Analogue Mega SG – Classic SEGA Games in True HD
Those of you not familiar with Analogue yet and have any interest in classic Nintendo and Sega games consoles, then catch up fast. These lot are a start up company from Seattle, that specialises in making modern hardware dedicated to playing original video game cartridges on your modern screens, monitors or multiple media set up. Making splashes with the original Nintendo Entertainment System compatible NT and then what really grabbed my attention, the Super Nintendo compatible SUPER NT.
So some would say it was only a natural step for them to offer up a piece of SEGA MEGA DRIVE hardware and that’s exactly what we have here. The MEGA SG is a retro games console specifically designed for playing retro SEGA games with the cart slot and even the original controller ports but with that HDMI out connector for enjoying on your flatscreen TV. It is region unlocked so you’ll be able to use American Genesis carts and Japanese games without issues and micro USB 5V power connector so you can save a plug socket and just power the thing from the USB output of your TV or another device. So, if you are passionate about MEGA Drive games and want to play the original game cartridges, here’s the perfect solution.
Massive Wins:
- Genesis & Mega Drive Cartridge Slot (yes it’s multi region)
- 2 original MEGA DRIVE controller ports
- Headphone Jack for that original audio experience
- HDMI out at 1080p 60
- Micro USB power 5V
- About as big as a Nintendo Switch Dock laid flat
You’ll notice that in the title I didn’t specify just MEGA DRIVE games and said “Classic SEGA”. Well that’s simply because using the adapters, you can play also Master System, Game Gear and even the really old game card system that ws just out long enough to be on the original Master System 1 console. The Master system converter comes in the box with the MEGA SG which is a nice touch and then the others are available as a separate adapter pack for $50, which will be kind of cool to finally have a sudo Super Game Gear set up and enjoy GG exclusives once again.
I was lucky enough to snag one of the awesome limited edition Hyperdub versions, which not only comes in a dark Black translucent finish and matching 8-bit do wireless 6-button controller with the Hyperdub logo, but also a one off Mega Drive cartridge containing an album of exclusive music from the HyperDub label. Being an electro head and a huge passion for dub, beats and breaks, this was a winner for me. But putting that to one side for now, look at it! I’m gonna bring out my South London roots and go as far to say it looks SICKKKKKKK!
Yes, you have the Mega Drive Mini now and it’s a good piece of hardware for running some Mega Drive classics, so many people won’t see the need to pay so much for one of these. But, without being a tech snob, these little boxes are for the elite way to play games in HD using the original cartridges. I mean, if you don’t have the carts, what’s the point?! For me, like the SNES one, this is the perfect MEGA Drive experience and I can’t wait to replay through Sonic 3 or the bundled Hard Corps.
The MEGA SG is available from Analogue.co for $249.99 excluding international’s shipping and import duties. For us UK folk, this does end up being just shy of about £300 all in.