The Mini is unapologetically awesome, and bless Sega for doing this one right. At long last, Sega is rediscovering its groove and reigniting the 90s, which was arguably their decade more than anyone else's, including Nintendo.
This reissue is confidently executed, competently crafted, and features 42 of the greatest, most diverse, and even surprising titles ever to grace the Genesis, including some unexpected cult classics like Toe Jam & Earl.
Rather than focusing on the software which is proven and a real showstopper in the emulation department due to Sega's personal attention to the Mini, I'll focus instead on the hardware and packaging.
Presentation-wise, Sega knocked it out of the park and through the windshield of an unexpecting passerby. The box screams 1991 nearly as loudly as its iconic ads screamed, "Sega!" with a perfect miniature replica of the Sonic Box as it was known nearly 30 years ago. I love this box.
The system itself is just as convincing and features moving cartridge port dust cover flaps, or whatever they were called. Even the volume slider is there, and it slides with conviction and quality. I may spend just as much time admiring the proportions and attentiveness to detail as I will playing the thing. Maybe.
The Genesis Mini rocks. I can't wait to sink my teeth into the previously unreleased games and blast the familiar and sorely-missed FM synth, courtesy of a proprietary Yamaha chip that has never been replicated. I think this chip should be celebrated for driving some of coolest sounds and tunes ever to grace a console.
I applaud Sega for sticking to their guns with the 3-button controller, especially since we can get a first-party 6 button with ease for around $20. I recommend doing so for several of the games, but for 90% of the catalog you won't need it. While many complain it should have been included in lieu of the 3-button, I'd argue the true retro flavor would have been diminished significantly, as the Genesis was born into the world with just three buttons. It was only later in the 90s due to the popularity of games like Street Fighter 2 that Sega's wonderful 6-button controller earned a spot in Genesis lore, and like the Genesis Mini itself, it was worth every penny.
Buy this product as Renewed and save $14.99 off the current New price.
Sega Genesis Mini - Genesis by SEGA (Renewed) $155.00
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Works and looks like new and backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee
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Works and looks like new and backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee
From the manufacturer
Box Contents
- SEGA Genesis Mini Console & 2 wired controllers
- 40 games + 2 bonus games
- Power cable & USB adapter
- HDMI cable
SEGA Genesis Mini
The iconic SEGA Genesis console that defined a generation of gaming returns in a slick, miniaturized unit. The SEGA Genesis Mini console is loaded with 42 legendary games and is plug and play ready right out of the box!
Key Features
- Miniature SEGA Genesis replica
- Includes 42 legendary games
- Plug and play ready
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Growing up, I had a model 2. This is a very cool addition. I like this better than the NES and SNES minis. So awesome.
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2019
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2019
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2019
Verified Purchase
Growing up, I had a model 2. This is a very cool addition. I like this better than the NES and SNES minis. So awesome.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2019
Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Javier Ortega
Digna consola para celebrar el 30 aniversario.
Reviewed in Mexico on September 24, 2019Verified Purchase
rsknight
Sega does what Nintendon't
Reviewed in Mexico on September 25, 2019Verified Purchase
AF
On par if not better than the Nintendo minis
Reviewed in Canada on September 20, 2019Verified Purchase
Zepe
Opción de más juegos
Reviewed in Mexico on January 16, 2020Verified Purchase
Zepe
Reviewed in Mexico on January 16, 2020
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Marceau Blétard
SEGA seal of quality! Definitely not an AtGames clone console!
Reviewed in Canada on September 21, 2019Verified Purchase
Marceau Blétard
Reviewed in Canada on September 21, 2019
Unlike the previous third party AtGames machines that had extremely poor quality emulation, this is an amazing console which will send you back to the '90s in a wonderful nostalgia trip!
If your husband was a gamer during the '90s, buy this for him for Christmas, he will thank you! :-)
Good job, SEGA!
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