Review: SEGA Mega Drive Mini

Nintendo may have initiated the mini/classic console trend with the highly successful NES Classic Mini in 2016. However, SEGA’s involvement in the emulation market predates this, albeit primarily through subpar hardware and software solutions from AtGames. The poor quality of these offerings has unfortunately overshadowed SEGA’s extensive library of classic titles (with the exception of the retro collection on consoles). In response, SEGA, along with internal studio M2, has developed a new retro console: the SEGA Mega Drive Mini (or SEGA Genesis Mini in some regions). How does it compare to other mini consoles? Quite favorably, in fact.

Support senses.se and get the best price on SEGA Mega Drive Mini.

M2 and SEGA’s Attention to Detail

The initial impression of the SEGA Mega Drive Mini is its remarkably small size. SEGA has distinguished itself by meticulously recreating the buttons and hatches, most of which are functional. While the expansion hatch serves no practical purpose (a nod to the Mega CD), and the cartridge slot lacks internal connections, the other elements – volume control, reset button, and power switch – retain the look and feel of the original Model 1 console from nearly 30 years ago.

SEGA and M2 have opted to include two original-style, three-button Mega Drive controllers. This choice presents both advantages and disadvantages. From a nostalgic perspective, it aligns with the initial release, mirroring the original PlayStation’s lack of analog sticks. For many of the included 42 classic games, three buttons are sufficient. However, it poses a challenge for games such as Street Fighter II that benefit from more controls. While technically playable, remapping kicks and punches via a menu becomes cumbersome for players accustomed to a six-button layout. The Japanese market receives the six-button version, an advantage not extended to other regions. SEGA offers this controller separately in the western market as the Retro-Bit SEGA MD 6-Button Pad, which may be a worthwhile investment despite increasing the overall cost. Alternatives from 8bitdo/Retro-bit and other sources that utilize USB connectivity should be compatible, pending further testing. The Retro-bit six-button controller features a longer cable (3 meters) compared to the shorter, NES Mini-inspired cable included with the standard controller, which can be restrictive. It also includes a dedicated button for accessing the system menu without requiring a reset or holding the Start button.

Impressive Collection of Classic Games and a Unique Feature

SEGA has assembled a collection that includes many of the best 16-bit titles. The selection of 42 games includes notable titles such as Altered Beast, Shinobi III, Gunstar Heroes, Sonic 1 + 2 (though Sonic 3 is absent), Ecco The Dolphin, Strider, Mickey Mouse: World of Illusion, Probotector (Contra: Hard Corps), Castlevania: The New Generation, and Earth Worm Jim.

In addition, SEGA has included two newly developed Mega Drive games: Tetris and Darius. The former represents a rare and valuable Mega Drive cartridge. The latter is believed to be a fan-made remake of Taito’s 1987 arcade classic. This side-scrolling shoot ’em up would have required a large and costly 32 Mbit ROM cartridge during the 16-bit era.

A notable feature is the ability to change the system’s language, which dynamically updates the game covers to reflect the corresponding regional editions. Users can choose to display either the covers or the game spines. Moreover, M2 has incorporated multiple ROM versions of each game. Selecting the Japanese language, for instance, not only displays the Japanese cover but also loads the Japanese version of the game, which can differ significantly in terms of graphic effects, storyline, and difficulty (e.g., Sonic The Hedgehog, Treasures Dynamite Headdy, and Contra). This attention to detail sets the Mega Drive Mini apart and contrasts sharply with the shortcomings observed in the Playstation Classic, which included inferior ROM versions (and failed to properly handle PAL region Hz conversion). This feature is commendable for retro enthusiasts.

The Mega Drive Mini offers an original 4:3 aspect ratio mode, which is recommended for accurate image representation, scaling to 720p for enhanced sharpness. A stretched 16:9 mode is also available but distorts the image. To mitigate potential burn-in issues on modern displays, M2 includes background elements to fill the screen. A CRT filter attempts to recreate the scanlines and blur of older televisions, but is generally unnecessary.

Hardware and Software

The specific hardware powering the Mega Drive Mini remains undisclosed, but it likely utilizes a single-board computer similar to a Raspberry Pi, providing adequate performance for running these classic games. M2’s software implementation ensures a consistent 60 fps for all game versions. Previous emulators, such as those from AtGames, often struggled with frame rates around 40 fps, making them inferior to building a custom Retropie system. The performance holds steady in two-player mode, potentially improving upon the original experience in some cases.

Like other mini consoles, the Mega Drive Mini allows users to save game progress in up to three slots. However, unlike the NES/SNES Mini, it lacks a rewind feature to correct mistakes.

Drawbacks

M2’s emulation exhibits shortcomings in sound reproduction and input latency. Mega Drive emulation is known to be challenging, and audio issues are apparent in certain games, including Strider, Mega Man (“Rockman“), and Thunder Force 3, where the sound may be muffled, delayed, or distorted. Music timing can also fluctuate, as observed in Comix Zone. While not critical, these issues detract from the overall experience. Games like Streets of Rage II, however, exhibit flawless sound emulation. Given the inherent complexities of software-based emulation, achieving a 1:1 recreation of the original hardware is difficult. Purists may still prefer their original consoles and cartridges.

The Mega Drive Mini also suffers from input lag, a common issue in emulation. While not severe, this delay makes the games feel less responsive than their original counterparts. Modern OLED TVs can contribute to input lag, although the impact appears more significant on the Mini, even in game mode. While acceptable, it is a minor imperfection in an otherwise impressive package.

Conclusion

Despite modern advancements, classic games retain their appeal. The current nostalgia trend, marked by high licensing fees for streaming classic shows like Seinfeld and Friends, underscores this enduring popularity. The Mega Drive Mini serves as a reminder of the exceptional SEGA titles that have been overshadowed by Nintendo’s 8-bit legacy. SEGA was a formidable presence in the gaming industry, but struggled to compete with the Nintendo 64 and Playstation 2, even with the innovative Dreamcast. SEGA transitioned to software development for all platforms, with varying degrees of success. Their combined hardware and software efforts during the 16-bit era remain a testament to their innovation.

The SEGA Mega Drive Mini is a tribute to a golden age and a celebration of SEGA’s legacy. M2 has created an ambitious mini-retro console, and despite minor sound issues, input lag, and the lack of a standard six-button controller in western markets, the SEGA Mega Drive Mini is a recommended purchase for gamers interested in nostalgia or gaming history. Its impressive game selection and multiple ROM versions are significant strengths. The raw playability of 16-bit games offers an experience that is distinct from 8-bit classics. This is a recommended purchase for the holidays.

The release of the Mega Drive Mini raises the question of which company will deliver the best mini-version of a 32-bit console. A Nintendo 64 Mini versus a Dreamcast Mini would be an exciting prospect for 2020.

Buy SEGA Mega Drive Mini at the best price and support quality journalism.

List of All Games Included in SEGA Mega Drive Mini:

Sonic the Hedgehog
Ecco the Dolphin
Castlevania: Bloodlines
Space Harrier 2
Shining Force
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
ToeJam & Earl
Comix Zone
Altered Beast
Gunstar Heroes
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck
Thunder Force 3
Super Fantasy Zone
Shinobi 3
Streets of Rage 2
Earthworm Jim
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Contra: Hard Corps
Landstalker
Mega Man: The Wily Wars
Street Fighter 2: Special Champion Edition
Ghouls ’n Ghosts
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
Beyond Oasis
Golden Axe
Phantasy Star 4: The End of the Millennium
Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball
Vectorman
Wonder Boy in Monster World
Tetris
Darius
Road Rash 2
Strider
Virtua Fighter 2
Alisia Dragoon
Kid Chameleon
Monster World 4
Eternal Champions
Columns
Dynamite Headdy
Light Crusader

SEGA Mega Drive Mini’s official website.