Sega celebrates Mega Drive’s 30th anniversary with release of mini console

Image: Twitter/@SEGA_OFFICIAL

Sega celebrates the classic Genesis or Mega Drive console’s 30th anniversary by releasing a Mega Drive Mini.

The gaming company showcased a sample of the retro mini console at the 2018 Sega Fes convention held at Bellesalle in Akihabara between April 14 to 15. The name “Mega Drive Mini” is still tentative, as stated in a Sega Twitter announcement, but Sega plans to release the retro console within the year.

Image: Twitter/@SEGA_OFFICIAL

Sega also has not yet revealed what games will be included in the retro console. However, it appears that a company called AtGames will be manufacturing the Mega Drive Mini, as reported by Polygon.

AtGames previously released the Sega Genesis Flashback retro console in 2017. It came with 85 built-in games. It could also accommodate original Sega Genesis and Mega Drive game cartridges. The console featured wireless controllers and a 720p HDMI video output.

Image: AtGames official website

Compared to the Genesis Flashback, the Mega Drive Mini appears smaller and looks more in line with Nintendo’s own NES and SNES Classic consoles. Fans of the the original Mega Drive may also expect around the same number of pre-loaded games to come with the Mega Drive Mini.

SEGA stopped making gaming consoles in 2001 when the Dreamcast did not become as popular as projected. The company instead shifted its focus on its more lucrative software business. JB

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