabled devices.
- Supported a music keyboard called the "Piano Player" that allowed users to create music and learn to use the keyboard.
- Later given a redesign with a softer, more curved look. Some of the extra features were removed and the joypads were remodeled infrared joypads.
Sega Multi-Mega/CDX
Sega Multi-Mega (named the Sega CDX in North America) - An integrated Mega Drive/Genesis and Mega-CD/Sega CD console with the capability of also functioning as a portable CD player, aimed at the more affluent market. The British release sold at £350, the North America release sold at $400.
- No built-in screen.
- Could function as a portable CD player. CD control buttons are on the front of the console. A back-lit LCD displayed the track number. An extra line out port was provided for stereo equipment.
- Powered by 2 AA batteries when operated as a portable CD player. The unit must be powered by an AC adapter to play video games.
The Mega-Tech and Mega Play
The Sega Mega-Tech was an arcade machine that featured eight interchangeable Mega Drive or Master System games in an arcade cabinet, similar to Nintendo's PlayChoice-10PlayChoice-10
PlayChoice-10 was an arcade machine which could consist of as many as 10 different games previously available only on the Nintendo Entertainment System home console...
.
- First released in 1989 with titles such as Thunder Force IIThunder Force IIThunder Force II is a scrolling shooter developed by Technosoft. It was first released in Japan in 1988 for the Sharp X68000 computer. A year later, it was ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis game console and released in Japan , Europe, and the United States...
, Altered Beast, Tetris, Last Battle, Space Harrier II, and Golden Axe. - Games could be changed at any time, and more titles, such as Sonic the HedgehogSonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)is a seminal 16-bit 1991 platform video game developed in Japan by Sega and published for the Sega Genesis. It is the first installment in Sega's flagship Sonic the Hedgehog video game series and the first title developed by Sonic Team. The game was released in 1991 in North America, Europe, and...
, were made available. The games were identical to their non-arcade counterparts, and all cheat codes were functional. - Games were supplied by a Japanese-shaped Mega Drive cartridge, although slightly heavier. The labels were silver and red and only had "Mega-Tech" printed on them. These cartridges are not compatible with a regular Mega Drive/Genesis due to the extra information on them stored to run the second monitor, and differences in the length of the edge connectorEdge connectorAn edge connector is the portion of a printed circuit board consisting of traces leading to the edge of the board that are intended to plug into a matching socket. The edge connector is a money-saving device because it only requires a single discrete female connector , and they also tend to be...
, number of pins, pinouts, and spacing. - A second, smaller nine-inch monitor is located at the top of the cabinet. It displayed instructions for each of the games and also a game listing, allowing the user to swap between games at any time using a button on the control panel.
- The user pays to play for a certain length of time. When time was starting to run out, the screen flashed green to notify the user that additional credits are needed should he or she want to play more of that game.
The Sega Mega-Play was another arcade system like the Mega-Tech, but this only had four cartridge slots and could not play Master System games. Cartridges were shaped like those for the Japanese Mega Drive, but incompatible with consumer Mega Drive or Mega-Tech systems.
The Mega Jet and Sega Nomad
The original technology behind the Sega Nomad traces back to the Mega Jet, which was a semi-portable version of the Mega Drive that was used for in-flight entertainment by Japan AirlinesJapan Airlines
is an airline headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan. It is the flag carrier of Japan and its main hubs are Tokyo's Narita International Airport and Tokyo International Airport , as well as Nagoya's Chūbu Centrair International Airport and Osaka's Kansai International Airport...
. The device lacked its own screen, but could play Mega Drive cartridges when hooked up to a small monitor used on Japan Airlines flights. The unit featured a directional pad on the left side and six buttons on the right, similar to the layout of a game controller.
A consumer version of Mega Jet was released by Sega of Japan on March 10, 1994 at the cost of US$123. It was essentially the same as the unit that was used on JAL flights, meaning that it still lacked a screen and could not be powered on without an AC adapter. A mono DIN plug cord was added and the necessary AC adapter was included with the unit. No other additions or improvements were made. Sega followed it up in October 1995 with the Genesis Nomad for the American market, essentially a Mega Jet featuring a 3.25 inch color LCD screen, and a battery pack attached to the rear of the system, holding six AA batteries, making it completely portable, as opposed to simply being a small Mega Drive system. In addition to its other improvements over the Mega Jet, an A/V output plug was added to the top of the unit, allowing owners to play games on a television screen with a separate A/V cable. One particularly interesting feature was the ability for one player to play using a connected TV while another watched on the Nomad. The directional pad on the unit controlled all one-player games, and a port on the bottom allowed a second controller to be plugged in for two-player games. This meant that the Nomad could be a fully functional home system as well as a completely portable handheld solution with a pre-existing library of games available for it.
While the Nomad won praise for its screen resolution and features, there were some problems. The 32X and Mega-CD were not compatible with the unit, and Sega's Power Base Converter, used to play Sega Master System games on the Mega Drive/Genesis, was also incompatible. Battery life was a major problem as well: six AA batteries could be exhausted in about 2 hours.
On paper, the Nomad was the perfect color portable. It had a full color, backlit display, and supported an estimated 600 titles already on the shelves in addition to being a functional home system. But despite the price falling from $179 to $79.99, rendering moot any complaints of overpricing, the handheld did not garner enough support to continue.
Pioneer LaserActive with Mega Drive module
LaserActive was the name given to PioneerPioneer Corporation
is a multinational corporation that specializes in digital entertainment products, based in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. The company was founded in 1938 in Tokyo as a radio and speaker repair shop...
's CLD-A100 LaserDisc
Laserdisc
LaserDisc was a home video format and the first commercial optical disc storage medium. Initially licensed, sold, and marketed as MCA DiscoVision in North America in 1978, the technology was previously referred to interally as Optical Videodisc System, Reflective Optical Videodisc, Laser Optical...
player. The player was both a Laserdisc and CD player right out of the box, while the addition of add-on modules manufactured by Sega and NEC could make the unit function as a gaming system as well. Sega's PAC-S1 module, released at a price of ¥39,000, allowed users to play Mega Drive, Mega-CD and specially created Mega LD games through the player. The Mega LD games were briefly thought to be the next evolution in gaming, mainly because the massive storage capacity of the Laserdiscs they were printed on meant that games could be multiple times larger than before and include broadcast quality full-motion video and surround sound, features that have become commonplace on modern DVD-ROM based systems.
An NEC module, PAC-N1, gave the unit the capability to play TurboGrafx-16
TurboGrafx-16
TurboGrafx-16, fully titled as TurboGrafx-16 Entertainment SuperSystem and known in Japan as the , is a video game console developed by Hudson Soft and NEC, released in Japan on October 30, 1987, and in North America on August 29, 1989....
games. The addition of either module also made the unit compatible with either Sega or NEC brand control pads. A later module was released for the unit by Pioneer, allowing it to function as a full-feature Karaoke
Karaoke
is a form of interactive entertainment or video game in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known pop song minus the lead vocal. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol,...
machine.
Pioneer later engineered 3D glasses for the system (Kit GOL-1); the glasses required an adapter to be attached before they could function with the player, but each adapter could support a pair of the goggles, allowing 2 users to play in 3D simultaneously.
The TeraDrive
The TeraDrive was an 80286 PCIBM PC
The IBM Personal Computer, commonly known as the IBM PC, is the original version and progenitor of the IBM PC compatible hardware platform. It is IBM model number 5150, and was introduced on August 12, 1981...
manufactured by IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
with an integrated Mega Drive. The system was released in Japan only. Three models were available, ranging from ¥148,000 to ¥248,000; only the top-of-the-line model was supplied with a hard disk
Hard disk
A hard disk drive is a non-volatile, random access digital magnetic data storage device. It features rotating rigid platters on a motor-driven spindle within a protective enclosure. Data is magnetically read from and written to the platter by read/write heads that float on a film of air above the...
. A special monitor (sold separately) was available, which could display both 15 kHz RGB video signals from the Mega Drive hardware and the 31 kHz VGA output of the PC hardware, both from the VGA connector. The system also contained composite NTSC
NTSC
NTSC, named for the National Television System Committee, is the analog television system that is used in most of North America, most of South America , Burma, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and some Pacific island nations and territories .Most countries using the NTSC standard, as...
video and stereo RCA jacks for connection to a TV. Additionally, Mega Drive games could be played at the same time as the PC section is being used, and it was possible for the Mega Drive and PC hardware to interact with each other, as shown with the Puzzle Construction program. It was also possible for Mega Drive software to be run from the PC's RAM
Ram
-Animals:*Ram, an uncastrated male sheep*Ram cichlid, a species of freshwater fish endemic to Colombia and Venezuela-Military:*Battering ram*Ramming, a military tactic in which one vehicle runs into another...
.
Etymologically, TeraDrive is a portmanteau of "Tera-", which denotes 1012 (1 000 000 000 000), and "Mega Drive".
Amstrad Mega PC
The Mega PC was a system produced by AmstradAmstrad
Amstrad is a British electronics company, now wholly owned by BSkyB. As of 2006, Amstrad's main business is manufacturing Sky Digital interactive boxes....
under license from Sega with Mega Drive and IBM-compatible
IBM PC compatible
IBM PC compatible computers are those generally similar to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT. Such computers used to be referred to as PC clones, or IBM clones since they almost exactly duplicated all the significant features of the PC architecture, facilitated by various manufacturers' ability to...
PC functionality in one. The Mega PC was similar in concept to the Teradrive, but was an unrelated project.
- The PC section used an Intel i386Intel 80386The Intel 80386, also known as the i386, or just 386, was a 32-bit microprocessor introduced by Intel in 1985. The first versions had 275,000 transistors and were used as the central processing unit of many workstations and high-end personal computers of the time...
SX running at 25 MHz. It had 1 MB of RAM and a 40 MB hard diskHard diskA hard disk drive is a non-volatile, random access digital magnetic data storage device. It features rotating rigid platters on a motor-driven spindle within a protective enclosure. Data is magnetically read from and written to the platter by read/write heads that float on a film of air above the...
drive. - Released in Europe and Australia around 1992–1993
- Cream-colored, with a sliding cover on the front to change between Mega Drive and PC modes.
- The output from the Mega Drive section was only available through the VGA connector, to the supplied dual-sync (15 kHz/31 kHz) monitor.
- Though the PC section is always running when the system is switched on, Mega Drive software cannot be used at the same time as PC software, due to the system having only one video output.
- Could also be used with a Mega-CD with the use of a special connector only available from Amstrad.
- Most of the Mega Drive hardware is contained on an 8-bit ISA card, with AdLib-compatible sound on the same board.
- The Mega Plus was an updated version of the Mega PC. It used an Intel i486Intel 80486The Intel 80486 microprocessor was a higher performance follow up on the Intel 80386. Introduced in 1989, it was the first tightly pipelined x86 design as well as the first x86 chip to use more than a million transistors, due to a large on-chip cache and an integrated floating point unit...
at 33 MHz and 4 MB of RAM. - The Mega PC can technically play most Import titles without an adaptor, Japanese and American alike.
Aiwa Mega-CD
Probably the most unusual of any incarnation of the Mega Drive was a variant that was built around an AiwaAiwa
was a Japanese consumer electronics company, founded in 1951.It produced audio and video equipment from the 1970s until the early 2000s.-History:The Aiwa Corporation slid towards bankruptcy until it was purchased by competitor Sony Corporation. As of October 1, 2002, Aiwa ceased to be a separate...
CD player. The unit was made up of two components - an Aiwa bookshelf-size CD radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
and a dock which added the Mega Drive connections (excepting sound, which the main radio unit handled.) Oddly, Sega and Aiwa chose not to place the interface between the two on the sides that would connect, but instead opted to use a connection cable on the back. This variant of the Mega Drive is one of the rarest made, and only saw limited release into the Japanese market.
Radica Games' Legends Sega Genesis
The Sega Genesis/Mega Drive was brought back to life by the USA company Radica Games Limited under its Play TV collection. It consists of a classic Genesis joypad with a video cable ready for plugging into a television to play a variety of games. Some models actually condense the Genesis/Mega Drive system onto a single chip, allowing a cartridge slot to be added. As of March 2006, there are at least seven versions of the gadget:- Play TV Legends Sega Genesis, also known as the Firebox Mini Mega Drive 6-in-1, includes games Sonic the HedgehogSonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)is a seminal 16-bit 1991 platform video game developed in Japan by Sega and published for the Sega Genesis. It is the first installment in Sega's flagship Sonic the Hedgehog video game series and the first title developed by Sonic Team. The game was released in 1991 in North America, Europe, and...
, Golden AxeGolden AxeGolden Axe is a side-scrolling beat 'em up and hack & slash arcade video game released in 1989 by Sega for the System 16-B arcade hardware. It is the first game in the Golden Axe series....
, Kid Chameleon, FlickyFlickyFlicky is an arcade game made by Sega. First released in arcades in 1984, Flicky was also released at the time for the SG-1000, and then ported to the MSX and Japanese computers Sharp X1, Fujitsu FM-7 and NEC PC-8801. It was later ported to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1991...
, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean MachineDr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine-External links:* at Game Rankings* at The Internet Movie Database...
and Altered BeastAltered BeastAltered Beast is a 1988 beat 'em up arcade game developed and manufactured by Sega. The game is set in Ancient Greece, and follows a centurion who is resurrected by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena, and to do so become able to turn into beasts such as the werewolf with usage of power-ups...
. The unit can run off a AA batteryAA batteryAn AA battery is a standard size of battery. Batteries of this size are the most commonly used type of in portable electronic devices. An AA battery is composed of a single electrochemical cell...
source and does not need an external power supply. A single controller has a direct connection to the Mini Mega Drive; it lacks a secondary controller and does not have a port to allow for one to be connected. - Play TV Legends Sega Genesis Volume 2, with the games Sonic the Hedgehog 2Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992...
, Ecco the DolphinEcco the DolphinEcco the Dolphin is a puzzle video game released in 1992 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. The central character, Ecco, is a bottlenose dolphin controlled by the player through a progression of side-scrolling aquatic levels...
, Gain GroundGain GroundGain Ground is a 1988 action-strategy arcade game with real-time strategy elements, later ported to the Sega Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, and PC Engine . In 2004, it was re-released in Radica Games' TVPlay Legends Vol. II TV Games compilation. It was remade in the PlayStation 2 title Sega...
, The OozeThe OozeThe Ooze is a video game developed by Sega Technical Institute and released in 1995 for the Mega Drive/Genesis console. In the game, players take the role of a slimy puddle of liquid and face off against various enemies and obstacles.-Plot:...
, Columns, and Alex Kidd in the Enchanted CastleAlex Kidd in the Enchanted Castleis a side-scrolling platform game developed and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis video game console. The game was released in Japan in February 1989, North and South America in August 1989 and in Europe on November 1990...
. - Play TV Legends Street Fighter 2, a pack of two 6-button pads with Street Fighter IIStreet Fighter IIis a competitive fighting game originally released for the arcades in . It is the arcade sequel to the original Street Fighter released in and was Capcom's fourteenth title that ran on the CP System arcade hardware...
and Ghouls 'n GhostsGhouls 'n Ghostsis a platform game/run and gun developed by Capcom and released as an arcade game in 1988, and subsequently ported to a number of other platforms. It is the sequel to Ghosts'n Goblins and the second game in the Ghosts'n Goblins series.-Gameplay:...
. - Play TV Legends Menacer, a collection of light gun games from the Menacer 6-game cartridgeMenacer 6-game cartridgeThe Menacer 6-game cartridge was the title Sega bundled with the Menacer for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. As the name suggests, the cartridge contains six games that require the Menacer to play...
, including Pest Control, Space Station Defender, Whack Ball, Front Line, Rockman's Zone, and Ready, Aim Tomatoes. - Play TV Legends Outrun 2019, a racing wheel with the game included.
- Play TV Legends Super Sonic Gold, a collection of Sonic games, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic Spinball and Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine.
- Arcade Legends Sensible Soccer Plus, a pack of two 3-button pads containing games from UK developer Sensible SoftwareSensible SoftwareSensible Software was a software house active during the 1980s and 90s, from the United Kingdom.The company was well-known for the very small sprites used for the player characters in many of their games, including Sensible Soccer, Cannon Fodder and Sensible Golf.- Early history :Sensible Software...
, including Sensible SoccerSensible SoccerSensible Soccer, often affectionately known as Sensi, is an association football video game series which was highly popular in the early 1990s and which still retains a cult following...
, Cannon FodderCannon FodderCannon Fodder is a short series of war themed action video games developed by Sensible Software, initially released for the Commodore Amiga. Only two games in the series were released, but were converted to most active systems at the time of release...
and Mega Lo ManiaMega Lo ManiaMega Lo Mania is a real-time strategy computer game developed by Sensible Software. It was released for the Amiga in 1991, and ported for a variety of other platforms. It was released as Tyrants: Fight Through Time in North America....
.
Miscellaneous
- Some MSXMSXMSX was the name of a standardized home computer architecture in the 1980s conceived by Kazuhiko Nishi, then Vice-president at Microsoft Japan and Director at ASCII Corporation...
machines released only in Middle Eastern countries by a company named UniversalAruze, is a Japanese manufacturer of pachinko, slot machines, arcade games and other gaming products, and a publisher of video games. Aruze possesses licenses to both manufacture and distribute casino machines in the American states of Nevada, Mississippi and New Jersey. The company's corporate...
, which along with MSXMSXMSX was the name of a standardized home computer architecture in the 1980s conceived by Kazuhiko Nishi, then Vice-president at Microsoft Japan and Director at ASCII Corporation...
software could also (allegedly) play Mega Drive games.
Unauthorized clones
- An unauthorized Mega Drive clone called the Super Creation was sold in certain Asian markets in the early and mid 90s. The clone looks like a first-generation Japanese Mega Drive except that it lacks the Sega branding on the lower right corner of the device. It also has the expansion port, the stereo headphones jack, and joystick connectors that are compatible with official Mega Drive accessories. The clone also designed to accept cartridges from all regions and is pre-modified to bypass refresh rate checks automatically, as the PAL version of the machine is reported to run both Japanese and American NTSC software out of the box.
- The Scorpion 16 (Scorpion XVI) was an unauthorized games console based on the original Japanese version of the Mega Drive. It had the capability of playing any Mega Drive/Genesis game from around the world by using the switch box located at the right side of the console allowing the user to choose either NTSCNTSCNTSC, named for the National Television System Committee, is the analog television system that is used in most of North America, most of South America , Burma, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and some Pacific island nations and territories .Most countries using the NTSC standard, as...
or PALPALPAL, short for Phase Alternating Line, is an analogue television colour encoding system used in broadcast television systems in many countries. Other common analogue television systems are NTSC and SECAM. This page primarily discusses the PAL colour encoding system...
. Some versions have been known to have built-in games which could be removed and replaced with another game, although this required the user to break open the game cartridge. Although not officially licensed by Sega, they still managed to make it to UK high street stores. - Yobo Games produces several systems advertised as being able to play Genesis cartridges, one of them (the Yobo FC 3 Plus) is also made to play NESNes-Localities:In Norway:* Nes, Akershus, a municipality in the county of Akershus in Norway* Nes, Buskerud, a municipality in the county of Buskerud in Norway* Nes, Hedmark, a former municipality in the county of Hedmark in Norway...
and Super NES cartridges as well.