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SEGA Mega Drive Mini Game Console Review and Buying Guide: Pros and Cons

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Overall
76%
76%
  • Design - 70%
    70%
  • Performance - 79%
    79%
  • Features - 79%
    79%

The mini-console trend started with Nintendo’s NES Classic and later the SNES Classic and the PlayStation Classic in 2018. Each of these devices offers a careful selection of games from a retro console packed into a smaller device that looks just like the original console.

The SEGA Mega Drive Mini Game Console came into the picture in September 2019. It is an emulation-based game console that allows you to play your favourite classic Sega Genesis titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets Of Rage 1-2, Golden Axe, Altered Beast, Comix Zone, Ecco The Dolphin, Space Harrier II, Shinobi III: Return Of Ninja Storm, Shining Force I&II, Thunder Blade, Phantasy Star, Panzer Dragoon, Virtua Fighter, Wing Commander And many more.

The box for each unit contains everything needed to get up and running, including the Genesis mini game console, two controllers, HDMI cable, and power supply cable.  In this review, we will be discussing more about this mini console, including its design, price and features.

Pros

  • Supports multiple players.
  • It has a beautiful design.
  • It has a large game library.

Cons

  • Short controller cord.
  • Not compatible with old six-button pads.
  • A three-button controller is a nightmare for some games.
SEGA Mega Drive Mini Game Console -Cover-T

Design

The SEGA Mega Drive Mini Game Console has a plastic build and is about half the size of the original console. It ships with two gamepads and has a ’16 BIT’ logo engraved on the top. However, the size doesn’t affect the console detail or performance.

It has a power switch, a volume slider that does nothing but you can slide it around if you want, a removable expansion port with no expansion option, a game cartridge slot that just shows how much attention Genesis put into this console. This console comes with just two ports at the back; HDMI out and DC-IN to power the console. It has a pretty simple and straightforward design just like every other thing about this console.

Performance

The SEGA Mega Drive Mini game console is a fantastic game console with 42 games in its game library and it has two control pads (three-button pad) shipped with it. When you turn on the SEGA Mega game console, you are greeted with a nice 1990s themed menu showing all the 42 games in the console’s library.

There is a setting that allows you to switch between the original 4.3 aspect ratio and widescreen display. This console provides clear and smooth animated details of each game so you don’t have to worry about that. You can also switch to the Japanese version which has slight effect changes and menu music composed by Yuzo Koshiro.

It does not have a rewind function like the Nintendo machines but it’s a lot better than the PlayStation Classic as it makes a lot of games accessible to you. Note that you cannot use your old gamepads with this model so if you want to play games with a six-button pad, you would have to buy the updated version. The SEGA Mega Drive Mini allows you to save games and continue where you stopped later. Once the console is plugged in, you can start playing immediately without having to worry about online updates.

SEGA Mega Drive Mini Game Console -3

Features

  1. It has a small size.
  2. 2 USB controllers are included in the box.
  3. It has an HDMI port and cable.
  4. It offers 42 games installed.
  5. It is a replica of the SEGA Genesis console.

Specifications

  • Brand: SEGA
  • OS: Linux Kernel
  • Memory: 256MB RAM
  • Storage: 512MB
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Dimensions: 9.84 x 3.94 x 11.81 inches
  • Weight: 1.93 pounds
  • Colour: Black

Buying Guide

This Mega Drive console is actually very good, not great but good. It has a few classic games missing and a short controller cord which can be irritating if you cannot find a comfortable spot close to the monitor. However, the most intriguing part of this console is the number of games curated in the game library.

It has 42 in-built games some of which are very expensive or even hard to buy in their cartridge form. Some of the games included are; Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Earthworm Jim, Light Crusader, Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Dragoon, Comix Zone, Darius, Wonder Boy in Monster World, Golden Axe, Monster World IV, Road Rash II, Street Fighter II’: Special Champion, Space Harrier II, Streets of Rage 2, Thunder Force III, World of Illusion Starring Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse, Super Fantasy Zone etc.

This is like double the number of games the PlayStation Classic and the Nintendo SNES Mini offered. As a retro fan, it has all you could ask for.

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How much is the SEGA Mega Drive Mini Game Console?

The SEGA Mega Drive Mini Game Console is sold for $124.99 on eBay but you can always check other retail sites for a better price option.

Is the SEGA Mega Drive Mini Game Console worth buying?

The SEGA Mega Drive Mini game console is worth every penny it costs. It offers more games than the PlayStation Classic and the Nintendo SNES Mini console offer a more comfortable and straightforward gamepad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SEGA Mega Drive Mini game console is an affordable mini console with great performance. It comes with 42 built-in games that a retro fan, most of all, would love. The three-button controller that comes with it does an excellent job too, but it might not be enough for some gamers, especially those who intend to spend a lot of time gaming, so therein comes the optional six-button gamepad that has been upgraded specifically for the Mega Drive Mini console at extra cost.

FAQ – SEGA Mega Drive Mini Game Console Review

Q: How many games do I get when I purchase the SEGA Mega Drive Mini?

A: You will receive 42 games in your game library.

Q: Is the SEGA Mega Drive Mini suitable for kids?

A: Yes, the SEGA Mega Drive Mini is perfect for children.

Q: Can I use my old SEGA Genesis cartridges on the SEGA Mega Drive?

A: No, unfortunately, you cannot use your old Sega Genesis cartridges on this device.

Q: Does the SEGA Mega Drive support Bluetooth connectivity?

A: Unfortunately, the SEGA Mega Drive doesn’t support Bluetooth connectivity.

Q: Are there any online features available on the SEGA Mega drive?

A: Sadly, the SEGA Mega Drive doesn’t feature any online functionality.

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