During the Sega’s annual SEGA Fes event in Tokyo, Japan, they announced a first-party developed mini console. The Sega Genesis Mini will include 2 controllers and 40 games, and release on September 19 for $79.99.
Like Nintendo and Sony’s recent mini consoles, the Sega Genesis Mini is designed as a miniature replica of the original 90s console (called the Mega Drive in Europe and Japan). The console is about half the size of the original. It will feature a modern HDMI connection and a digital library of emulated games.
The included controllers are the original three-button designs, with A, B, and C buttons.
The full package includes:
- Genesis Mini Console
- 2 Wired USB Controllers
- USB Power Adapter
- Power Cable
- HDMI Cable
- 40 digital games
Like the PlayStation Classic, Sega has opted to tease out the Genesis Mini’s full library. At the announcement they revealed only 10 of the 40 total games:
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Castlevania Bloodlines
- Space Harrier 2
- Shining Force
- Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
- Toejam & Earl
- Comix Zone
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Altered Beast
- Gunstar Heroes
Sega originally announced the mini console last year with third party developer Atgames, who have produced maligned bargain bin console emulators for Sega and Atari. They decided to delay the launch another year and develop the new mini console internally in Japan.
Mini console replicas have gained sharp notriety thanks to Nitendo’s NES Classic. It was followed by the equally well-received SNES Classic. Sony followed suit with the much less loved Sony PlayStation Classic.
At the presentation, Sega did announce that the games would feature a save anywhere function. Additional features and content have not yet been revealed.
The Sega Genesis Mini will launch on September 19. Pre-orders are not yet available.
