Amazon now has pre-orders open for the Genesis Mini 2 emulation console, due to ship in late October of this year. This is the North American version, meant to look like the Genesis 2 we got here as kids; A Mega Drive version will be available in Japan, along with more accessories and a “decoration set” they’re calling the “Megadora Tower Mini 2”. If you’re interested in the Japanese releases, I suggest checking the links below and seeing if there’s anything you’d like to import. Anyone who wants the US version can simply use the Amazon link on top:
US Pre-order: https://amzn.to/3cBtraP
Main Page: https://sega.jp/genesismini2/
Mega Drive Mini 2: https://sega.jp/mdmini2/
As usual, I have mixed feelings about these “mini” consoles. They feel mostly like a cash grab designed to capitalize on nostalgic adults with extra income to spare. It’s a bit sad, as many of these games absolutely hold up today…if they’re presented correctly, without bugs or lag. On the flip side, the hardware usually looks awesome and are the perfect toy for people who understand what they’re buying: Something to look amazing on your shelf and fun for casual, occasional play of these classic titles.
While we can only assume this is the same laggy solution as the first Genesis Mini, Sega at least added support for Sega CD games as well. Here’s the list of games that have been announced so far. I’m not sure if it’s these, plus the games from the Mini 1, or an entirely new list. I guess we’ll find out in time:
- Sonic CD (Sega CD)
- Shining Force CD (Sega CD)
- Silpheed (Sega CD)
- Mansion of Hidden Souls (Sega CD)
- Night Striker (Sega CD)
- The Ninja Warriors (Sega CD)
- After Burner II
- OutRun
- OutRunners
- Virtua Racing
- Super Hang On
- Sonic 3D Blast
- Shining in the Darkness
- Vectorman 2
- The Ooze
- Bonaza Brothers
- Alien Soldier
- Rainbow Islands Extra
- Splatterhouse 2
- Rolling Thunder 2
- Lightening Force
- Fantasy Zone
- Star Mobile
If you’d like an idea as to how far off the original Genesis Mini’s emulation was, check out this video:
