Sega is the latest game company to hop on the nostalgia bandwagon. After Nintendo found huge success with its NES mini and SNES Classic Mini console, Sega just announced plans to release a Mega Drive Mini — a miniature version of its classic Mega Drive. Sega also announced that a bunch of its classic games are coming to the Nintendo Switch this summer.
The company revealed the new mini console during Sega FES 2018 in Japan. First released in Japan in 1988 and then the U.S. as the Sega Genesis, the new Mega Drive Mini coincides with the original console’s 30th anniversary. Details are still scarce, but it’s apparently packed with 15 pre-loaded classic Sega games much like Nintendo’s tiny consoles. It’ll first be available in Japan sometime in 2018, followed by a U.S. release. And while no specific games are announced yet, chances are high on getting some Sonic the Hedgehog in his 16-bit glory.
「メガドライブ」誕生30周年記念!
『メガドライブ ミニ』(仮称)2018年発売決定!思い出の名作ゲームの数々が、これ1台で楽しめます!#セガフェス #メガドライブ #メガドライブ30周年https://t.co/HWj6NFL96y pic.twitter.com/0C9QH1l5Mr
— セガ公式アカウント (@SEGA_OFFICIAL) April 14, 2018
The Mega Drive Mini looks true to its name, too. Sega’s essentially scaled down its console from exactly how it looked at its launch, meaning you’ll get the full retro aesthetic in portable form. If you’re itching to get your Sega fix sooner, though, at least 15 classic Sega games will hit the Switch sometime this summer, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Phantasy Star, and Thunder Force 4. Happy gaming!