Also known as | Mega Drive Mini |
---|---|
Developer | Sega, M2 |
Manufacturer | Sega |
Type | Dedicated home video game console |
Release date | |
Lifespan | 2019–present |
Introductory price | |
Media | Internal flash memory |
Operating system | Linux kernel |
System on a chip | ZUIKI Z7213 |
Memory | 256 MB of RAM |
Storage | 512 MB flash storage |
Controller input | 2 controller ports |
Power | AXP223 |
Dimensions | 154 mm × 39 mm × 116 mm |
Successor | Sega Genesis Mini 2 |
The Sega Genesis Mini, known as the Mega Drive Mini in regions outside of North America, is a dedicated console modeled on the Sega Genesis. The Mini emulates the original console's 16-bit hardware, and includes 42 games made available through emulation software by M2. It was released in North America and Japan in September 2019 and in Europe and the Middle East in October 2019. A follow-up, Sega Genesis Mini 2, was released in October 2022 and includes 60 games from the Genesis and Sega CD.
The Mini is half the size of the original Sega Genesis. Inside the unit is an ARM-based SOC ZUIKI Z7213 [4] and 512 MB of flash memory. [1] It includes either one or two (dependent on region's bundle options) full-size replica controllers that connect through USB (thus original controllers are incompatible), [5] a USB-to-Micro-B power cable (USB AC adapter in North America), and an HDMI video cable. [1] There are separate releases for North America, Europe, Asia and Japan, as the Mini reproduces the original console's decal and color variations in those regions. [1] [6] Korea is a slight exception, as the Mega Drive was released there by Samsung as the Super Gam*Boy and Super Aladdin Boy; none of these names appear on the Korean Mini. [7]
All of the games have a save state feature to pause and resume progress and can be played in either the original 4:3 aspect ratio with optional wallpapers or stretched to 16:9 widescreen with HUD elements modified to fit onto the screen. [8] Certain games have regional variants that can be accessed by changing the system's language settings (e.g. switching the system language from English to Japanese will change Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine into Puyo Puyo .) [2] [9]
The North American and European models of the Genesis Mini come bundled with two three-button controllers, while the Japanese model comes with two six-button controllers. [5] Officially licensed six-button controllers made specifically for the Mini are also sold separately in North America and Europe. [10] Official model accessories of a miniature Mega-CD, a miniature Super 32X, a miniature Sonic & Knuckles lock-on Genesis cartridge, and a miniature Sonic the Hedgehog standard Mega Drive cartridge were also sold separately in Japan. [11] Miniature replicas of the Sega CD and Sega 32X in both the North American and European versions were also manufactured but only distributed to select members of the media. [12]
The Mini 2 system is modeled after the Mega Drive 2 variant of the original console and comes bundled with over 50 games and a single six-button controller in all regions. It uses the same SOC chip as the first Mini, albeit with more memory and storage. In addition to the first Mini's emulation features, the Mini 2 includes the option to emulate the sound outputs of the original Genesis or Genesis 2. Like with the original Mega Drive Mini, a set of model accessories consisting of a miniature Mega-CD 2, a miniature Virtua Racing cartridge, and a miniature Sonic CD disc was released in Japan alongside the system, including compatibility parts with the first Mega Drive Mini and its accessories. Additionally, a USB-powered Cyber Stick controller based on the original flight stick controller produced by Sharp was released alongside the system in Japan and provides analog input for After Burner II , Night Striker , and Starblade . [13] [14]
The Sega Genesis Mini features 40 Sega Genesis games, with the selection varying depending on the region. In addition to these titles, the game includes two bonus games, Darius and Tetris , which are new conversions made for the Mini system that were previously never released for the original console. [15]
The Sega Genesis Mini 2 features 53 games released for both the Genesis and the Sega CD add-on peripheral. Like the original Mini, the Mini 2 also features seven additional games that were never released for the Genesis, including both unreleased games and new arcade ports. [20] [21]
Games | Copyright | Platform | NA/EU [22] | Japan [23] |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aah! Harimanada | Sega | Genesis | ||
After Burner II | Sega | Genesis | ||
Alien Soldier | Sega | Genesis | ||
Atomic Runner Chelnov | Paon DP | Genesis | ||
Bonanza Bros. | Sega | Genesis | ||
Captain Tsubasa | Koei Tecmo | Sega CD | ||
ClayFighter | Interplay | Genesis | ||
Columns III: Revenge of Columns | Sega | Genesis | ||
Crusader of Centy | Sega | Genesis | ||
Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf | Electronic Arts | Genesis | ||
Devi & Pii [e] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Earthworm Jim 2 | Interplay | Genesis | ||
Ecco the Dolphin | Sega | Sega CD | ||
Ecco: The Tides of Time | Sega | Sega CD | ||
Elemental Master | Sega | Genesis | ||
Fantasy Zone [a] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Fatal Fury 2 | SNK | Genesis | ||
Final Fight CD | Capcom | Sega CD | ||
Gain Ground | Sega | Genesis | ||
Gambler Jiko Chuushinha [f] | Game Arts | Genesis | ||
Golden Axe II | Sega | Genesis | ||
Granada | Edia | Genesis | ||
Hellfire | Tatsujin | Genesis | ||
Herzog Zwei | Sega | Genesis | ||
Honō no Tōkyūji: Dodge Danpei | Sega | Genesis | ||
Lunar: Eternal Blue | Game Arts | Sega CD | ||
Lunar: The Silver Star | Game Arts | Sega CD | ||
Magical Taruruto-kun | Sega | Genesis | ||
Mahou no Shoujo | Edia | Sega CD | ||
Mansion of Hidden Souls | Sega | Sega CD | ||
Megapanel | Namco | Genesis | ||
Midnight Resistance | G-Mode | Genesis | ||
Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water | Namco | Genesis | ||
Night Striker | Taito | Sega CD | ||
Night Trap | Hasbro | Sega CD | ||
The Ninja Warriors | Taito | Sega CD | ||
The Ooze | Sega | Genesis | ||
Out Run | Sega | Genesis | ||
OutRunners | Sega | Genesis | ||
Party Quiz Mega Q 2022 [g] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Party Quiz Sega Q [g] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Phantasy Star II [h] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Popful Mail | Nihon Falcom | Sega CD | ||
Populous | Electronic Arts | Genesis | ||
Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R | Sega | Genesis | ||
Rainbow Islands Extra | Taito | Genesis | ||
Ranger X | Sega | Genesis | ||
The Revenge of Shinobi | Sega | Genesis | ||
Ristar | Sega | Genesis | ||
Robo Aleste | Sega / M2 | Sega CD | ||
Rolling Thunder 2 | Namco | Genesis | ||
Romance of the Three Kingdoms III: Dragon of Destiny | Koei Tecmo | Genesis / Sega CD | ||
Sewer Shark | Hasbro | Sega CD | ||
Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi | Sega | Genesis | ||
Shin Megami Tensei | Atlus | Sega CD | ||
Shining Force CD | Sega | Sega CD | ||
Shining Force II | Sega | Genesis | ||
Shining in the Darkness | Sega | Genesis | ||
Silpheed | Game Arts | Sega CD | ||
Sonic 3D Blast | Sega | Genesis | ||
Sonic CD [i] | Sega | Sega CD | ||
Sorcerian | Nihon Falcom | Genesis | ||
Space Harrier II [j] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Spatter [a] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Splatterhouse 2 | Namco | Genesis | ||
Star Cruiser | Extreme | Genesis | ||
Star Mobile [k] | Mindware | Genesis | ||
Starblade | Namco | Sega CD | ||
Streets of Rage 3 | Sega | Genesis | ||
Super Hang-On | Sega | Genesis | ||
Super Locomotive [a] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers | Capcom | Genesis | ||
Tenka Fubu: Eiyūtachi no Hōkō | Game Arts | Sega CD | ||
Thunder Force IV | Sega | Genesis | ||
ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron | ToeJam & Earl Productions | Genesis | ||
Tōgi Ō: King Colossus | Sega | Genesis | ||
Truxton | Tatsujin | Genesis | ||
Vectorman 2 | Sega | Genesis | ||
Viewpoint [l] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Virtua Racing | Sega | Genesis | ||
VS Puyo Puyo Sun [m] | Sega | Genesis | ||
Warsong | Extreme | Genesis | ||
Wondermega Collection [n] | Sega | Sega CD |
The Sega Genesis Mini was first announced at the Sega Fes show in April 2018. [1] The announcement was part of a trend of releasing smaller versions of retro video game consoles. [5] It was delayed in September, missing the console's 30th-anniversary window, [24] when Sega dropped its partnership with AtGames, [1] whose 2017 Sega Genesis Flashback was critically panned for its production quality. [2] [5] Instead of using AtGames's Flashback software on a Japan-exclusive Mini, Sega handled the entire production of the system. [2] The system was released worldwide on September 19, 2019, [1] except in Europe and the Middle East, where it was delayed until October 4, 2019, due to distribution issues. [25]
M2, who previously collaborated with Sega on the Sega Ages and Sega 3D Classics Collection series, produced the Mini's ports. [1] Sega emphasized first-party production quality in its marketing for the Mini, [5] as the company returns to the hardware business after last producing the Sega Dreamcast in 2001. [26] The menu music was written by Yuzo Koshiro, who was also the composer of the compilation's Beyond Oasis , Streets of Rage 2 , and The Revenge of Shinobi . [2]
Since its release, the first Sega Genesis Mini console had sold over 300,000 units by the end of March 2020. [27]
A followup, the Sega Genesis Mini 2, was announced on June 3, 2022 and was released worldwide on October 27, 2022. [28] [29] Koshiro returned to write the menu music. [30]
The Genesis Nomad, also known as Sega Nomad, is a handheld game console manufactured by Sega and released in North America in October 1995. The Nomad is a portable variation of the Sega Genesis home video game console. It could also be used with a television set via a video port. It was based on the Mega Jet, a portable version of the home console designed for use on airline flights in Japan.
Puyo Puyo (ぷよぷよ) is a puzzle video game released in 1991 by Compile for the MSX2. Since its creation, it uses characters from Madō Monogatari. It was created by Masamitsu "Moo" Niitani, the founder of Compile, who was inspired by certain elements from the Tetris and Dr. Mario series of games.
Truxton is a 1988 vertically scrolling shooter arcade video game originally developed by Toaplan and published in Japan and Europe by Taito, as well as in North America by Midway. Set in a future where the Gidans alien race led by Dogurava invaded the fictional planet Borogo, players assume the role of fighter pilot Tatsuo taking control of the Super Fighter ship on a last-ditch effort to overthrow the alien invaders.
Flicky is a platform game developed by Sega and released as an arcade video game in May 1984. It was licensed to Bally Midway for distribution in the United States. In Flicky, the player controls the eponymous blue bird and must gather all the small birds called Chirps in each round and bring them safely to the exit. There are cat and lizard enemies which can disperse the Chirps and kill the player, but Flicky can use items on the playing field to protect herself and the Chirps from danger.
The Sega Genesis, known as the Mega Drive outside North America, is a 16-bit fourth generation home video game console developed and sold by Sega. It was Sega's third console and the successor to the Master System. Sega released it in 1988 in Japan as the Mega Drive, and in 1989 in North America as the Genesis. In 1990, it was distributed as the Mega Drive by Virgin Mastertronic in Europe, Ozisoft in Australasia, and Tectoy in Brazil. In South Korea, it was distributed by Samsung Electronics as the Super Gam*Boy and later the Super Aladdin Boy.
Compile Corporation was a Japanese video game developer, most notable for having developed the Puyo Puyo series, a franchise derived from the Madō Monogatari series. On 6 November 2003, the company shut down amid bankruptcy. As a result, key staff moved to Compile Heart, the company's spiritual successor, whereas shoot-'em-up staff moved to MileStone Inc.
Puyo Puyo 2 is a 1994 puzzle video game developed and published by Compile. It is the second installment in the Puyo Puyo series and the sequel to Puyo Puyo (1992).
Light Crusader is an action-adventure game developed by Treasure and published by Sega for their Sega Genesis console in 1995. The game was included in the Sega Genesis Classics collections on Steam and other platforms in 2011. It was also included on the Sega Genesis Mini in North America and Sega Mega Drive Mini in PAL regions.
Super Fantasy Zone is a scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Sunsoft for the Mega Drive. Part of Sega's Fantasy Zone series, it was released only in Japan and Europe. Players control the character Opa-Opa on his quest to defeat Dark Menon, and the game plays similarly to previous Fantasy Zone entries. The game plays similarly to Defender, where the screen scrolls in the direction that Opa-Opa is going. The player shoots at enemies to defeat them, collecting gold coins that are used to purchase temporary upgrades that improve Opa-Opa's offensive capabilities and speed, among other things.
Valis III is a 1990 action-platform video game originally developed by Laser Soft, published by Telenet Japan and NEC for the TurboGrafx-CD. A Sega Genesis version was released in 1991. It is the third entry in the Valis series. It stars Yuko Asou, a Japanese teenage schoolgirl chosen as the Valis warrior and wielder of the mystical Valis sword after the events of Valis II. King Glames, wielder of the sword Leethus, leads denizens of the dark world to conquer both Vecanti and Earth, seeking refuge for his people amid the destruction of their planet. Together with the demon warrior-maiden Cham and her sister Valna, Yuko must prevent Glames from destroying both worlds. Through the journey, the player explores and searches for items and power-ups while fighting enemies and defeating bosses.
Gley Lancer is a 1992 scrolling shooter video game originally developed by NCS Corporation, published in Japan by Masaya and in South Korea by Samsung for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was re-released in 2019 by Japanese publisher Columbus Circle. It follows Lucia Cabrock, daughter of Earth Federation Navy admiral Ken, who disappeared while fighting in a war between humans and an unknown alien race that possess the ability to teleport, joined by her friend Teim on a journey to save her father by stealing a starfighter. Controlling the titular fighter ship, the player must fight waves of enemies and bosses, while avoiding collision with their projectiles and other obstacles. The Gley Lancer ship is equipped with two satellites options, whose positions and formations are determined by the player.
Atomic Runner Chelnov is a Japanese runner arcade video game developed and published by Data East in 1988.
Fire Shark is a 1989 vertically scrolling shooter arcade video game developed and published by Toaplan in Japan and Europe, and by Romstar in North America. It is the sequel to Flying Shark, a game released in 1987 on multiple platforms. Set in the year 1991, the game focuses on a mysterious armada launching a worldwide attack from a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. Players take control of the titular biplane to counterattack the enemy forces.
M2 Co., Ltd. is a Japanese video game developer and publisher, best known for handling emulation of re-released games, such as some Sega Ages titles, Virtual Console titles for Nintendo systems, the 3D Classics series for the Nintendo 3DS and their ShotTriggers range of classic STG games. M2 has also created entirely new titles such as WiiWare games for Konami under the ReBirth moniker and more recently a new GG Aleste game. In addition, M2 currently holds the rights of Aleste series and all NEC Avenue and NEC Interchannel games on TurboGrafx-16 and variants, previously owned by Lightweight.
Sega Hard Girls is a Japanese multimedia project produced as a collaboration between ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko imprint and video game company Sega. The project re-imagines various Sega video game consoles as anthropomorphized goddesses who appear all over modern Japan. The project has inspired a light novel series written by Tōru Shiwasu with illustrations by Kei, which was serialized in ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko Magazine between 2013 and 2014, and an anime television series adaptation titled Hi-sCoool! SeHa Girls by TMS Entertainment, which aired in Japan between October and December 2014. A crossover video game with Idea Factory's Hyperdimension Neptunia franchise, Superdimension Neptune VS Sega Hard Girls, was released for the PlayStation Vita in Japan in November 2015, and in North America and Europe in October 2016.
Puzzle & Action: Tant-R, is a puzzle video game developed and published by Sega in 1993 for the Sega System C in Japan. The first instalment in the Puzzle & Action trilogy, it is a spin-off of Bonanza Bros.. The characters from Bonanza Bros., Robo and Mobo, are featured as protagonists, functioning as detectives. A prison escapee is chased, and his henchmen interfere. A series of timed mini-games must be completed to defeat the henchmen. The game features references to western culture.
Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R (also known as just Ichidant-R is a puzzle video game developed and released by Sega in 1994 for the Sega System C-2. It is the sequel to Puzzle & Action: Tant-R and is the second of the Puzzle & Action series. Gameplay is similar to Tant-R: the player must complete a series of mini-games, although its crime theme is replaced with a medieval theme. The detectives from the first game return and play the role of knights in a theatre play. An English version of the game exists, which replaces the Japanese voices with English voices. The Korean version also uses the English voices. The game was ported to the Game Gear in 1994, Mega Drive in 1995, and released on the Sega AgesRouka ni Ichidant-R compilation for the Sega Saturn. The game was released for the Wii Virtual Console in 2007. All console versions except for the Switch version are Japanese exclusives. The third and final game in the series, Puzzle & Action: Treasure Hunt, was released in 1995.
Party Quiz Mega Q is a quiz video game developed and published by Sega, which released for the Mega Drive in Japan in 1993. Players participate in a television quiz programme, answering questions in rounds of differing rules, earning or losing points along the way. Up to five players are supported, and the game was released on the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console in 2007. In 2014, the soundtrack was released on the Mega Drive 25th Anniversary Album Vol.1 album.