Sega Genesis Mini 2 is launching in US
The U.S. release date for the Sega Genesis Mini 2 has been confirmed by Sega. The second variant of the Sega Genesis — dubbed the Sega Mega Drive II in Europe — was released in 1993 and is based on the console. The sequel follows on from 2019's Sega Genesis Mini, which came with 42 games pre-installed. The original Genesis Mini included classics such as "Castlevania: Bloodlines," "Sonic the Hedgehog," "Altered Beast," "Streets of Rage II," and "Road Rash II."
The original Genesis Mini's library of games was significantly smaller than its successor, which promises to add more than 50 titles from Sega's CD-era. According to the firm, the included games are part of a "fresh" lineup, so fans shouldn't be concerned about any overlap with their previous Genesis Mini if they're on the fence about purchasing both devices. There is also what Sega claims is a previously unannounced game in the package, though information on exactly what game it is and why it never made it to store shelves in the early 1990s remains elusive.
Miniaturized versions of vintage consoles have grown in popularity recently. The tiny gadgets are generally designed to mimic the original console they are emulating, and they usually come pre-loaded with a variety of popular titles. Nintendo started the trend with the NES and SNES Classics, while Sony quickly followed suit with the PlayStation Classic.
Amazon inadvertently leaked the console's release date around an hour before Microsoft announced it. It isn't the first time Amazon has given up product information in recent weeks. An Amazon exclusive, the Sega Genesis Mini 2 has now been confirmed by Sega Japan. The console's North American availability date of October 27, 2022, is one of several information regarding the Genesis Mini 2 that Sega Japan has made public on its website. One thing to keep in mind is that pre-orders are only available for an import model of the device from Amazon Japan's website.
The Sega Genesis Classic will be compatible with the new Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which costs $32 per year and includes access to classic games. The handheld device features a six-button control pad, but controllers that came with the original Sega Genesis Mini 2 are also supported. The device comes equipped with an HDMI port and an HDMI cable, as well as a USB power adapter and a power cord. The Sega Genesis Mini 2 is a 16-bit console, just like its counterpart. The device includes a "built-in digital sound and stereo music synthesizer." The following titles are confirmed for the new mini hardware: "Sonic CD," "Bonanza Brothers," "Splatterhouse 2," "Virtua Racing," and "Shining Force CD."