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WondermegaFrom Sega Retro
The Wondermega (ワンダーメガ) is a combined Sega Mega Drive and Mega CD which was made by JVC/Victor and was initially released in 1992. It features a DSP for audio enhancement, a MIDI output jack, two microphone inputs and S-video output. In 1993, a redesigned model known as the Wondermega M2 was released, which dropped several features (including the MIDI output, DSP and motorized disc door) but added wireless controllers. Victor released the system in the US as the X'Eye, but not in the same way as they did in Japan. Like the Mega CD, the Wondermega and X'Eye are compatible with CD+G (CD and Graphics) discs. The original Wondermega also supported the "Wonder CD" peripheral, which included a full complement of MIDI jacks (in, out and thru) as well as a music keyboard called the "Piano Player".
ModelsThere were several models of the Wondermega, though sales never reached that of the standard Mega Drive or Mega CD units, due to the Wondermega's substantial price. Wondermega, Victor RG-M1 ModelThe first Wondermega model came from Victor. This model, the RG-M1, is identical to the above, but has Victor branding. It also shipped with a custom Victor Wondermega controller.
Wondermega, Sega ModelThe next Wondermega model came from Sega themselves, and was only released in Japan. The control pad included is identical to that found in a regular Japanese Mega Drive package. One of the more novel features of the original Wondermega is a motorized disc door, which automatically opens or closes at the touch of a button. The original Wondermega was packaged with a CD called Wondermega Collection that included Quiz Scramble Special, Flicky, Pyramid Magic and Puzzle Fighter.
Wondermega M2, Victor RG-M2 ModelSweeping changes were made in the RG-M2 model, released by Victor in 1993. The DE-9 controller ports have been moved to the back, and in their place, an infrared receiver. M2 wireless controllers are very different in design from Sega's models and feature six buttons. The M2 employs numerous cost-cutting measures, resulting in a slightly smaller unit with a sleeker design.
X'EyeDuring the spring of 1994, JVC released the Wondermega M2 as the X'Eye in the United States, albeit with several features from the M2 removed. The S-video connector was removed in favor of the 9-pin AV port used by the Mega Drive II (although some X'Eyes lack this) and the wireless controllers were dropped, with standard 9-pin controller ports in place of the M2's infrared receiver. The X'Eye was packaged with Prize Fighter, Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia and a Karaoke CD that included the songs Achy Breaky Heart and Two Princes.
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