Tech

SEGA Mega Drive Mini – it almost made me cry!

Do you ever get an odd sensation over something that may seem utterly not worth such a feeling. You know, the goosebumps and perhaps some misty eyes. Well that happened to me today, over a piece of tech that is 30 years old. The SEGA Mega Drive brings back so many nostalgic memories, I almost fainted. But of course I’m not talking about the original 1989 version but the SEGA Mega Drive Mini that launched back in September.

I was never a Nintendo or Commodore 64 man, I know those brands have launced their own mini consoles. But I couldn’t give a suff, Mario can stick his head up… Oh man I need to calm down.

But seriously, as a kid we didn’t have much coin so I’d go with my late father to Video Ezy at Wyoming on the Central Coast and rent a console over a weekend. Today is the first time since , I’ve heard the familiar Sonic the Hedgegog jingles and sound effects, the same with Alex Kid in the Enchanted Castle and more.

Back then the Channel 9 cricket commentary team, my next door neighbour’s love of Slim Dusty on vinyl and a tiny TV showcasing the SEGA Megadrive was my summer soundtrack.

It’s actually now a little absurd to be sitting back playing the 42 in-built games on a 65-inch 4K TV. But to hold that familiar controller again and hear and see the crappy music and graphics has made my year.

I did update in around 1992, I think to the SEGA Mega Drive II Master System, Dad must have got a bonus or something. But this machine is where it’s at for me.

Plus you also score previously unreleased titles Tetris and Darius!

In a nut shell this is what you score for $139.95. 42 games and an accurate replica that is 55 per cent the size of the original unit. Thankfully the controllers remain the same size, in fact bigger than the actual console.

There is some technology from 2019 that is required to actually make it work. The two replica three-button USB Mega Drive controllers use a USB to Micro-B power cable and there’s one HDMI cable to connect to your TV or sound bar.

Did I mention I’m elated? Hold my calls!

The full list of 42 titles included with the system are:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Ecco the Dolphin
  • Castlevania: The New Generation
  • 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 III
  • Super Fantasy Zone
  • Shinobi III
  • Streets of Rage 2
  • Earthworm Jim
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 2
  • Probotector
  • Landstalker
  • Mega Man®: The Wily Wars
  • Street Fighter II’®: Special Champion Edition
  • Ghouls ‘n Ghosts®
  • Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
  • The Story of Thor
  • Golden Axe
  • Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
  • Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball
  • Vectorman
  • Wonder Boy in Monster World
  • Tetris®
  • Darius
  • Road Rash II
  • Strider
  • Virtua Fighter 2
  • Alisia Dragoon
  • Kid Chameleon
  • Monster World IV
  • Eternal Champions
  • Columns
  • Dynamite Headdy
  • Light Crusader

Web: megadrivemini.sega.com

Chris Bowen

Chris was EFTM's Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce. He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012. Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers. Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney's North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family. He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page "Bowen's Garage"

Recent Posts

  • Tech

HMD launch their own stylish, repairable mobile line at an affordable price

After a successful, and continuing run as the manufacturer behind Nokia phones; HMD Global are…

41 mins ago
  • Reviews

Logitech G Astro A50 X Wireless Gaming Headset Review: A multi-device gamers dr

I can’t remember how many wired gaming headsets I’ve been through over the years -…

4 hours ago
  • Lifestyle

Podcast: Cocktail – The Best Movies You’ve Never Seen

While he hasn't seen the movie, Trev has some views on Cocktail, so watch it…

5 hours ago
  • Motoring

BYD Shark plug-in hybrid ute lands in Australia, due here early next year

The BYD Shark plug-in hybrid pick-up from China has been spotted in a car park…

7 hours ago
  • Motoring

Road test: 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB. Twin-turbo V6 trumps V8 performance

What is it:  This is the top-of-the-range Ford F-150 in Australia. We drove from Sydney…

8 hours ago
  • Motoring

Polestar does U-turn on fixed prices in Australia, now planning a dealer expansion

The Chinese-owned electric offshoot of Volvo – Polestar – is poised to ditch fixed prices…

24 hours ago