SEGA Genesis
SEGA's 16-bit console, also called the Mega Drive
- 1988Released
- 4thGeneration
- SegaDeveloper
Sega Genesis Specifications
- Processor
- Motorola 68000
- Processor Speed
- 7.61 MHz
- Co-Processor
- Zilog Z80
- Co-Processor Speed
- 4 MHz
- RAM
- 64 KByte
- Available Colors
- 512 Palatte
- Max Colors on Screen
- 64
- Planes
- 3 (2 Scrolling playfields, 1 Sprite Plane)
- Resolution
- 320 x 224 Pixels
Overview
The Sega Genesis, known as the Mega Drive outside North America, is a 16-bit console developed and sold by Sega. It is the successor to the Master System.
In Japan it struggled against Nintendo and NEC’s PC Engine, but it was much more successful in North America and Europe, helped by its large game library.
The Genesis has a library of over 900 games from Sega and a wide range of third-party publishers, all on ROM cartridges. It includes classics such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Disney’s Aladdin and Mortal Kombat.
A number of peripherals were released for the console, including a light gun, a mouse and a foam-covered baseball bat. When the new 32-bit consoles arrived at the end of 1994, the Genesis quickly became outdated. By the time it was discontinued it had sold an estimated 40 million units.
The Genesis still has a strong fan base, with people collecting the original consoles and games, and many use emulators to replay the classics they grew up with.
Key Features
16-Bit Power
A Motorola 68000 CPU with a Zilog Z80 co-processor.
900+ Games
Over 900 games from Sega and many third-party publishers.
ROM Cartridges
Every game in its library came on a ROM cartridge.
Odd Peripherals
Add-ons included a light gun, a mouse and a foam bat.
