Difference between revisions of "Wondermega"

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m (moved X'eye to Wondermega over redirect)
m (→‎X'Eye: - Actually it's the earlier models that don't have it, all the later manufactured models I've seen do)
 
(89 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
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[[Image:Xeye.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The JVC X'eye console]]
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{{ConsoleBob
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The '''X'eye''', also called the '''Wondermega''', is a combined [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Mega CD|Mega CD]] which was made by JVC and was released in Septermber 1994. It featured improved sound capabilities, [[MIDI]] connections, two microphone inputs and a S-VHS Connector.
+
| logo=Wondermega logo.png
 +
| consoleimage=Wondermega rgm1.jpg
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| name=Wondermega / X'Eye
 +
| maker=[[Sega]], [[JVC]]/[[Victor]]
 +
| variants=
 +
| add-ons=
 +
| processor=[[68000]]
 +
| releases={{releasesMCD
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| mcd_date_jp_Victor=1992-04-01{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130410234358/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html}}
 +
| mcd_code_jp_Victor=RG-M1
 +
| mcd_rrp_jp_Victor=82,800e{{magref|bemega|1993-01|15}}
 +
| mcd_date_jp_Sega=1992-04-24{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130410234358/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html}}
 +
| mcd_code_jp_Sega=HWM-5010
 +
| mcd_rrp_jp_Sega=79,800e{{magref|bemega|1992-04|5}}
 +
| mcd_date_jp_Victor M2=1993-07-02{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130410234358/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html}}
 +
| mcd_code_jp_Victor M2=RG-M2
 +
| mcd_rrp_jp_Victor M2=59,800e{{magref|bemega|1994-01|18}}
 +
| mcd_date_us=1994-04{{magref|gamepro|57|90}}
 +
| mcd_rrp_us=499.95{{magref|egm|55|60}} <!--{{magref|gamepro|57|90}} says $399 -->
 +
| mcd_code_us=RG-M10BU
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
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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 '''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.
  
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The CD-ROM is compatible with [[CD plus G|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.
+
==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.
 +
 
 +
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. All of them have the [[TMSS]].
 +
 
 +
===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 {{currency|JP|22,000}} at around the same time.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Wondermega rgm1.jpg|Console
 +
File:Wondermega2.jpg|CD area
 +
File:Wondermega3.jpg|DSP preset buttons
 +
File:Wondermega4.jpg|Karaoke buttons for recording/mixing
 +
File:Wondermega5.jpg|Power/reset buttons, controller ports
 +
File:Wondermega6.jpg|Audio/video output and MIDI output
 +
File:Wondermega gamepad.jpg|Victor-branded gamepad
 +
</gallery>
  
−
==Gallery==
 
 
===Wondermega, Sega Model===
 
===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.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
File:Wondermega.jpg|Console
 
File:Wondermega.jpg|Console
−
File:Wondermega box.jpg|Front of box
 
−
File:Wondermega mcd 03.jpg|Back of box
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
===Wondermega, Victor RG-M1 Model===
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===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.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:Wondermega rgm1.jpg|Console
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File:Wondermega rgm2.jpg|Console, now with infrared wireless controllers
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File:Wondermega2.jpg|CD area
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File:Wondermega rgm2 2.jpg|Karaoke and headphone volume dials
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File:Wondermega3.jpg|Extra sound buttons
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File:Wondermega rgm2 3.jpg|Audio/video output, with extra controller ports
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File:Wondermega4.jpg|Karaoke buttons for recording/mixing
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File:Wondermega RGM2 ControlPad 1.jpg|Wireless control pad
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File:Wondermega5.jpg|Power/reset buttons, controller ports
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File:Wondermega RGM2 ControlPad 2.jpg|Wired control pad
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File:Wondermega6.jpg|Audio/video output
 
−
File:Wondermega gamepad.jpg|Victor Wondermega-branded gamepad
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
−
===Wondermega, Victor RG-M2 Model===
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 +
===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.
 +
 
 +
Very early X'Eye consoles lack the aforementioned 9-pin AV port, and so cannot function with a 32X. Most 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).
 +
 
 +
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''.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:Wondermega rgm2.jpg|Console, now with infra red controllers.
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File:Xeye.jpg|Console
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File:Wondermega rgm2 2.jpg|Redesigned mixing buttons
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File:Xeye_Bottom.jpg|Bottom
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File:Wondermega rgm2 3.jpg|Audio/video output, with extra controller ports
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File:Xeye_Back.jpg|A/V output (note that this unit has been modified with S-video out)
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File:Wondermega rgm2 box front.jpg|Front of box
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File:Wondermega 32x.jpg|With 32X connected
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File:Wondermega rgm2 box back.jpg|Back of box
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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==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}
 +
 +
==Releases==
 +
===Japan===
 +
{{ConsoleReleaseTable|
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=Wondermega RGM1 JP Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=Wondermega JP Box Back RGM1.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=Wondermega
 +
| name2=ワンダーメガ
 +
| distributor=[[Victor]]
 +
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|JP|82,800|1992-04-01}}
 +
 +
| console=Wondermega rgm1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=RG-M1
 +
 +
| hard1=Wondermega gamepad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
 +
| soft1=WondermegaCollection MCD JP Box Front.jpg
 +
| soft1name=''[[Wondermega Collection]]''
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=Wondermega box.jpg
 +
| back=Wondermega mcd 03.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=Wondermega
 +
| name2=ワンダーメガ
 +
| code=HWM-5000
 +
| distributor=[[Sega]]
 +
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|JP|79,800|1992-04-24}}
 +
 +
| console=Wondermega.jpg
 +
| consolecode=HWM-5100
 +
 +
| hard1=Pad MD JP I.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
 +
| soft1=WondermegaCollection MCD JP Box Front.jpg
 +
| soft1name=''[[Wondermega Collection]]''
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=Wondermega rgm2 box front.jpg
 +
| back=Wondermega rgm2 box back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=Wondermega M2
 +
| name2=ワンダーメガ M2
 +
| distributor=[[Victor]]
 +
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|JP|59,800|1993-07-02}}
 +
 +
| console=Wondermega rgm2.jpg
 +
| consolecode=RG-M2
 +
 +
| hard1=Wondermega RGM2 ControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]]
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
===United States===
 +
{{ConsoleReleaseTable|
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=XEye US Box Front Alt.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=X'Eye
 +
| distributor=[[JVC]]
 +
 +
| dateprice=$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
 +
| soft2name=''[[Prize Fighter]]''
 +
 +
| soft3=CIE MCD US Box Front XEye.jpg
 +
| soft3name=''[[Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia]]''
 +
 +
| doc1=
 +
| doc1name=
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=Xeye US Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=Xeye_US_Box_Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=X'Eye
 +
| distributor=[[JVC]]
 +
 +
| dateprice=$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
 +
| soft2name=''[[Prize Fighter]]''
 +
 +
| soft3=CIE MCD US Box Front XEye.jpg
 +
| soft3name=''[[Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia]]''
 +
 +
| doc1=
 +
| doc1name=
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==External links==
 +
*[https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)]
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
  
 
{{MegaDrive}}
 
{{MegaDrive}}
−
[[Category:Mega Drive Hardware]]
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{{MegaCD}}
 +
[[Category:Mega Drive hardware]]

Latest revision as of 05:16, 15 January 2024

Wondermega logo.png
Wondermega rgm1.jpg
Wondermega / X'Eye
Manufacturer: Sega, JVC/Victor
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega-CD
JP
(Victor) 		¥82,800 (85,284)82,800e[2] RG-M1
Sega Mega-CD
JP
(Sega) 		¥79,800 (82,194)79,800e[3] HWM-5010
Sega Mega-CD
JP
(Victor M2) 		¥59,800 (61,594)59,800e[4] RG-M2
Sega Mega-CD
US 		$499.95499.95[6] 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. All of them have the TMSS.

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.

  • Console

  • CD area

  • DSP preset buttons

  • Karaoke buttons for recording/mixing

  • Power/reset buttons, controller ports

  • Audio/video output and MIDI output

  • Victor-branded gamepad

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.

  • Console

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.

  • Console, now with infrared wireless controllers

  • Karaoke and headphone volume dials

  • Audio/video output, with extra controller ports

  • Wireless control pad

  • Wired control pad

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.

Very early X'Eye consoles lack the aforementioned 9-pin AV port, and so cannot function with a 32X. Most 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).

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.

  • Console

  • Bottom

  • A/V output (note that this unit has been modified with S-video out)

  • With 32X connected

  • JVC-branded control pad

  • Manuals & Samplers

  • XeyeAll.jpg

Magazine articles

Main article: Wondermega/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Wondermega/Promotional material.

Releases

Japan

Box Name Distributor Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation Comments
Wondermega JP Box Back RGM1.jpgNospine-small.pngWondermega RGM1 JP Box Front.jpg
 Wondermega
ワンダーメガ 		Victor
Japan JP: ¥82,80082,800 (1992-04-01)
Wondermega rgm1.jpg
RG-M1
Wondermega mcd 03.jpgNospine-small.pngWondermega box.jpg
 Wondermega
ワンダーメガ
HWM-5000 		Sega
Japan JP: ¥79,80079,800 (1992-04-24)
Wondermega.jpg
HWM-5100
Wondermega rgm2 box back.jpgNospine-small.pngWondermega rgm2 box front.jpg
 Wondermega M2
ワンダーメガ M2 		Victor
Japan JP: ¥59,80059,800 (1993-07-02)
Wondermega rgm2.jpg
RG-M2

United States

Box Name Distributor Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation Comments
XEye US Box Front Alt.jpg
 X'Eye JVC $499.00 (1994)
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 JVC $499.00 (1994)
Xeye.jpg
RG-M10BU
Karaoke Top Hit Sampler CD Sleeve Front.jpg
Karaoke Top Hit Sampler

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html (Wayback Machine: 2013-04-10 23:43)
  2. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "January 1993" (JP; 1992-12-08), page 15
  3. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "April 1992" (JP; 1992-03-07), page 5
  4. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "January 1994" (JP; 1993-12-08), page 18
  5. ↑ GamePro, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 90
  6. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "February 1994" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 60


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