The Mega Jet (ใกใฌใธใงใใ) is a portable version of the Sega Genesis (also known as the Mega Drive outside of North America) released exclusively in Japan in 1992. It was initially designed for use on Japan Airlines flights, allowing passengers to play Genesis games during their journey. Unlike the full-fledged Genesis console, the Mega Jet lacked a cartridge slot. Instead, games were pre-loaded onto the system or accessed via a proprietary interface, highlighting its specific use case as an in-flight entertainment system.
The Mega Jet's design was compact and lightweight, prioritizing portability. While it offered a similar gaming experience to the home console in terms of processing power and graphical capabilities, its limited game library and lack of cartridge support prevented it from gaining widespread popularity outside of its intended airline application. It remains a niche collector's item and a fascinating piece of Sega's hardware history, demonstrating the company's innovative approach to bringing console gaming to new environments.
Although not a commercial success in the traditional sense, the Mega Jet is significant for several reasons. It represents one of the earliest attempts to create a truly portable version of a home console, predating the Sega Nomad by several years. Its design influenced future portable consoles and demonstrated Sega's commitment to expanding the reach of its gaming platform. The Mega Jet serves as a reminder of the diverse and sometimes unconventional paths that video game hardware development can take.
1992
SEGA
MEGA JET
๐ History & Legacy
โ๏ธ Specifications
- โ CPU: Motorola 68000 @ 7.6 MHz
- โ GPU: Yamaha VDP (Video Display Processor) for graphics and sound
- โ RAM: 128 KB
- โ Storage: Pre-loaded games or access via proprietary interface (No cartridge slot)
- โ Media: Internal memory (games loaded internally)
๐ฎ Top 10 Games
- โ Sonic the Hedgehog
- โ Streets of Rage 2
- โ Gunstar Heroes
- โ Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- โ Contra: Hard Corps
- โ Castlevania: Bloodlines
- โ Phantasy Star IV
- โ Landstalker
- โ Ecco the Dolphin
- โ Golden Axe
๐ก Curiosities
- ? Curiosity 1: The Mega Jet was primarily intended for use on Japan Airlines flights.
- ? Curiosity 2: It lacked a cartridge slot, relying on pre-loaded games or a proprietary interface.
- ? Curiosity 3: The design prioritized portability, making it compact and lightweight.
- ? Curiosity 4: It's considered a precursor to the Sega Nomad, Sega's later portable Genesis console.
- ? Curiosity 5: The Mega Jet is a rare collector's item due to its limited release and specific purpose.
- ? Curiosity 6: Its existence highlights Sega's innovative approach to expanding gaming beyond the home console.
- ? Curiosity 7: The system's hardware capabilities were similar to the original Genesis.
- ? Curiosity 8: It did not achieve widespread commercial success outside of its intended airline application.
- ? Curiosity 9: The Mega Jet offered a unique gaming experience tailored for in-flight entertainment.
- ? Curiosity 10: It demonstrates a niche application of console technology during the early 1990s.