We’ve added 3 new features to our Hardware section that detail 3 AtGames handhelds from 2008 and 2009. The full list of additions are linked below so please click through and read about these officially SEGA-licensed handhelds developed by AtGames:
SEGA’s Mega Drive mini console has been delayed to 2019 in an attempt to improve the system and aim for a worldwide launch.
The system was previously being developed by AtGames who have a notorious reputation for developing clone systems that don’t perform well or emulate sound accurately. SEGA is now working with a domestic Japanese software developer but the developer has not been named at this time. The statement from SEGA Japan says the developer has “a proven track record”. Could it be M2, the developers of the SEGA Ages ports?
SEGA’s Mega Drive and Genesis mini consoles will launch together worldwide in 2019.
AtGames have now confirmed their involvement, in a tweet.
UPDATE 16:32
It appears that the SEGA Mega Drive Mini maybe different in design to the AtGames Genesis Flashback. The unit itself is much smaller that the Genesis Flashback making backwards compatibility with actual Mega Drive cartridges impossible. Could this in fact be a newly developed system by SEGA Japan? We will update this article when we learn more.
ORIGINAL POST
SEGA Japan have announced the SEGA Mega Drive Mini for Japanese release.
Details on the exact specifications of the SEGA Mega Drive Mini are sparse at this time, but if it is a slightly altered version of the AtGames unit, it will likely feature the same line-up of Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear and original titles from the Genesis Flashback. It will also include backwards compatibility with existing Mega Drive games via its cartridge port, as well as HDMI out for modern televisions.
The SEGA Mega Drive Mini will launch in Japan later in 2018.
In an article published by Yahoo! Japan, SEGA Games COO Kenji Matsubara has stated the company are looking into bringing back the Mega Drive for a modern audience. This has lead to speculation that SEGA could be planning a proper rival to Nintendo’s massively successful NES and SNES Mini consoles – but unfortunately, the truth is slightly less glamorous.
In the full version of the article, Matsubara states:
“We are considering importing and selling the ‘Sega Genesis Flashback’,… [it] is built-in game software primarily sold in North America & Europe”
The SEGA Genesis Flashback is the latest effort from AtGames. Priced at an eye-watering $80, you’d expect some bang for your buck – but while there are some improvements to AtGames’ much loathed older units, it’s still not on par with Nintendo’s in-house efforts, or even M2’s attempts at rejuvenating Mega Drive titles. Even worse, many of the 85 games on the collection aren’t even classic Mega Drive titles!
As such, Matsubara’s announcement unfortunately doesn’t mean much in the long run; back to hoping for an M2-led Mega Drive release, we go.
When Tracker isn’t playing SEGA games, he’s talking about SEGA games. Or drawing about SEGA games. Or all of the above. You can also catch him over on Twitter.
Something a little bit different today! In our latest YouTube video we take a look at the AtGames SEGA Arcade Nano Keychain and the discuss why this bizarre piece of tech exists:
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