Wondermega
From Sega Retro
|
| Wondermega / X'eye |
|---|
| Manufacturer: Sega, JVC, Victor |
The Wondermega, also known as the X'eye in North America, is a combined Sega Mega Drive and Mega CD which was made by JVC and was released in Septermber 1994. It features improved sound capabilities, MIDI connections, two microphone inputs and a S-VHS Connector.
At one point it was packaged with a CD called Wondermega Collection that included Quiz Scramble Special, Flicky, Pyramid Magic and Puzzle Fighter. It was also packaged with Prize Fighter and a Karaoke CD that included the songs Achy Breaky Heart and Two Princes.
The CD-ROM is compatible with CD+G (CD and Graphics) enabled CD Players. The X'eye also supported the "Wonder CD" peripheral that allows someone to create music and connect to MIDI-enabled devices, as well as a music keyboard called the "Piano Player" that allowed you to create music and learn to use the keyboard. It was later given a redesign with a softer, more curved look. Some of the extra features were removed, and the joypads were remodeled infrared joypads.
Contents
Models
There were surprisingly several models of the Wondermega, even though sales never caught the standard Mega Drive or Mega CD units.
Wondermega, Sega Model
The first Wondermega model came from Sega themselves, and was only released in Japan. The control pad included is identica to that found in a regular Japanese Mega Drive package.
Console
Front of box
Back of box
Wondermega, Victor RG-M1 Model
The first Victor model, RG-M1, is identical to the above, but has Victor branding. It also shipped with a custom Victor Wondermega controller.
Console
CD area
Extra sound buttons
Karaoke buttons for recording/mixing
Power/reset buttons, controller ports
Audio/video output
Victor Wondermega-branded gamepad
Wondermega, Victor RG-M2 Model
Sweeping changes were made in the RG-M2 model, also by Victor. The DE-9 controller ports have been moved to the back, and in their place, an infra-red receiver. RG-M2 wireless controllers are very different in design from Sega's models and feature six buttons. The RG-M2 employs numerous cost-cutting measures, resulting in a slightly smaller unit with a sleeker design.
Console, now with infra red controllers.
Redesigned mixing buttons
Audio/video output, with extra controller ports
Front of box
Back of box
Wireless control pad
Wired control pad
X'eye
When brought to North America as the X'Eye, JVC recycled the Victor RG-M2 model, but removed all signs of infra-red controllers. This means the normal DE-9 ports have been brought to the front.
Console
JVC-branded control pad
Front of box
