Japanese gaming giant SEGA announced the Mega Drive Mini 2 console a few months back. The company has now started selling the console in some markets. The console comes as the Drive Mini 2 and Genesis Mini 2. Both variations, marketed as the Genesis Mini 2 in North America, are exact replicas of the 1994 full-sized machines. However, SEGA has reduced the size of its chassis and introduced new ports.
Notably, SEGA has replaced the proprietary
controller interfaces on both Mini 2 variants with USB Type-A connections. As a
point of reference, Mini 2 consoles are compatible with earlier Mega Drive Mini
and Genesis Mini controllers. Additionally, Mini 2 devices have an HDMI port
and a Micro USB port for power and 480p or 720p video output, respectively.
Sadly, SEGA only provides one controller in the box rather than two like they
did with the original consoles.
A drawback, though, is that the Mini 2
consoles cannot play original game cartridges like older consoles. Instead, it
comes pre-installed with 60 games found on the Mega Drive or the Mega CD. It
should be noted that the available titles vary, depending on location, with
Japanese models receiving a different game list from the North American and
Europe editions. SEGA’s website has more information about the Mega Drive Mini
2 (Amazon) and Genesis Mini 2 (get it from Amazon in certain international
markets).
