1998
SEGA

SEGA GENESIS 3

MESA
SEGA GENESIS 3

📜 History & Legacy

The Sega Genesis 3 represented Sega's final, albeit somewhat controversial, foray into the 16-bit console market. Released in 1998, long after the Sega Saturn had already been established, the Genesis 3 was not actually developed or manufactured by Sega themselves. Instead, it was licensed to Majesco Entertainment, a company known for re-releasing older games and consoles at budget prices. This move was intended to capitalize on the existing library of Genesis games and appeal to a budget-conscious market, but it ultimately fragmented Sega's brand and confused consumers who were already looking toward the next generation of consoles.

The Genesis 3 was significantly smaller and cheaper to produce than the original Sega Genesis. However, this cost reduction came with sacrifices. The console lacked compatibility with certain Sega peripherals, such as the Sega CD and Sega 32X, severely limiting its appeal to existing Genesis owners. While it played the core Genesis game library, its release was largely seen as a cash grab, and it failed to make a significant impact on the gaming landscape. Its brief lifespan and limited features ultimately cemented its status as a footnote in the history of Sega's console legacy. The console can be seen as a last hurrah of the 16-bit era.

⚙️ Specifications

  • ❖ CPU: Motorola 68000 @ 7.6 MHz
  • ❖ GPU: Yamaha VDP (Video Display Processor) for graphics and sound
  • ❖ RAM: 128 KB
  • ❖ Storage: Cartridge based
  • ❖ Media: Sega Genesis Cartridges

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • ★ Sonic the Hedgehog 2
  • ★ Streets of Rage 2
  • ★ Gunstar Heroes
  • ★ Castlevania: Bloodlines
  • ★ Contra: Hard Corps
  • ★ Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
  • ★ Ecco the Dolphin
  • ★ Earthworm Jim
  • ★ Aladdin
  • ★ Road Rash 2

💡 Curiosities

  • ? Curiosity 1: The Genesis 3 was significantly smaller than the original Genesis.
  • ? Curiosity 2: It was the only Genesis console not manufactured by Sega.
  • ? Curiosity 3: The Genesis 3 lacked compatibility with the Sega CD and 32X add-ons.
  • ? Curiosity 4: Majesco also released a version of the Sega Saturn at a lower price point.
  • ? Curiosity 5: The Genesis 3 was primarily aimed at budget-conscious consumers.
  • ? Curiosity 6: Its release occurred late in the console cycle, after the launch of the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation.
  • ? Curiosity 7: The console's packaging was noticeably different from previous Sega releases.
  • ? Curiosity 8: The Genesis 3 had a limited distribution, primarily through discount retailers.
  • ? Curiosity 9: It is considered by some to be a clone console rather than an official Sega product.
  • ? Curiosity 10: The release of the Genesis 3 is seen by some as a misstep in Sega's console strategy.