…or is it the Sega Mega Drive Mini 2? as it says on the box!
Well, technically it is a Mega Drive 2, or at least a mini version of one, so in summary, it’s a mini Mega Drive 2 and the 2nd mini Sega have made…got it?
Being a collector of retro gaming stuff I was obviously interested when Sega brought out the first mini, the original Mega Drive, but as I already own the original hardware and have slowly purchased (again) the `complete in box` titles that I wanted from my past, I gave the first mini a pass. I gave in and bought the SNES mini, probably because I am a Nintendo kid and couldn’t resist the thought of having a cute little Super Nintendo…it’s also a way of getting consoles in the house without the wife noticing!
Seeing as I already have the SNES mini I really shouldn’t be surprised by the diminutive size of Segas latest offering, but I am. The box is a close copy of the original yet it’s hard to believe there is a console in there, leads and a full size 6 button pad, couple this with the fact that somehow, presumably magic, Sega has crammed 60 games inside it. My teenage 90’s mind would have exploded! Not just normal games, but Mega CD games, a revamped version Space Harrier 2 and a couple unreleased/arcade games, this really does seem the best value of the mini consoles available.
The machine itself is just like I remember, an abomination! I love the original Mega Drive, it’s still the best looking machine and I was primarily a Nintendo fan! I was a snob back then, I was selling these things for a living, I handled them all day everyday, I really didn’t like the look of the new Mega Drive, it felt unnecessary, even a new version of the Mega CD came out, it just confused the parents that would come to buy a game for their kids birthdays “little Timmy has the Sega 2, will this work on the Sega 2?” oh for @$%& sake. But opening it now, it just brings back great memories, its almost as iconic – I hadn’t even realised I felt that way about it now, I like its design, I like the 6 button pad, I like the Mega Drive 2!
Emulation on this thing is great, games load quick and they look great through HDMI. You have save states and access to loads of games that would cost you a fortune to legitimately own any other way. I didn’t notice any appreciable lag when playing. You can choose between the old sound chip or the newer Mega Drive 2 chip, a welcome option.
I like its design, I like the 6 button pad, I like the Mega Drive 2!
Phil
Being able to play Night Trap just makes me smile, to think how much fuss was made when it came out, still makes me laugh. If you remember this console and dont want to spend loads of money on having a genuine old machine, trying to buy all the games you remember and want them on a convenient machine that doesn’t take up any room, can be plugged into HDMI, then this is for you. Even if you are like me and already have the original hardware, this is still a far cheaper, convenient, easier way of playing your favourite games from the past. Sega have really created something great here – Sega does what Nintendon’t.
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