We should all have seen it coming, I suppose; Sega has revealed a mini version of their Mega Drive system, a 16-bit console that competed with Nintendo and the SNES.
The news came via the Sega FES 2018 event; officially named the Sega Mega Drive Mini, it’s currently only confirmed for a Japan release later in 2018. It’s almost inevitable that it will make the journey west, though (if it comes to North America, expect a name change, as the console went by the SEGA Genesis name there).
AtGames technology will power the Mega Drive Mini. Sega also partnered with AtGames for the Sega Genesis Flashback HD IN 2017, but the sheer complexity of over 80 games and other Atari Flashback releases at the time was far from the clear messaging of Nintendo’s NES and SNES Classics.
Sega seems to be playing it smarter with this more focused attempt. For now, we don’t know which games will be on the system, but popular titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog are logical inclusions.
「メガドライブ」誕生30周年記念！
『メガドライブ ミニ』（仮称）2018年発売決定！思い出の名作ゲームの数々が、これ1台で楽しめます！#セガフェス #メガドライブ #メガドライブ30周年https://t.co/HWj6NFL96y pic.twitter.com/0C9QH1l5Mr
— セガ公式アカウント (@SEGA_OFFICIAL) 14 April 2018
The NES and SNES Classic systems have been big for Nintendo both culturally and commercially, so it’s not a surprise that other companies are trying to get in on it. Sega feels notable, however, considering their history of battling Nintendo for supremacy back in the day.
Does the Sega Mega Drive Mini interest you? You can let us know in the comments!
