The Mega Drive II, released by SEGA in 1993, was a redesign of the original Mega Drive (Genesis in North America). This sleek, more compact model aimed to reduce manufacturing costs and streamline the console's design. While internally similar to its predecessor, the Mega Drive II featured a different motherboard, a smaller cartridge slot, and lacked the headphone jack and volume slider found on the original. This design change was a key part of SEGA's strategy to solidify its position in the 16-bit console market against the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The console retained compatibility with all existing Mega Drive games and accessories.
The Mega Drive II played a crucial role in popularizing iconic franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and Ecco the Dolphin. Its aggressive marketing campaigns and focus on action-packed, arcade-style gameplay helped it to capture a significant share of the gaming market. Although ultimately surpassed by the SNES in overall sales, the Mega Drive II remains a beloved console among retro gamers and collectors, celebrated for its diverse library of games and its contribution to the golden age of console gaming. Its legacy continues to influence modern game design and inspire nostalgia for a generation of gamers.
1993
SEGA
MEGA DRIVE II
📜 History & Legacy
⚙️ Specifications
- ❖ CPU: Motorola 68000 @ 7.6 MHz
- ❖ GPU: Yamaha VDP (Video Display Processor) for graphics and sound
- ❖ RAM: 128 KB
- ❖ VRAM: 64 KB
- ❖ Sound: Yamaha YM2612 FM synthesizer and Texas Instruments SN76489 PSG
- ❖ Resolution: 320 x 224 pixels (NTSC), 320 x 240 pixels (PAL)
- ❖ Colors: 512 colors (64 simultaneous on screen)
- ❖ Media: ROM Cartridge
- ❖ Controllers: Up to two wired controllers
- ❖ Ports: Cartridge slot, controller ports, AV output
🎮 Top 10 Games
- ★ Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- ★ Streets of Rage 2
- ★ Gunstar Heroes
- ★ Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- ★ Contra: Hard Corps
- ★ Castlevania: Bloodlines
- ★ Ecco the Dolphin
- ★ Road Rash II
- ★ Mortal Kombat II
- ★ Phantasy Star IV
💡 Curiosities
- ? Curiosity 1: Did you know that the **Mega Drive II**'s power supply was external, unlike the original Mega Drive which had an internal one?
- ? Curiosity 2: The **Mega Drive II**'s redesign was partly driven by the desire to reduce manufacturing costs and make the console more competitive.
- ? Curiosity 3: The lack of a headphone jack and volume slider on the **Mega Drive II** was a point of contention for some users who preferred the original model.
- ? Curiosity 4: Some early **Mega Drive II** consoles had issues with audio quality, which were later addressed in subsequent revisions.
- ? Curiosity 5: The **Mega Drive II** was the first console to feature a lock-out system to prevent the use of unlicensed games.
- ? Curiosity 6: Although the **Mega Drive II** was primarily designed for 2D gaming, it could handle some basic 3D effects with the help of special cartridges like **Virtua Racing**.
- ? Curiosity 7: The **Mega Drive II** was sold in various bundles, often including a pack-in game like **Sonic the Hedgehog 2**.
- ? Curiosity 8: In Japan, the **Mega Drive II** was known simply as the **Mega Drive**, without the 'II' suffix.
- ? Curiosity 9: The **Mega Drive II**'s controller had three buttons, but a six-button controller was later released for games like **Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition**.
- ? Curiosity 10: The **Mega Drive II**'s marketing slogan in North America was 'Genesis Does What Nintendon't', highlighting its perceived advantages over the **SNES**.