1993
SEGA

MEGA DRIVE II (JP)

MESA
MEGA DRIVE II (JP)

📜 History & Legacy

The Mega Drive II (JP), released by SEGA in 1993, represents a refined and cost-reduced version of the original Mega Drive console. This revision aimed to make the 16-bit gaming experience more accessible to a wider audience, particularly in Japan. The Mega Drive II featured a sleeker, more compact design compared to its predecessor, ditching the headphone jack and the 'High Definition Graphics' text on the console, opting for a cleaner aesthetic. It also utilized a different ASIC for the video encoder which resulted in slightly different output quality compared to the original Mega Drive.

While the internal hardware remained largely the same, the Mega Drive II's more streamlined design and lower production costs helped revitalize the console's sales during the height of the 16-bit console wars against Nintendo's Super Famicom. Its release ensured the continued availability of Mega Drive games and strengthened SEGA's position in the gaming market. The Mega Drive II remains a significant piece of gaming history, showcasing SEGA's commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the timeless appeal of 16-bit gaming.

⚙️ Specifications

  • ❖ CPU: Motorola 68000 @ 7.6 MHz
  • ❖ GPU: Yamaha VDP (Video Display Processor) for sprite and background graphics
  • ❖ RAM: 128 KB
  • ❖ VRAM: 64 KB
  • ❖ Sound: Yamaha YM2612 FM synthesizer and Texas Instruments SN76489 PSG
  • ❖ Resolution: 320 x 224 pixels
  • ❖ Colors: 512 colors (64 simultaneous on screen)
  • ❖ Media: ROM Cartridge
  • ❖ Controllers: Wired controllers with 3 buttons (later 6-button controllers available)
  • ❖ Ports: Cartridge slot, controller ports

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • ★ Sonic the Hedgehog 2
  • ★ Streets of Rage 2
  • ★ Gunstar Heroes
  • ★ Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
  • ★ Contra: Hard Corps
  • ★ Castlevania: Bloodlines
  • ★ Phantasy Star IV
  • ★ Landstalker
  • ★ Thunder Force IV
  • ★ Ristar

💡 Curiosities

  • ? The Mega Drive II's power supply was external, unlike the original model.
  • ? The Mega Drive II's audio output was considered inferior to the original Mega Drive by some audiophiles.
  • ? The **Mega Drive II** was often bundled with Sonic the Hedgehog 2, making it a popular choice for new gamers.
  • ? The **Mega Drive II** dropped the headphone jack present on the original Mega Drive.
  • ? The North American equivalent of the **Mega Drive II** was simply a revised model of the Genesis.
  • ? The **Mega Drive II** used a different ASIC for video output than the original, resulting in a slightly different color palette.
  • ? The smaller size of the **Mega Drive II** made it more portable and easier to fit into entertainment centers.
  • ? The **Mega Drive II** was released later in Japan than the original Mega Drive, due to the initial high price of the original console.
  • ? Some **Mega Drive II** consoles had issues with sound distortion due to the changes in the audio circuitry.
  • ? The **Mega Drive II's** design was intended to be more appealing to a broader audience, moving away from the original's somewhat industrial look.