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Hello everyone. We are moving to a new, bigger premises so website ordering will be closed for the next month while we move everything to our new building, reorganise and do a full stock take. We will not be taking any orders or able to reply to any messages during this time. We will be open again at the start of December. Many thanks. Console Passion

Sega Megadrive

The Sega Megadrive was released in Japan in November 1988 and was the first 16-bit video games console. The Sega Master System (the predecessor to the Sega Megadrive) had declined in popularity due to the increase in 16-bit computers such as the Atari ST and the Commodore Amiga, and Sega had lost the battle with the Nintendo Corporation and its Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Having already enjoyed considerable success with 16-bit arcade games such as Space Harrier and Outrun, Sega decided to rush out the new Megadrive console ahead of their rivals Nintendo, and the Super Famicom (Super Nintendo) which they had been secretly developing.

Released almost one year later, in October 1989, the Sega Megadrive was known as the Sega Genesis in the USA and Canada. A further year later, just in time for Christmas the Sega Megadrive landed in Europe and the whole world had now been introduced to 16-bit console gaming. However, despite being first off the mark with its next generation console, and having reasonable sales in early 1991 Sega was still losing out to the still popular NES. That was until a Spiky haired blue hedgehog made an appearance and changed everything!

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The demand for the Sega Megadrive hit the roof as everyone wanted to play the latest game - Sonic the Hedgehog. For the first time, Sega had knocked Nintendo off the number one spot in the video game markets of Europe and North America. Nintendo responded by rushing forward the release of its Super Nintendo (SNES) but it was too late and the Sega Megadrive had established itself as the number one choice of video games console. Nintendo still remained more popular in Japan - which had always been considered its stronghold, but the shake-up in the western markets was a considerable embarrassment for the video games giant.

The Sega Megadrive underwent a transformation a few years later and the Sega Megadrive 2 was released. The console was smaller, and had the headphone jack and volume control removed. In addition to this the TMSS (Trade Mark Security System) was introduced which prevented the playing of imported cartridges through a series of hardware and software checks.

The Sega Mega CD went on sale in Japan in December 1991. It had an additional processor, more RAM, a new Sound Chip and an (obvious) bonus was the ability to play normal music CD's as CD players were still relatively new at this time. As usual, one year later, the unit went on sale in the US, with a slightly better game line up which included the excellent Sewer Shark. Unfortunately for Sega, it was the price of the consoles that prevented them from gaining popularity, despite the fact that many excellent RPG's went onto Mega-CD only, compared to the Sega Megadrive the unit had very limited worldwide success.

In 1993 Sega started to fall behind Nintendo in the 3D development field. Nintendo had wowed the world with Starwing (Starfox in the US) and the SuperFX Chip. Initially Sega had developed the SVP Adapter (Super Virtua Play) with Hitachi, and this had been incorporated into many new arcade releases including the massive hit, Virtua Fighter. Virtua Racer, released in 1994, was the only 3D polygon game that made it to the Sega Megadrive and had the SVP Adapter incorporated into the game cartridge - similar to the SuperFX chip on the Nintendo.

Sega released the Sega 32X add-on in 1995 which incorporated the SVP capabilities into the new base unit via twin Hitachi processors and an overhaul of the internal architecture. The unit plugged into the existing cartridge slot, and had it own power supply and video feed. Existing games could be played in the new slot, as well as beefed up 32X games which now featured 3D processing, better graphics, better sound and faster game play. The best of the bunch were Star Wars Arcade, Knuckles Chaotix and Virtua Fighter.

Despite this last ditch attempt by Sega to save the Megadrive, its popularity dwindled - largely due to the overwhelming success of the Sony Playstation. The machine was officially discontinued in 1998, and was replaced by Sega's true 32bit machine, the Sega Saturn. Although the Sega Megadrive never matched the Super Nintendo's worldwide success, it certainly gave it a run for its money, especially in the United States and Great Britain. Boasting a ten year history and a back catalogue of more than a thousand games including the Sonic series, Ecco the Dolphin and Streets of Rage games, the Sega Megadrive is certainly a console which will not be forgotten for many years.

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Sega Megadrive 6 Button Wireless Controllers Loose

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£60.00
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£60.00

This is a pair of official wireless six button Sega Megadrive Pads with an Infra-Red receiver unit. How rare are these? I've got a set and they're absolutely great - no more tangled wires! They are also official Sega products, so you know they are good quality. This item is fully tested and comes loose without instructions.

Sega Megadrive Infra Red WWK Wireless Controllers Loose

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£45.00
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£45.00

This is a set of Wireless Sega Megadrive Pads with an Infra-Red receiver unit. How rare are these!? I've got a set and they're absolutely great - no more tangled wires. They are also officially endorsed by Sega, so you know they are good quality. This item is fully tested and comes loose without instructions.

Battle Frenzy

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This is the rare German release of Bloodshot. Game and manual are in English.
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£20.00
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£20.00

Superbly smooth 3D graphics and one or two player split screen action as you run through an alien troop carrier containing a deadly cargo of pre-programmed killing machines. Your weapons include the surgically inserted 'Battle Frenzy Chip' which gives you super strength, lightning reflexes and an insatiable desire to kill; a condition known as 'Bloodshot'. Your partner had better watch his back.

Superman - The Man of Steel

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£10.00
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£10.00

Metropolis is in turmoil. First the children mysteriously disappeared. Then the operators of the new underground station could not be found. Now Lois Lane has vanished and the deadliest adversaries Superman has ever encountered are running amok. What greater challenge for the Man of Steel, his heat vision, hyper spin and Sonic punch?

Quackshot starring Donald Duck

Facebook
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£18.00
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£18.00

Join Donald in his search for Garuzia's Great Duck Treasure! Travel across the continents where you'll encounter treacherous, tricky foes. Gather tools, clues and keys in danger-ridden lands. Then collect your courage for the final adventure on Great Duck Treasure Island.

Krustys Super Fun House

Facebook
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£14.00
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£14.00

Hey kids! Help out your old pal Krusty the Clown! My official Krusty's Fun House is infested with rats! There are over sixty levels in the game just crawling with the little varmints! I've got my local cadets, Bart and Homer Simpson and Sideshow Mel amongst others, to guard the rat traps and Krusterise the little stinkers!

Ghouls and Ghosts

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£34.00
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£34.00

Mega Games 3

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£14.00
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£14.00

This exclusive compilation of Sega Arcade games will bring all the action of the arcade into your home. This compilation contains Alien Storm, Super Thunderblade & Super Monaco GP.  

Mega Games 2

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£18.00
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£18.00

This exclusive compilation of hit games will give you many hours of nonstop action, and get your Mega Drive software collection off to a powerful start. This compilation contains The Revenge of Shinobi, Streets of Rage & Golden Axe.

Super Street Fighter 2 - The New Challenger

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£32.00
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£32.00

For two years, they have reigned supreme.  Twelve of the most gifted fighters from across the world have battled each other in the World Warrior Tournament.  But the time has come for them to step aside - Now is the time of the New Challengers!

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