Difference between revisions of "Mega Drive consoles in North America"

From Sega Retro
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==Genesis (with ''[[Altered Beast]]'')==
 
==Genesis (with ''[[Altered Beast]]'')==
 
The first release of the Genesis console, which was bundled with the arcade conversion of ''[[Altered Beast]]'', one of the more popular arcade titles of the time.
 
The first release of the Genesis console, which was bundled with the arcade conversion of ''[[Altered Beast]]'', one of the more popular arcade titles of the time.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SgenAB US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
File:SgenAB US Box Back.jpg|Back of box
+
| region=US
−
</gallery>
+
| front=SgenAB US Box Front.jpg
−
 
+
| back=SgenAB US Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis1.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad gen v1.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
| item3=Notavailable.svg
 +
| item3name=''[[Altered Beast]]''
 +
}}
  
 
==Genesis (with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'')==
 
==Genesis (with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'')==
 
Like other regions, the Genesis was bundled with the first ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' game.
 
Like other regions, the Genesis was bundled with the first ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' game.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGenS1 US Box Front.JPG|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
File:SGenS1 US Box Back.JPG|Back of box
+
| region=US
−
</gallery>
+
| front=SGenS1 US Box Front.JPG
 +
| back=SGenS1 US Box Back.JPG
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis1.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
| item3=Notavailable.svg
 +
| item3name=''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic]]''
 +
}}
  
−
==Genesis: Sonic System==
+
==Genesis (Sonic System)==
 
The above ''Sonic'' bundle must have been a success for Sega, as they decided to repackage the product under the name "Sonic System". It is currently unknown if there are any other changes.
 
The above ''Sonic'' bundle must have been a success for Sega, as they decided to repackage the product under the name "Sonic System". It is currently unknown if there are any other changes.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGenTSS US Box Front.JPG|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
</gallery>
+
| region=US
 +
| front=SGenTSS US Box Front.JPG
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis1.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
| item3=Notavailable.svg
 +
| item3name=''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic]]''
 +
}}
  
 
==Genesis: The Core System==
 
==Genesis: The Core System==
 
During 1991, Sega released a bare-bones bundle after the ''Altered Beast'' package. "The Core System" contains nothing but the console, cables and a controller.
 
During 1991, Sega released a bare-bones bundle after the ''Altered Beast'' package. "The Core System" contains nothing but the console, cables and a controller.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGenTCS US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
File:SGenTCS US Box Back.jpg|Back of box
+
| region=US
−
</gallery>
+
| front=SGenTCS US Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=SGenTCS US Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis1.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
}}
  
−
==Genesis: Fighting System==
+
==Genesis (Fighting System)==
 
A bundle containing ''[[Streets of Rage 2]]'', which was released in early 1993.
 
A bundle containing ''[[Streets of Rage 2]]'', which was released in early 1993.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGenFightingSystem US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
</gallery>
+
| region=US
 +
| front=SGenFightingSystem US Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis1.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
| item3=Sor2 md us cover.jpg
 +
| item3name=''[[Streets of Rage 2|SoR 2]]''
 +
}}
  
−
 
+
==Genesis 2 (The Core System)==
−
==Genesis 2: The Core System==
 
 
When the redesigned Genesis 2 came into production, packaging for both consoles and games adopted the new red/black color scheme. As with the model 1, "The Core System" contains nothing but the console, cables and one controller.
 
When the redesigned Genesis 2 came into production, packaging for both consoles and games adopted the new red/black color scheme. As with the model 1, "The Core System" contains nothing but the console, cables and one controller.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGen2TCS US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
</gallery>
+
| region=US
 +
| front=SGen2TCS US Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis2.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
}}
  
 
==Genesis 2 (with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'')==
 
==Genesis 2 (with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'')==
 
A Genesis 2 bundle containing ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''.
 
A Genesis 2 bundle containing ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGen2S2 US Box Front.JPG|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
File:SGen2S2 US Box Back.JPG|Back of box
+
| region=US
−
</gallery>
+
| front=SGen2S2 US Box Front.JPG
 +
| back=SGen2S2 US Box Back.JPG
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis2.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
| item3=Notavailable.svg
 +
| item3name=''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic 2]]''
 +
}}
  
 
==Genesis 2: NFL Pack==
 
==Genesis 2: NFL Pack==
 
A Genesis 2 bundle containing ''[[NFL '95]]''. For many of these bundles, the standard core system box was used with added stickers.
 
A Genesis 2 bundle containing ''[[NFL '95]]''. For many of these bundles, the standard core system box was used with added stickers.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGen2NFL US Box Front.JPG|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
</gallery>
+
| region=US
 +
| front=SGen2NFL US Box Front.JPG
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis2.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
| item3=NFL95 MD US Box.jpg
 +
| item3name=''[[NFL '95]]''
 +
}}
  
 
==Genesis 2 (with ''[[The Lion King]]'')==
 
==Genesis 2 (with ''[[The Lion King]]'')==
 
A Genesis 2 bundle containing ''[[The Lion King]]''.
 
A Genesis 2 bundle containing ''[[The Lion King]]''.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
</gallery>
+
| console=Genesis
 +
| region=US
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis2.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
| item3=Lion King MD US Box.jpg
 +
| item3name=''[[The Lion King|Lion King]]''
 +
}}
  
 
==Genesis 2 (with ''[[Sub-Terrania]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'')==
 
==Genesis 2 (with ''[[Sub-Terrania]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'')==
−
Both ''[[Sub-Terrania]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' were included in this Genesis 2 package.
+
Both and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' were included in this Genesis 2 package.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGen2S3ST US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
</gallery>
+
| region=US
 +
| front=SGen2S3ST US Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis2.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
| item3=SubTerrania MD US Box.jpg
 +
| item3name=''[[Sub-Terrania]]''
 +
| item4=Notavailable.svg
 +
| item4name=''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic 3]]''
 +
}}
  
 
==Genesis 2 (with ''[[6-Pak]]'')==
 
==Genesis 2 (with ''[[6-Pak]]'')==
 
A bundle containing the ''[[6-Pak]]'' compilation was released in 1995, during the latter part of the system's lifetime.
 
A bundle containing the ''[[6-Pak]]'' compilation was released in 1995, during the latter part of the system's lifetime.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGen26Pak US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
</gallery>
+
| region=US
 +
| front=SGen26Pak US Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis2.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
| item3=6-pakfront.jpg
 +
| item3name=''[[6-Pak]]''
 +
}}
  
−
==Genesis 2: The Core System (Majesco re-release)==
+
==Genesis 2 (The Core System; Majesco re-release)==
 
After [[Majesco]] obtained the rights to distribute older Sega consoles in the US during 1997, they re-released this Core System bundle. It is almost identical to Sega's, though the back of the box talks about more recent games. The front of the box can be identified as one of Majesco's if the text reads "Great Games Available!". Original Core System bundles read "500+ Games Available!". It may have been foolish to claim 500+ Genesis games were still coming out of Sega's factories as late as 1997, although over 500 had been released up to that point.
 
After [[Majesco]] obtained the rights to distribute older Sega consoles in the US during 1997, they re-released this Core System bundle. It is almost identical to Sega's, though the back of the box talks about more recent games. The front of the box can be identified as one of Majesco's if the text reads "Great Games Available!". Original Core System bundles read "500+ Games Available!". It may have been foolish to claim 500+ Genesis games were still coming out of Sega's factories as late as 1997, although over 500 had been released up to that point.
−
<gallery>
+
{{Scanbox
−
File:SGenTCS Majesco US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
+
| console=Genesis
−
File:SGenTCS Majesco US Box Back.jpg|Back of box
+
| region=US
−
</gallery>
+
| front=SGenTCS Majesco US Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=SGenTCS Majesco US Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
| item1=Genesis2.jpg
 +
| item1name=Console
 +
| item2=Pad MD PAL I.jpg
 +
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
}}
 +
 
 
==Genesis 3==
 
==Genesis 3==
 
:''Main Article: [[Genesis 3]]''
 
:''Main Article: [[Genesis 3]]''
 
[[Majesco]] also released a cut-down version of the console in 1998, titled the Genesis 3. Removal of certain lines on the cartridge port and the removal of the expansion port made it incompatible with many of the add-ons and as it was released so late, it failed to sell well.
 
[[Majesco]] also released a cut-down version of the console in 1998, titled the Genesis 3. Removal of certain lines on the cartridge port and the removal of the expansion port made it incompatible with many of the add-ons and as it was released so late, it failed to sell well.
−
<gallery>
 
  
−
</gallery>
 
 
{{MegaDrive}}
 
{{MegaDrive}}
  
 
[[Category:Mega Drive hardware]]
 
[[Category:Mega Drive hardware]]

Revision as of 07:39, 27 May 2012

This short article is in need of work. You can help Sega Retro by adding to it.

The Sega Mega Drive debuted in North America in August 1989, with a regionwide release in September of that year. Due to trademark issues, it was renamed the "Sega Genesis", and has always operated under this name under this region.

In the US, the console was distributed by Sega between 1989 and 1997. It was then passed to Majesco, who kept the system alive for an extra two years before it was shelved. In Canada, the Mega Drive was distributed by Irwin Toy in its early years, however Sega inevitably took back the distribution rights when the console proved successful. Many Canadian units and games were imported from the US.

All North American units output an NTSC signal.

United States

Genesis (with Altered Beast)

The first release of the Genesis console, which was bundled with the arcade conversion of Altered Beast, one of the more popular arcade titles of the time.

Genesis, US
SgenAB US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSgenAB US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Genesis1.jpg
Console

Genesis (with Sonic the Hedgehog)

Like other regions, the Genesis was bundled with the first Sonic the Hedgehog game.

Genesis, US
SGenS1 US Box Back.JPGNospine-small.pngSGenS1 US Box Front.JPG
Cover
Genesis1.jpg
Console

Genesis (Sonic System)

The above Sonic bundle must have been a success for Sega, as they decided to repackage the product under the name "Sonic System". It is currently unknown if there are any other changes.

Genesis, US
SGenTSS US Box Front.JPG
Cover
Genesis1.jpg
Console

Genesis: The Core System

During 1991, Sega released a bare-bones bundle after the Altered Beast package. "The Core System" contains nothing but the console, cables and a controller.

Genesis, US
SGenTCS US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSGenTCS US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Genesis1.jpg
Console

Genesis (Fighting System)

A bundle containing Streets of Rage 2, which was released in early 1993.

Genesis, US
SGenFightingSystem US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Genesis1.jpg
Console

Genesis 2 (The Core System)

When the redesigned Genesis 2 came into production, packaging for both consoles and games adopted the new red/black color scheme. As with the model 1, "The Core System" contains nothing but the console, cables and one controller.

Genesis, US
<div style="margin:auto; max-width:Expression error: Unexpected < operator.px"> 320x80px
Cover
Genesis2.jpg
Console

Genesis 2 (with Sonic the Hedgehog 2)

A Genesis 2 bundle containing Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Genesis, US
SGen2S2 US Box Back.JPGNospine-small.pngSGen2S2 US Box Front.JPG
Cover
Genesis2.jpg
Console

Genesis 2: NFL Pack

A Genesis 2 bundle containing NFL '95. For many of these bundles, the standard core system box was used with added stickers.

Genesis, US
SGen2NFL US Box Front.JPG
Cover
Genesis2.jpg
Console

Genesis 2 (with The Lion King)

A Genesis 2 bundle containing The Lion King.

Genesis, US

Nospine-small.png

Genesis2.jpg
Console

Genesis 2 (with Sub-Terrania and Sonic the Hedgehog 3)

Both and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 were included in this Genesis 2 package.

Genesis, US
SGen2S3ST US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Genesis2.jpg
Console

Genesis 2 (with 6-Pak)

A bundle containing the 6-Pak compilation was released in 1995, during the latter part of the system's lifetime.

Genesis, US
SGen26Pak US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Genesis2.jpg
Console

Genesis 2 (The Core System; Majesco re-release)

After Majesco obtained the rights to distribute older Sega consoles in the US during 1997, they re-released this Core System bundle. It is almost identical to Sega's, though the back of the box talks about more recent games. The front of the box can be identified as one of Majesco's if the text reads "Great Games Available!". Original Core System bundles read "500+ Games Available!". It may have been foolish to claim 500+ Genesis games were still coming out of Sega's factories as late as 1997, although over 500 had been released up to that point.

Genesis, US
SGenTCS Majesco US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSGenTCS Majesco US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Genesis2.jpg
Console

Genesis 3

Main Article: Genesis 3

Majesco also released a cut-down version of the console in 1998, titled the Genesis 3. Removal of certain lines on the cartridge port and the removal of the expansion port made it incompatible with many of the add-ons and as it was released so late, it failed to sell well.


Sega Mega Drive
Topics Technical specifications (Hardware comparison) | History | List of games | Magazine articles | Promotional material | Merchandise | Cartridges | TradeMark Security System
Hardware Japan | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Asia | South Korea | Australasia | Africa
EZ Games | Genesis 3 | LaserActive | Mega Jet | Mega PC | Mega Play | Mega-Tech System | Mega 6 | Nomad | Teradrive | Mega Drive Mini | Mega Drive Mini 2
New Mega Drive | Tianli VCD/DVD Players | "Consoles on a chip" | Licensed clones (Magic 2 | Mega Game II | Power Pegasus | Super Bitman)
Unlicensed clones
Add-ons Game Box | Power Base Converter | Mega-CD | 32X (Mega-CD 32X) | Mega Modem | Demo System DS-16
Cases Sega Genesis Nomad Carrying Case | System Carry Case
Controllers Control Pad | Six Button Control Pad | 6 Button Arcade Pad | Arcade Power Stick 6B | Konami Justifier | MK-1470
Action Chair | Activator | Arcade Power Stick | Keyboard | MegaFire | Mouse | Mega Stick | Menacer | Remote Arcade System | Ten Key Pad | Third Party Controllers
Accessories 4 Way Play | AC adaptor | Cleaning System | Control Pad Extension Cord | Game Factory | Genesis Speakers | Headset | HeartBeat Catalyst | Microphone | Region converter cartridges | Mega Terminal | Nomad PowerBack | RF Unit | SCART Cable | Stereo Audio Video Cable | Team Player | Video Monitor Cable | Third-party AC adaptors | Third Party Accessories
Network services Sega Channel | Sega Game Toshokan | Mega Anser | Mega Net | TeleBradesco Residência | XB∀ND
Development tools ERX 308P | ERX 318P | Sprobe | SNASM68K | SNASM2 (Mega Drive) | SNASM2 (32X) | PSY-Q Development System (Mega Drive) | PSY-Q Development System (32X) | 32X CartDev | Sega Mars Development Aid System | Sega 32X Development Target
Unreleased Edge 16 | Floppy Disk Drive | Mega Play 1010 | Sega VR | Teleplay System | Video Jukebox
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