KW-501

KW-501
Manufacturer: Aito
Release Date RRP Code

The Scorpion XVI is an unlicensed Sega Mega Drive clone presumed to have been developed by Aito. The origins of the system are currently unknown, and the console was sold under various different labels across the world, including the Froggy System 16, MG-16 (by Electrolab), Turbo Aito, Magic 2, Speedy Boy, MG-2 (by Kinyo), KW-501 (by Saba) and KW-II (by Kowi).

Under its Scorpion XVI name, the console became infamous in the United Kingdom, where it gained widespread press coverage and undercut Sega's official Mega Drive console by a considerable margin. Though presumed to have been forced out of the market shortly afterwards, the Scorpion XVI stands as one of the few clone consoles of this nature to make gains in the region, with successes of this type usually attributed to Asia and South America. The console was also released in those aforementioned regions and in some countries (such as Argentina) is relatively common, often moreso than official variants of the console.

The Scorpion XVI functions as a regular Mega Drive, though has a number of extra additions. The console has a switch on the side which allows games from all regions to be played. It also came packaged with a built-in game, though the design allows the game to be taken out of the bottom of the system and replaced with a normal Mega Drive cartridge (though the plastic shell must be removed in order for it to fit). The built-in game will always run on startup unless a cartridge is placed on top.

The system is compatible with all regions of the Sega Mega CD, though the 32X connection cable will not physically fit inside the system. The product retailed at £70 in the UK and shipped with special six-button controllers - some models in this region use the Aito branding.

Gallery

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  Scorpion XVI

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  Turbo Aito

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  MG-16

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  Magic 2

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  Speedy Boy

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  MG-2

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  KW-501

Physical Scans

Mega Drive, (Scorpion XVI)
Cover

Mega Drive, (MG-16)
Cover

Mega Drive, (Magic 2)
Cover

Mega Drive, (Speedy Boy)

Mega Drive, (MG-2)

Mega Drive, (KW-501)

Mega Drive, (KW-II)
Cover

External Link

• Scorpion 16 on CITV's "Bad Influence" (UK)