We want one, and we want one now.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of – and we don’t want to be too hyperbolic about this but – one of the greatest video game consoles ever created, the team at Sega are giving the Mega Drive new life in teeny-tiny miniature form.
Well, it’s the done thing nowadays isn’t it?
With Nintendo enjoying huge success with mini versions of the NES and SNES, it makes sense that Sega would resurrect their 16-bit pride and joy for a whole new generation… and those of us who grew up worshipping the original.
「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) April 14, 2018
Officially unveiled at Sega FES 2018 on Friday, the ‘Mega Drive Mini’ – it’s a working title – will launch in Japan first according to Polygon, with “the US and other territories” set to follow later this year.
Sega released the original Mega Drive in Japan on 29 October 1988, and in North America the following August – where it was christened the ‘Genesis’ of course – ultimately selling more than 30 million units across the world.
Hardware company AtGames appear to be handling the manufacturing side of things on the new console, responding to fan queries on social media and noting that the new official version will be “powered by the latest AtGames technology.”
AtGames released a throwback edition of the famous Sega console in 2017, to mixed reviews.
Details for the official Sega Mega Drive Mini are rather scarce beyond Friday’s initial tease – including precisely what games will be available on the system – but you can probably expect Sonic the Hedgehog to feature.
Fingers crossed for Kid Chameleon. That game doesn’t get enough love.
And while we’re throwing out a wish list; we’ll take Gunstar Heroes and James Pond 2: Robocod as well, please.
Meanwhile, if you’re after more fresh retro action, Sega also announced plans to release the likes of Sonic, Phantasy Star and Thunder Force 4 on the Nintendo Switch later this summer.
