Difference between revisions of "Wondermega"
From Sega Retro
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| − | The '''Wondermega''' (ワンダーメガ) is a combined [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Mega CD]] | + | The '''Wondermega''' (ワンダーメガ) is a combined [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Sega Mega-CD]] unit created by [[Victor]]. It was initially released in 1992 as the first "combo" unit of its kind, seeing a North American release as the '''X'Eye''' in 1994. |
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| + | ==Hardware== | ||
| + | Four models of Wondermega were produced between 1992 and 1994, all sharing a similar set of features albeit with different case designs. Primarily the Wondermega serves as a high-end Mega Drive and Mega-CD unit, with [[composite cideo|composite]] and [[S-Video]] television outputs built into the unit in addition to the standard [[RF]]. | ||
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| + | Also included is a digital signal processor (DSP) for audio enhancement, a [[MIDI]] output and two microphone inputs for use as a karaoke machine. | ||
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| + | |||
Like the Mega CD, the Wondermega and X'Eye are compatible with [[CD plus G|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". | Like the Mega CD, the Wondermega and X'Eye are compatible with [[CD plus G|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". | ||
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===Wondermega, Victor RG-M1 Model=== | ===Wondermega, Victor RG-M1 Model=== | ||
| − | The first Wondermega | + | The first Wondermega model, the RG-M1 is as described above, shipping with ''[[Wondermega Collection]]'', a compilation disc that includes ''[[Quiz Scramble]]'', ''[[Flicky]]'', ''[[Pyramid Magic]]'' and ''[[Paddle Fighter]]''. However, at ¥82,800 the system was priced well above the cost of a combined Mega Drive (¥21,000 at launch) and Mega-CD (¥49,800 at launch, totalling ¥70,800 (although prices for both would have dropped significantly by 1992)). |
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| − | + | File:Wondermega rgm1.jpg|Console | |
| − | + | File:Wondermega2.jpg|CD area | |
| − | + | File:Wondermega3.jpg|DSP preset buttons | |
| − | + | File:Wondermega4.jpg|Karaoke buttons for recording/mixing | |
| − | + | File:Wondermega5.jpg|Power/reset buttons, controller ports | |
| − | + | File:Wondermega6.jpg|Audio/video output and MIDI output | |
File:Wondermega gamepad.jpg|Victor-branded gamepad | File:Wondermega gamepad.jpg|Victor-branded gamepad | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Wondermega, Sega Model=== | ===Wondermega, Sega Model=== | ||
| − | + | By the end of April 1992 Sega had released its own Wondermega model for ¥3,000 less and an added motorised disc door, which automatically opens or closes at the touch of a button. | |
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<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
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===Wondermega M2, Victor RG-M2 Model=== | ===Wondermega M2, Victor RG-M2 Model=== | ||
| − | Sweeping changes were made in the RG-M2 model, released by Victor in 1993. The [[DE-9]] controller ports | + | Sweeping changes were made in the RG-M2 model, released by Victor in 1993. The [[DE-9]] controller ports were moved to the back, and in their place, an infrared receiver. RG-M2 wireless controllers are very different in design from Sega's models and feature six buttons. The RG-M2 also employs numerous cost-cutting measures, resulting in a slightly smaller unit with a sleeker design. |
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:Wondermega rgm2.jpg|Console, now with infrared wireless controllers | File:Wondermega rgm2.jpg|Console, now with infrared wireless controllers | ||
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===X'Eye=== | ===X'Eye=== | ||
| − | During the spring of 1994, JVC released the Wondermega M2 as the X'Eye in the United States, albeit with several features | + | During the spring of 1994, JVC released the Wondermega RG-M2 as the X'Eye in the United States, albeit with several features removed. The S-video connector was dropped 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 first batch of X'Eye consoles work with the [[Sega 32X]] add-on, although it blocks the cartridge door from opening completely. A second batch of X'Eye consoles lack the aforementioned 9-pin AV port, and so cannot function with a 32X. | ||
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''. | 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''. | ||
Revision as of 06:09, 15 August 2016
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| Manufacturer: Sega, JVC/Victor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Wondermega (ワンダーメガ) is a combined Sega Mega Drive and Sega Mega-CD unit created by Victor. It was initially released in 1992 as the first "combo" unit of its kind, seeing a North American release as the X'Eye in 1994.
Contents
Hardware
Four models of Wondermega were produced between 1992 and 1994, all sharing a similar set of features albeit with different case designs. Primarily the Wondermega serves as a high-end Mega Drive and Mega-CD unit, with composite and S-Video television outputs built into the unit in addition to the standard RF.
Also included is a digital signal processor (DSP) for audio enhancement, a MIDI output and two microphone inputs for use as a karaoke machine.
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".
The Wondermega does not work with the 32x add-on as it lacks the Genesis / Megadrive 2 video din connector. The first batch of x'eye consoles work with the 32x add-on although it blocks the door from opening completely. A second batch of x'eye consoles dropped the Genesis 2 din connector and therefore can't use the 32x add-on. RGB/SCART works with the x'eye if it has the Genesis 2 video din connector.
Models
There 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 Model
The first Wondermega model, the RG-M1 is as described above, shipping with Wondermega Collection, a compilation disc that includes Quiz Scramble, Flicky, Pyramid Magic and Paddle Fighter. However, at ¥82,800 the system was priced well above the cost of a combined Mega Drive (¥21,000 at launch) and Mega-CD (¥49,800 at launch, totalling ¥70,800 (although prices for both would have dropped significantly by 1992)).
Console
CD area
DSP preset buttons
Karaoke buttons for recording/mixing
Power/reset buttons, controller ports
Audio/video output and MIDI output
Victor-branded gamepad
Wondermega, Sega Model
By the end of April 1992 Sega had released its own Wondermega model for ¥3,000 less and an added motorised disc door, which automatically opens or closes at the touch of a button.
Console
Wondermega M2, Victor RG-M2 Model
Sweeping changes were made in the RG-M2 model, released by Victor in 1993. The DE-9 controller ports were moved to the back, and in their place, an infrared receiver. RG-M2 wireless controllers are very different in design from Sega's models and feature six buttons. The RG-M2 also employs numerous cost-cutting measures, resulting in a slightly smaller unit with a sleeker design.
Console, now with infrared wireless controllers
Karaoke and headphone volume dials
Audio/video output, with extra controller ports
Wireless control pad
Wired control pad
X'Eye
During the spring of 1994, JVC released the Wondermega RG-M2 as the X'Eye in the United States, albeit with several features removed. The S-video connector was dropped 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 first batch of X'Eye consoles work with the Sega 32X add-on, although it blocks the cartridge door from opening completely. A second batch of X'Eye consoles lack the aforementioned 9-pin AV port, and so cannot function with a 32X.
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.
Console
Bottom
A/V output
With 32X connected
JVC-branded control pad
Magazine articles
- Main article: Wondermega/Magazine articles.
Promotional material
JP print advert (Victor model)
- Wondermega MD JP PrintAdvert 3.jpg
JP print advert 2 (Victor model)
- Wondermega MD JP PrintAdvert.jpg
JP print advert (Sega model)
- XEye MD US PrintAdvert.jpg
US print advert
Releases
Japan
| Box | Name | Date & Price | Console | Hardware | Software | Documentation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
   |
Wondermega | RG-M1 |
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  |
Wondermega |  |
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  |
Wondermega |  RG-M2 |
United States
| Box | Name | Date & Price | Console | Hardware | Software | Documentation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  |
X'Eye |  RG-M10BU |
 Karaoke Top Hit Sampler |
External links
References
| Sega Mega-CD | |
|---|---|
| Topics | Technical specifications | History | Magazine articles | Promotional material |
| Hardware | Mega CD (Asia | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Australasia | Africa) Sega Multi-Mega (Asia | North America | Europe | South America | Australasia) Wondermega | LaserActive | CSD-G1M |
| Misc. hardware | CD BackUp RAM Cart | Mega-CD Karaoke | Pro CDX |
| Development tools | SNASM Mega-CD | PsyQ Mega-CD SDK | PSY-Q CD Emulation System (Mega-CD) |
| Unreleased hardware | Game Genie |