Difference between revisions of "Wondermega"

From Sega Retro

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Revision as of 15:47, 19 June 2015

Wondermega.jpg
Wondermega / X'Eye
Manufacturer: Sega, JVC/Victor
Release Date RRP Code

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. The system never made it to Europe, although several magazines back then had predicted an official European release.

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 is compatible with the 32X, although it looks a bit odd when connected. It also blocks the cd door so the 32X must be removed every time the CD drive needs to be opened.

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 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 Model

The 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 includes Quiz Scramble Special, Flicky, Pyramid Magic and Puzzle Fighter.

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 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'Eye

During 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.

Promotional Material

Releases

Japan

Box Name Date & Price Console Hardware Software Documentation
Wondermega JP Box Back RGM1.jpgNospine-small.pngWondermega RGM1 JP Box Front.jpg
Wondermega
Wondermega rgm1.jpg
RG-M1
Wondermega mcd 03.jpgNospine-small.pngWondermega box.jpg
Wondermega
Wondermega.jpg
Wondermega rgm2 box back.jpgNospine-small.pngWondermega rgm2 box front.jpg
Wondermega
Wondermega rgm2.jpg
RG-M2

United States

Box Name Date & Price Console Hardware Software Documentation
Xeye US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngXeye US Box Front.jpg
X'Eye
Xeye.jpg
RG-M10BU
Notavailable.svg
Karaoke Top Hit Sampler

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