Of all the diminutive, retro consoles being released in South Africa, the official miniature Mega Drive is one of the most anticipated. While the NES was stuffed with classics that reminded local folk of their knock o9ff Golden China consoles, the SNES tickled nostalgic bones a little less, as it was never really released here. The PlayStation Classic probably would have done better if it wasn’t such a miserable, hastily cobbled-together cash grab.
No, it’s the Mega Drive (That’s the Genesis, for those in North America) that’s got many of today’s older gamers excited – probably to share their old favourites with their own children. Sure, it’s cheaper and easier to emulate these things, but there’s something magical about the physical reconstruction, and the accurate controllers. It’s also nice that this isn’t being made by ATGames, the company that’s had the licence to make Mega Drive stuff for years. The problem with their machines was shoddy emulation (especially with music) and a general lack of care.
From everything we’ve seen with SEGA’s own mini Mega Drive, it’s been made with love and attention. It’s also been delayed – at least in Europe and the Middle East. And yes, because we’re usually lumped with those regions, that means us too. The device will be delayed until October 4, 2019 – just a few weeks after its originally scheduled September release date. According to SEGA of Europe, the delay was necessary from a logistical standpoint. It means they’re trying to ensure everybody has stock of the thing when it’s released.
Here’s a handy reminder of the great games (and Altered Beast) that’ll be on the thing. At least until it gets hacked and stuffed with every single Mega Drive game in existence.
List of Games:
- Sonic The Hedgehog
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Castlevania: The New Generation
- Space Harrier 2
- Shining Force
- Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
- ToeJam & Earl
- Comix Zone
- Altered Beast
- Gunstar Heroes
- Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
- World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck
- Thunder Force III
- Super Fantasy Zone
- Shinobi III
- Streets of Rage 2
- Earthworm Jim
- Sonic The Hedgehog 2
- Probotector
- Landstalker
- Mega Man®: The Wily Wars
- Street Fighter II®: Special Champion Edition
- Ghouls ‘n Ghosts®
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
- Story of Thor
- Golden Axe
- Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
- Sonic The Hedgehog Spinball
- Vectorman
- Wonder Boy in Monster World
- Tetris®
- Darius
- Road Rash II
- Strider
- Virtua Fighter 2
- Alisia Dragoon
- Kid Chameleon
- Monster World IV
- Eternal Champions
- Columns
- Dynamite Headdy
- Light Crusader
Last Updated: July 30, 2019
Admiral Chief Umbra
July 30, 2019 at 09:09
Never should have gifted mine to my cousins all those years ago. Probably is worth a lot today
Yahtzee
July 30, 2019 at 09:23
As a current retro collector the highest you will get for a boxed (used) Mega Drive is about R1000.
Admiral Chief Umbra
July 30, 2019 at 09:30
Ah, so didn’t miss out on much
Yahtzee
July 30, 2019 at 09:37
Consoles aren’t that much worth around here apart from the original bread box NES. The real money is in the games. Some games can fetch a pretty penny.
Admiral Chief Umbra
July 30, 2019 at 09:37
Sonic 2
Sonic 3
Sonic & Knuckles
Good times