A Sega Genesis, one of the leading video game consoles ever made, was recently released by Sega for a retail price of $photon. Sega's Genesis is equipped with plenty of features and games, but does this console have everything that gamers need? Is it priced well enough to be a good buy? In this Sega Genesis mini review I will examine these questions and more to help you make an informed decision on whether or not to buy the system. You'll also learn some background information on the making of the Genesis, as well as a first impression of the game itself.
Sega Genesis Mini Review
The world of gaming has evolved tremendously since the birth of the first video game console. Despite the awe-inspiring realism and vast open worlds now offered by modern gaming platforms, many of us still yearn for the nostalgia of the games we grew up with. If you're a child of the 80s or 90s, the Sega Genesis might be a significant part of your gaming history.
In light of this, the launch of the Sega Genesis Mini, a compact version of the classic gaming console, has excited retro gaming enthusiasts worldwide. In this review, we'll delve deep into the world of the Sega Genesis Mini, exploring its features, games, performance, and why it's hailed as the best retro console yet.
Sega Genesis Mini: Unboxing and Design
One of the main attractions of the Sega Genesis Mini is its authentic retro design, reminiscent of the original Sega Genesis. Despite its scaled-down size, it doesn't skimp on details. It maintains the same iconic color scheme, button layout, and even the classic “16-bit” badge. It feels like stepping into a time machine and landing in the past!
1. Size and Build Quality
The Sega Genesis Mini is about 55% smaller than the original. The build quality is impressive, with a sturdy and well-crafted body. The attention to detail is also commendable, with the Mini including non-functional but aesthetically pleasing elements such as a volume slider and cartridge slot.
2. Controller Design
The Mini comes with two full-sized replica controllers that maintain the same three-button layout and feel as the original ones. They are wired, adding to the vintage charm, but with a generous cable length that ensures comfort while playing.
The Games: Reliving the Classics
The Sega Genesis Mini is pre-loaded with 42 games, a rich collection that celebrates the golden era of 16-bit gaming. This library is a well-curated mix of genres, ensuring that every gamer, whether they prefer action, adventure, or puzzle games, will find something to love.
1. Highlight Titles
Some of the stand-out titles in the Sega Genesis Mini library include:
- Sonic The Hedgehog: One of the defining platformers of the 90s.
- Streets of Rage 2: A classic side-scrolling beat 'em up.
- Mega Man: The Wily Wars: This collection combines the first three Mega Man games into one.
- Earthworm Jim: A humorous platformer with inventive gameplay.
- Castlevania: Bloodlines: A standout in the beloved Castlevania series.
2. Exclusive Titles
The Mini doesn't just deliver on nostalgia—it also includes two exclusive titles, “Darius” and “Tetris”, which were not originally released for the Genesis.
Performance: Just Like Old Times
The Sega Genesis Mini's performance is where this console truly shines. The emulation has been handled by M2, known for their precise emulation work. This ensures the games look, sound, and play just as they did on the original console.
1. Graphics and Sound
The visual and audio fidelity of the games is top-notch, delivering the same vibrant colors and catchy soundtracks that the original Genesis was famous for.
2. Gameplay
The gameplay is smooth and responsive. Importantly, there is no discernible input lag, which is crucial for certain fast-paced games like Sonic The Hedgehog.
User Interface and Extras
The Sega Genesis Mini offers a clean, easy-to-use interface. Game selection is quick and simple, and you can sort games alphabetically, by genre, or by release date.
1. Save State Feature
One convenient modern touch is the inclusion of the save state feature, which lets you save your game progress at any point, a significant improvement over the original console's limited saving capabilities.
2. Language Options
Interestingly, the Mini allows you to switch the system language, which also changes the game library to match the region, offering different versions of certain games.
Conclusion
The Genesis mini is small and compact, but this smallness can give it a huge advantage over other video game consoles. You don't have to worry about space like you would have with other systems. There is no bulky outer case to take up unnecessary space. It comes preinstalled with the Genesis game that you can play right out of the box. The Genesis is also small enough that it can fit in any size desk or entertainment center, while at the same time big enough that you'll still be able to get plenty of space for playing games.
If I had to pick one thing that Sega Genesis really needs to improve upon to be more competitive against its competitors, it would definitely be its memory capability. Its lack of memory might turn some gamers off to this system, but it's nothing compared to all of the other video game systems out there. The Mega Turbo, for example, has 2GB of memory, so that alone is a huge plus. The Genesis also does a poor job of keeping your data protected when you use the wireless adapter for the system. Other systems are much better at this.
With all that being said, the Sega Genesis had an edge over other Genesis systems simply because of the price. While it is not cheap, it is also not a cheap system. The Genesis packs in more into each cartridge than any other system currently on the market, and that alone can be a great selling point. However, it is by no means perfect, so don't expect a top-of-the-line system for your money.
