Sega’s plug-and-play Genesis includes 40 classic games, SD card support

By Gabe Gurwin Published August 8, 2016

sega portable plug and play genesis atgamesmegadrivebox — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nintendo’s NES Classic Edition console looks to be a huge hit this holiday season, with its $60 price tag, library of 30 of the best games ever created, and small size making it the perfect stocking stuffer. But not so fast, Nintendo. Sega and AtGames have their own plug-and-play system, and it’s getting an update to celebrate Sonic’s 25th birthday.

Available in Europe this October from FunstockRetro, the Sega Mega Drive Classic (for those in North America, you know the Mega Drive as the Genesis) comes pre-loaded with 40 Mega Drive games, including Altered Beast, Golden Axe, Kid Chameleon, Sonic the Hedgehog and several of its sequels and spinoffs, and the first three Mortal Kombat games. It also includes an additional 40 “Sega Arcade/Puzzle games,” which feature some classic titles. After we play Fight or Lose and Yawning Triceratops for a bit, we’ll try out Curling 2010 and Mr. Balls.

Recommended Videos

Unlike Nintendo’s system, the Mega Drive Classic includes both an SD card slot and a game cartridge slot, allowing you to play additional games that aren’t included in the list. The current version available includes Ecco and Streets of Rage, for instance, but these have been replaced in the 25th Anniversary console with Sonic 3D Blast and Phantasy Star 2.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

In addition the the home console version, you can also pick up the Mega Drive as a handheld system: the “Ultimate Portable Game Player.” It ditches the cartridge slot (remember the Sega Nomad?) but still features an SD card slot and includes the same games as its slightly bigger sibling. YouTube reviewer and plastic stuff enthusiast Stuart Ashen tested the handheld out last year, and found its sound quality to be noticeably inferior to the original system.

The 25th Anniversary Sega Mega Drive Classic and portable consoles will be available in Europe this October for about $65. You can order the Sega Mega Drive Classic from FunstockRetro.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…

Gaming

New Elder Scrolls mod adds more than 160 new quests to Morrowind

A screenshot from the Abecean Shores Morrowind mod.

The Elder Scrolls VI isn't coming anytime soon, despite how badly we all want it. Even Avowed -- the next closest thing to an Elder Scrolls game we're likely to see -- isn't out until mid-February. If you need something to tide you over, a new mod for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind adds a huge amount of content to the game that makes it worth firing up this 22-year-old gem.

Abecean Shores, a section of the much-larger and still unfinished Project Cyrodiil, is now available. If you recognize the name, then you'll probably be able to guess the setting: the shores of Cyrodiil, the Imperial homeland and the setting for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The mod creators have added a truly ridiculous amount of content into Morrowind, including more than 160 new quests, according to PCGamesN.

Gaming

EA turned down a Dead Space 4 pitch from the series’ creators

dead space interview gunner wright issac clarke flying through machinery in remake

After last year's excellent Dead Space remake, fans had hopes that EA would bring back the classic, sci-fi-inspired horror franchise for a new release. When Dead Space 2 didn't see a remake, word came out that EA had pumped the brakes on the series for the moment. Now, an interview with series co-creator Glen Schofield confirms the news we've all feared: Dead Space has likely gone the way of the dodo.

In an interview with Dan Allen Gaming, three Dead Space devs told the story of a Dead Space 4 pitch they had made to EA. The company turned it down. While disappointed, the devs seemed to take it in stride. "The industry is in a weird place right now, and people are hesitant to take chances on things," Christopher Stone said. "Take it with a grain of salt. Who knows? Maybe one day. I think we'd all love to do it."

Gaming

How to get the OG Renegade Raider skin in Fortnite

Fortnite Renegade Raider skin with XP token

Fortnite skins are some of the most sought-after cosmetic items in any Battle Royale title, and thousands of skins have been released in the game to date. Among those, certain skins hold the mantle of being some of the rarest skins that the community hasn't seen since they were first released. Some of these date as far back as 2019 and haven't been brought back to the shop for over five years.

However, Epic just changed that with two of the rarest Fortnite skins and has brought them back unexpectedly, which has caused a divide in the community. The skins are Aerial Assault Trooper and Renegade Raider, which are one again available in Fortnite for players to get after eight long years.