Difference between revisions of "Wondermega"

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{{ConsoleBob
 
{{ConsoleBob
 
| logos=[[File:Wondermega logo.png]]
 
| logos=[[File:Wondermega logo.png]]
| consoleimage=Wondermega.jpg
+
| consoleimage=Wondermega rgm1.jpg
 
| imgwidth=320px
 
| imgwidth=320px
 
| name=Wondermega / X'Eye
 
| name=Wondermega / X'Eye
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| mcd_type_jp_1=Victor
 
| mcd_type_jp_1=Victor
 
| mcd_date_jp_1=1992-04-01
 
| mcd_date_jp_1=1992-04-01
| mcd_code__jp_1=RG-M1
+
| mcd_code_jp_1=RG-M1
 
| mcd_rrp_jp_1=82,800
 
| mcd_rrp_jp_1=82,800
 
| mcd_type_jp_2=Sega
 
| mcd_type_jp_2=Sega
 
| mcd_date_jp_2=1992-04-24
 
| mcd_date_jp_2=1992-04-24
| mcd_code__jp_2=HWM-5010
+
| mcd_code_jp_2=HWM-5010
 
| mcd_rrp_jp_2=79,800
 
| mcd_rrp_jp_2=79,800
 
| mcd_type_jp_3=Victor M2
 
| mcd_type_jp_3=Victor M2
 
| mcd_date_jp_3=1993-07-02
 
| mcd_date_jp_3=1993-07-02
 +
| mcd_code_jp_3=RG-M2
 
| mcd_rrp_jp_3=59,800
 
| mcd_rrp_jp_3=59,800
| mcd_date_us=1994-04{{fileref|GamePro US 057.pdf|page=90}}
+
| mcd_date_us=1994-04{{magref|gamepro|57|90}}
| mcd_rrp_us=499.95{{fileref|EGM US 055.pdf|page=60}} <!-- {{fileref|GamePro US 057.pdf|page=90}} says $399 -->
+
| mcd_rrp_us=499.95{{magref|egm|55|60}} <!--{{magref|gamepro|57|90}} says $399 -->
 
| mcd_code_us=RG-M10BU
 
| mcd_code_us=RG-M10BU
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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.
+
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.
  
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".
+
==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 video|composite]] and [[S-Video]] television outputs built into the unit in addition to the standard [[RF]]. The original 2 models even featured a motorised pop-up disc tray.
  
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.
+
Also included is a digital signal processor (DSP) for audio enhancement, a [[MIDI]] output and two microphone inputs for use as a karaoke machine.
  
 
==Models==
 
==Models==
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===Wondermega, Victor RG-M1 Model===
 
===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.
+
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)).
 +
 
 +
Victor released a pair of matching speakers - the "Wonder Sound" (RG-SP1), for {{currency|JP|22,000}} at around the same time.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:Wondermega rgm1.jpg|Console
+
File:Wondermega rgm1.jpg|Console
File:Wondermega2.jpg|CD area
+
File:Wondermega2.jpg|CD area
File:Wondermega3.jpg|DSP preset buttons
+
File:Wondermega3.jpg|DSP preset buttons
File:Wondermega4.jpg|Karaoke buttons for recording/mixing
+
File:Wondermega4.jpg|Karaoke buttons for recording/mixing
File:Wondermega5.jpg|Power/reset buttons, controller ports
+
File:Wondermega5.jpg|Power/reset buttons, controller ports
File:Wondermega6.jpg|Audio/video output and MIDI output
+
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===
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.
+
By the end of April 1992 Sega released their own Wondermega model which retailed for ¥3,000 less. This version is basically identical to the Victor RG-M1, but the sticker that is seen next to the Wondermega logo is removed and the Victor logo near the disc tray is replaced with the Sega logo.
 
 
The original Wondermega was packaged with a CD called ''[[Wondermega Collection]]'' that includes ''[[Quiz Scramble]]'', ''[[Flicky]]'', ''[[Pyramid Magic]]'' and ''[[Paddle Fighter]]''.
 
 
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
File:Wondermega.jpg|Console
 
File:Wondermega.jpg|Console
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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 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.
+
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. 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.
 +
 
 +
While [[Sega 32X]] compatibility is maintained, the design means that the disc drive door cannot be opened completely with a 32X attached. Victor offered a "32-bit upgrade service" for ¥5,000, which would see the lid replaced with a new design capable of opening when a 32X is attached. The result partially obscures the disc drive internals but largely alleviates the problem. Curiously Victor maintained this service until 2013 - 20 years after the system's debut.
 
<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 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 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.
+
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 similarly to the M2 above, the 32X blocks the lid of the disc drive from opening completely (potentially causing issues with some [[Sega Mega-CD 32X]] games which require discs to be swapped). 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''.
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File:Wondermega 32x.jpg|With 32X connected
 
File:Wondermega 32x.jpg|With 32X connected
 
File:Xeye ControlPad.jpg|JVC-branded control pad
 
File:Xeye ControlPad.jpg|JVC-branded control pad
 +
File:XeyeManuals.jpg| Manuals & Samplers
 +
File:XeyeAll.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
  
 
==Promotional material==
 
==Promotional material==
<gallery>
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}
Wondermega MD JP PrintAdvert 2.jpg|JP print advert (Victor model)
 
Wondermega MD JP PrintAdvert 3.jpg|JP print advert 2 (Victor model)
 
File:Wondermega MD JP PrintAdvert.jpg|JP print advert (Sega model)
 
File:XEye MD US PrintAdvert.jpg|US print advert
 
</gallery>
 
  
 
==Releases==
 
==Releases==
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!Date & Price
 
!Date & Price
 
!Console
 
!Console
 +
!Label
 
!Hardware
 
!Hardware
 
!Software
 
!Software
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| name=Wondermega
 
| name=Wondermega
  
| dateprice1=¥82,800 (1992-04-01)
+
| dateprice1=¥82,800 (1992-04-01)
 
 
 
 
 
| console=Wondermega rgm1.jpg
 
| console=Wondermega rgm1.jpg
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| console=Wondermega.jpg
 
| console=Wondermega.jpg
| consolecode=
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| consolecode=HWM-5010
  
 
| hard1=Pad MD JP I.jpg
 
| hard1=Pad MD JP I.jpg
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| square=yes
 
| square=yes
  
| name=Wondermega
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| name=Wondermega M2
  
 
| dateprice1=¥59,800 (1993-07-02)
 
| dateprice1=¥59,800 (1993-07-02)
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!Date & Price
 
!Date & Price
 
!Console
 
!Console
 +
!Label
 
!Hardware
 
!Hardware
 
!Software
 
!Software
 
!Documentation
 
!Documentation
 
|-
 
|-
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=XEye US Box Front Alt.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=X'Eye
 +
 +
| dateprice1=$499.00 (1994)
 +
 +
| console=Xeye.jpg
 +
| consolecode=RG-M10BU
 +
 +
| hard1=Xeye ControlPad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
 +
| soft1=Karaoke Top Hit Sampler CD Sleeve Front.jpg
 +
| soft1name=''Karaoke Top Hit Sampler''
 +
 +
| soft2=Notavailable.svg
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| soft2name=''[[Prize Fighter]]''
 +
 +
| soft3=CIE MCD US Box Front XEye.jpg
 +
| soft3name=''[[Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia]]''
 +
 +
| doc1=
 +
| doc1name=
 +
}}
  
 
{{ConsoleRelease
 
{{ConsoleRelease
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| name=X'Eye
 
| name=X'Eye
  
| dateprice1=$? (1994)
+
| dateprice1=$499.00 (1994)
  
 
| console=Xeye.jpg
 
| console=Xeye.jpg
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| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
  
| soft1=Notavailable.svg
+
| soft1=Karaoke Top Hit Sampler CD Sleeve Front.jpg
 
| soft1name=''Karaoke Top Hit Sampler''
 
| soft1name=''Karaoke Top Hit Sampler''
  
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|}
 
|}
  
==External Links==
+
==External links==
 
*[https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)]
 
*[https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
<references />
+
<references/>
 +
 
 
{{MegaDrive}}
 
{{MegaDrive}}
 
{{MegaCD}}
 
{{MegaCD}}
 
[[Category:Mega Drive hardware]]
 
[[Category:Mega Drive hardware]]

Revision as of 15:01, 11 June 2019

Wondermega rgm1.jpg
Wondermega / X'Eye
Manufacturer: Sega, JVC/Victor
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega-CD
JP
(Victor)
¥82,80082,800 RG-M1
Sega Mega-CD
JP
(Sega)
¥79,80079,800 HWM-5010
Sega Mega-CD
JP
(Victor M2)
¥59,80059,800 RG-M2
Sega Mega-CD
US
$499.95499.95[2] RG-M10BU

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.

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. The original 2 models even featured a motorised pop-up disc tray.

Also included is a digital signal processor (DSP) for audio enhancement, a MIDI output and two microphone inputs for use as a karaoke machine.

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)).

Victor released a pair of matching speakers - the "Wonder Sound" (RG-SP1), for ¥22,000 at around the same time.

Wondermega, Sega Model

By the end of April 1992 Sega released their own Wondermega model which retailed for ¥3,000 less. This version is basically identical to the Victor RG-M1, but the sticker that is seen next to the Wondermega logo is removed and the Victor logo near the disc tray is replaced with the Sega logo.

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. 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.

While Sega 32X compatibility is maintained, the design means that the disc drive door cannot be opened completely with a 32X attached. Victor offered a "32-bit upgrade service" for ¥5,000, which would see the lid replaced with a new design capable of opening when a 32X is attached. The result partially obscures the disc drive internals but largely alleviates the problem. Curiously Victor maintained this service until 2013 - 20 years after the system's debut.

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 similarly to the M2 above, the 32X blocks the lid of the disc drive from opening completely (potentially causing issues with some Sega Mega-CD 32X games which require discs to be swapped). 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.

Magazine articles

Main article: Wondermega/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Wondermega/Promotional material.

Releases

Japan

Box Name Date & Price Console Label 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
HWM-5010
Wondermega rgm2 box back.jpgNospine-small.pngWondermega rgm2 box front.jpg
Wondermega M2
Wondermega rgm2.jpg
RG-M2

United States

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

External links

References


Sega Mega Drive
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Sega Mega-CD
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Hardware Mega CD (Asia | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Australasia | Africa)
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Wondermega | LaserActive | CSD-G1M
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Unreleased hardware Game Genie