Website Temporary Closed

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!

[collapse collapsed title=read more...]

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.

[/collapse]

F1

Box: 
yes
£7.00
Manual: 
yes
£7.00

F1 is an Official Formula One racing game. It's also the fastest, most authentic, most thrilling Megadrive racing game yet. Battle it out in the real Formula One circuits against the real teams and the real drivers of the FIA Formula One World Championship.

F1 World Championship Edition

Facebook
Notes: 
This game is missing its instruction book
Box: 
yes
£9.00
Manual: 
yes
£9.00

F1 is the ultimate challenge for a professional racing driver. This World Championship Edition actually allows you to drive for any of the eight real teams in all sixteen official Grand Prix races against real F1 drivers. If this isn't enough of a challenge, then there are three difficulty levels, changeable weather conditions, a choice of Championship or Knockout challenges, and to top it all a phenomenally fast split screen option.

Exo Squad

Box: 
yes
£0.00
Manual: 
yes
£0.00

You become a member of the awesome Exo Squad in cutting edge combat adventure! Three styles of hard-hitting excitement in one game! Choose from three different Exo Troopers to blast off into your personalised E-Frame through five action levels and multiple fighting levels! A unique two-player cooperative mode lets two players work together to control one ship!

Ex Mutants

Facebook
Box: 
yes
£16.00
Manual: 
yes
£16.00

Leaping from the pages of the popular comic book come the Ex-Mutants. Choose Shannon or Ackroyd as you weave your way through the nuclear wasteland to battle the minions of the evil Sluggo and restore the human race.

Evander Real Deal Holyfield Boxing

Facebook
Box: 
yes
£9.00
Manual: 
yes
£9.00

Fifteen seconds left in the sixth round. You've got your opponent on the ropes. Two left jabs to throw him off guard, then a smashing right hook! He's down, and out for the count! But you know you have a lot of training left before you take on the champ - Evander Holyfield!

European Club Soccer

Facebook
Box: 
yes
£6.00
Manual: 
yes
£6.00

European Club Soccer brings the Big Match excitement of Europe's favourite sport to the Sega Megadrive. Play over 170 teams from around the world and compete for the Super Cup, soccer's highest accolade and exclusive to European Club Soccer.

Empire of Steel

Facebook
Notes: 
This game is missing its instruction book
Box: 
yes
£9.00
Manual: 
yes
£9.00

It is the age of steel. Mammouth battleships cruise the skies and the military might of the Motorhead Empire rules the day. Only one hope remains. The Republic of Silverhead. Their Z-01 Zeppelin flying ships, Lightning Bombs and striker airplanes will reduce Motorhead's flame shooting juggernauts to crumbling hulks of burning metal.

ESWAT

Facebook
Notes: 
This game is missing its instruction book
Box: 
yes
£9.00
Manual: 
no
£9.00

ESWAT is the toughest fighting force alive! ESWAT means Enhanced Special Weapons And Tactics! You're staring straight into the evil EYE - a power mad horde of vicious terrorists. But you're the ultimate crime buster. Decimate their front lines with your lead-belching Gatling gun! Incinerate their mobs with your spinning flame-thrower! Start as an ESWAT rookie and blast your way up to becoming an awesome supercop - more machine than man!

Ecco the Dolphin

Box: 
yes
£10.00
Manual: 
yes
£10.00

You are Ecco, a powerful young dolphin. A mysterious storm has swept your family from the sea. The search for them will take your through vast underwater realms of treachery, beauty and adventure. Explore over 25 giant levels of solving puzzles and fighting denizens of the sea.

Earthworm Jim

Facebook
Box: 
yes
£24.00
Manual: 
yes
£24.00

Jim - just an ordinary earthworm caught in a suit he doesn't understand! Faced with the daunting task of keeping the super-powered suit out of the evil clutches of his evil enemies, you'll have to use every weapon and power at your disposal.

Syndicate content