Sega Genesis
🏭 Sega📅 1988
The Sega Genesis, known as the Mega Drive outside North America, built a strong identity with its arcade-like experience, blast processing marketing, and edgy titles. It was the platform of choice for sports, action, and fighting game fans, with hits like Sonic the Hedgehog and Streets of Rage. Genesis fostered competitive rivalry with Nintendo, leading to the era’s famous ‘console wars.’
📊 Market Data
Units Sold
Global: 30.75M (China clones ~8M)
Best Selling Game
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (6M+)
Lifespan
1988-1997 (9 years)
⚙️ Technical Specifications
cpu
Motorola 68000 (16-bit, 7.67 MHz) + Z80 coprocessor (8-bit, 3.58 MHz)
memory
64 KB RAM + 64 KB VRAM
graphics
VDP, 320x224 resolution, 512-color palette
sound
Yamaha YM2612 (6-channel FM) + TI SN76489 (3-channel PSG)
media
Cartridge (up to 4MB)
🎮 Usage Characteristics
🔤 Local Terms
Stereo SystemBlack Cart4-playerYu Yu HakushoHK Version
✨ Unique Practices
- •Using erasers to clean cartridge contacts
- •Handmade Langrisser class trees
- •Exchanging Shining Force hidden character guides
