Producer of Genesis Flashback consoles claims review units have early, buggy firmware

Nintendo recently flared the microconsole craze with NES Classic Edition. This spurred nostalgia amongst gamers of the 8-bit era and with that, Nintendo has another console coming preloaded with more games this September. But, they aren’t the only game in town, there’s another preloaded console on the way from AtGames, the Sega Genesis Flashback.

However, early reviews haven’t exactly been kind to the console, coming preloaded with 85 games. With the name “Sega Genesis Flashback,” you’d think that the system would come preloaded with 85 Genesis games. But, that is a misnomer, the console itself comes with a mixture of Master System, Game Gear, Genesis and 28 unrelated Sega games akin to shovelware.

While many like myself wouldn’t mind the non-Genesis content, the extra 28 games just add a the “ugh” factor already surrounding the poor reviews coming several outlets. Many reviewers haven’t been kind to machine, saying that it’s interface is clunky and disjointed. Even worse: that the emulation (which the system uses to play cartridge games) of Genesis games is poor. AtGames claims that most of these issues are do to review units containing outdated system software, but are working to resend newer units with an updated version.

Kotaku writes:

“A batch of our review units were accidentally shipped out with early software builds that do not represent the final version,” AtGames said. “We are working to get updated and correct final products in the hands of reviewers in the coming weeks.”

Systems like these get gamers who grew up in the 1990s a sense of remembrance and a reason to revisit those consoles and games with ease. Many might not care for minor bugs or glitches, but enthusiasts will certainly avoid it if they can’t play it the way they remember it.

AtGames is no stranger to producing Sega Hardware, they’ve been doing it for a long time now, producing a considerable number of Sega and Atari microconsoles. So, it’s a surprise to see something like this happen just before its release in late September.

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Forgotten Consoles: Wondermega

This particular licensed Sega system was manufactured by JVC, released as the X’Eye in the US. Compatible with Mega Drive and Mega CD formats, the console originally boasted some quality audio and video output methods before it was iterated upon.

The Wondermega went through several renditions, all keeping the same theme and design. Sega would eventually would release their own version of the Wondermega, seen above.

The Wondermega (ワンダーメガ) is a combined Sega Mega Drive and Mega CD which was made by JVC/Victor and was initially released in 1992. It features a DSP for audio enhancement, a MIDI output jack, two microphone inputs and S-video output. In 1993, a redesigned model known as the Wondermega M2 was released, which dropped several features (including the MIDI output, DSP and motorized disc door) but added wireless controllers. Victor released the system in the US as the X’Eye, but not in the same way as they did in Japan. The system never made it to Europe, although several magazines back then had predicted an official European release.

Like the Mega CD, the Wondermega and X’Eye are compatible with CD+G (CD and Graphics) discs. The original Wondermega also supported the “Wonder CD” peripheral, which included a full complement of MIDI jacks (in, out and thru) as well as a music keyboard called the “Piano Player”.

The Wondermega is compatible with the 32X, although it looks a bit odd when connected. It also blocks the cd door so the 32X must be removed every time the CD drive needs to be opened.

-Sega Retro

More can be found at segaretro.org

 

Sega Mega Drive shipment found hidden away for decades

What’s it like finding unopened video game products in a warehouse? It has to be one of the most invigorating feelings in the world!

From the RetroCollect piece:

This recent find by a member of the Sega Galaxy Board has seen four Sega shipping boxes taken home containing 20 unused and unopened PAL-Asian Mega Drive II consoles along with multiple copies of 18 different 16-bit classics – including Sonic The Hedgehog 2 and Streets of Rage 2. Luckily enough for us, this new owner of this buried treasure has made it clear that he doesn’t have enough room or need for such vast quantities of Sega’s past and has begun selling the spares online. Those interested in getting their hands on a pristine Sega Mega Drive II will need to set aside 70 Euros, whilst the majority of untouched games will set you back 10 Euros a piece.

Surely there has to more consoles and games yet undiscovered in even weirder places …

Support the Pier Solar HD Kickstarter!

Pier Solar might not be well known to the general public but it deserves plenty of attention because it harkens back to the “golden years’ of RPGs, something I think all gamers can come to appreciate. Pier Solar and the Great Architects is a homebrew game for the Sega Genesis and with your help, it can get a major HD release onto other consoles! If an old-school, 16-bit RPG interests you even the slightest bit, donate to the developer WaterMelon and help them reach their goal!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/573261866/pier-solar-hd-an-rpg-for-xbox360-pc-mac-linux-and