Sega Announces the Mega Drive Mini and Sega Ages 2018

Amber April 14, 2018 Leave a Comment

At the Sega FES conference last night, Sega made plenty of announcements that should prove exciting for fans of classic gaming. Following on the tremendous success of Nintendo’s NEW Classic and SNES Classic, Sega is going to be producing a Mega Drive Mini (for those who don’t know, the Mega Drive is the non-North American name for the Sega Genesis!) this year.

So far, the mini-console is only set to be released in Japan, but fans should expect its worldwide release soon. Additionally, we aren’t entirely sure what games will be available on the mini console yet. However, these mini consoles tend to stick to the most prolific releases of their original software. With any luck, the Mega Drive Mini will at least include Sonic the Hedgehog, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, and Phantasy Star.

Archival gaming company, AtGames Flashback Zone, has confirmed via Twitter that they’ll be powering the system, and that it will have a worldwide release later this year. If you live in North America, expect it to be branded as the Sega Genesis Mini.

The rumors are true! Sega is going to release the Mega Drive Mini in Japan, powered by the latest AtGames technology. This same new and improved technology will find its way into the US and other territories later this year! #MegaDriveMini pic.twitter.com/4kbVKEz8oK

— AFZ (@ATGFlashback) April 14, 2018

In the meantime, if you can’t get your hands on a Mega Drive Mini just yet, Sega has you covered! A new Sega Ages collection was announced for the Nintendo Switch, and will be available digitally this summer. The collection will include Phantasy Star, Thunder Force 4, and of course, Sonic the Hedgehog. There are 12 other games confirmed for the lineup, though Sega hasn’t yet announced what they’re going to be.