Difference between revisions of "Sega Game Gear"

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:''For the American automobile manufacturer, see [[Mercury (company)]].''
 
{{ConsoleBob
 
{{ConsoleBob
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| logos=[[File:Gamegear_us_logo.svg|125px]]
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| logo=Gamegear us logo.svg
 
| consoleimage=Gamegear.jpg
 
| consoleimage=Gamegear.jpg
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| imgwidth=320px
 
−
| name=
 
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
 
| variants=
 
| variants=
 
| add-ons=
 
| add-ons=
 
| processor=
 
| processor=
−
| releases={{releases
+
| releases={{releasesGG
−
| gg_date_jp=1990-10-06
+
| gg_date_jp=1990-10-06{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20201108225550/https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/}}
 
| gg_rrp_jp=19,800
 
| gg_rrp_jp=19,800
 +
| gg_code_jp=HGG-3200
  
−
| gg_date_us_1=1991-04-15
+
| gg_date_us_1=1991-04-15{{magref|gamepro|22|8}}
−
| gg_rrp_us_1=
+
| gg_rrp_us_1=149.95{{magref|gamepro|22|16}}
 
| gg_type_us_1=NY/LA
 
| gg_type_us_1=NY/LA
 
| gg_date_us_2=1991-04-26
 
| gg_date_us_2=1991-04-26
−
| gg_rrp_us_2=
+
| gg_rrp_us_2=149.95{{magref|gamepro|22|16}}
 
| gg_type_us_2=Nationwide
 
| gg_type_us_2=Nationwide
  
−
| gg_date_uk=1991-06-24
+
| gg_date_uk=1991-06-29{{fileref|DailyMirror_UK_1991-06-29_08.png}}
−
| gg_rrp_uk=99
+
| gg_rrp_uk=99.99{{fileref|DailyMirror_UK_1991-06-29_08.png}}{{magref|mm|9|11}}{{magref|raze|11|17}}
−
| gg_date_fr=199x
+
| gg_date_fr=1991-06
−
| gg_date_de=199x
+
| gg_date_de=1991
−
| gg_date_es=199x
+
| gg_date_es=1991
−
| gg_date_it=199x
+
| gg_date_it=1991
 
| gg_date_pt=199x
 
| gg_date_pt=199x
−
 
+
| gg_date_cz=1992-10
−
| gg_date_br=1991
+
| gg_date_br=1991-07{{magref|ag|3|14}}
 +
| gg_rrp_br=160,000
 
| gg_date_au=1992
 
| gg_date_au=1992
 
| gg_date_kr=1991-01
 
| gg_date_kr=1991-01
 
| gg_code_kr=SPC-150
 
| gg_code_kr=SPC-150
 
| gg_rrp_kr=198,000
 
| gg_rrp_kr=198,000
 +
| gg_date_mx=199x
 +
| gg_date_se=199x
 +
 +
| gg_date_sa=199x{{magref|alaabalc|1|12}}
 +
| gg_rrp_sa=500{{magref|alaabalc|1|12}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
The '''Sega Game Gear''' (セガゲームギア) is a handheld video game console developed by [[Sega]] and released in late 1990 as a response to [[Nintendo]]'s Game Boy handheld . It is a full colour console and was Sega's first attempt to compete in the handheld games market (the second being the [[Sega Nomad]] — a handheld [[Sega Mega Drive]]). In South Korea it is known as the '''Handy Gam*Boy''' (핸디겜보이).
+
<section begin=intro />The '''Game Gear''' (ゲームギア) is a handheld video game console developed by [[Sega]] and released in late 1990 as a response to [[Nintendo]]'s [[Game Boy]] handheld . It is a full colour console and was Sega's first attempt to compete in the handheld games market (the second being the [[Sega Nomad]] — a handheld [[Mega Drive]]). In South Korea it is known as the '''Handy Gam*Boy''' (핸디겜보이) and '''Handy Aladdin Boy''' (핸디알라딘보이).<section end=intro />
 +
 
 +
After development of the [[Sega Saturn]] began, the Game Gear was retroactively given the codename '''Mercury'''{{ref|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqdN_L4YaDE}}.
  
 
==Hardware==
 
==Hardware==
−
The Sega Game Gear is a "portable" device which was designed to address problems with Nintendo's Game Boy. It is held lengthwise at the sides (preventing the cramping of hands which plagued Nintendo's system) and has a backlit, colour LCD screen, allowing for clearer and more vibrant visuals than its main rival.
+
The Game Gear is a "portable" device which was designed to address problems with Nintendo's Game Boy. It is held lengthwise at the sides (preventing the cramping of hands which plagued Nintendo's system) and has a backlit, colour LCD screen, allowing for clearer and more vibrant visuals than its main rival.
  
−
Similarly to the [[Sega Mega Drive]], which at the time was Sega's main focus in the home console market, the Sega Game Gear is derived from the earlier [[Sega Master System]]. Unlike the Mega Drive, however, the Game Gear is largely identical to the Master System, the major difference being a VDP capable of displaying palettes consisting of a wider variety of colors, and the playback of stereo sound. Game Gear games traditionally run at a smaller resolution too, although with a screen built similarily to televisions of the era, the Game Gear is fully capable of playing games in higher resolutions.
+
Similarly to the [[Mega Drive]], which at the time was Sega's main focus in the home console market, the Game Gear is derived from the earlier [[Sega Master System]]. Unlike the Mega Drive, however, the Game Gear is largely identical to the Master System, the major difference being a VDP capable of displaying palettes consisting of a wider variety of colors, and the playback of stereo sound. Game Gear games traditionally run at a smaller resolution too, although with a screen built similarly to televisions of the era, the Game Gear is fully capable of playing games in higher resolutions.
  
 
Like the Master System, the Game Gear features a D-Pad and two buttons, {{1}} and {{2}}, but also adds a third, {{Start}}. This is one button short of a Game Boy.
 
Like the Master System, the Game Gear features a D-Pad and two buttons, {{1}} and {{2}}, but also adds a third, {{Start}}. This is one button short of a Game Boy.
  
−
Unfortunately, due to technical limiations of the era, the Game Gear demands six AA batteries to be played on the go, of which the fluorescent backlight on the LCD screen will eat through in three to five hours (though a [[Sega Game Gear Battery Pack|battery pack]] provides longer playtime). Furthermore, the system gives off more heat than the Game Boy, often leading to "sweaty palms" after prolonged use. The system was also considered not to be very "portable" - it's bulky size means it does not fit in many pockets, and the power-draining backlight of the LCD screen (which cannot be turned off) meant Game Gears were unusable after a short period of time. An [[AC adaptor]] can be plugged into the system so that it runs off the mains, but this was not considered practical for consumers of the day.
+
Unfortunately, due to technical limitations of the era, the Game Gear demands six AA batteries to be played on the go, of which the fluorescent backlight on the LCD screen will eat through in three to five hours (though a [[Sega Game Gear Battery Pack|battery pack]] provides longer playtime). Furthermore, the system gives off more heat than the Game Boy, often leading to "sweaty palms" after prolonged use. The system was also considered not to be very "portable" - its bulky size means it does not fit in many pockets, and the power-draining backlight of the LCD screen (which cannot be turned off) meant Game Gears were unusable after a short period of time. An [[AC adaptor]] can be plugged into the system so that it runs off the mains, but this was not considered practical for consumers of the day.
  
 
Game Gears were also manufactured at a time where capacitor problems were rampant across the electronics industry. As a result, screen and audio failures are common, and fixes are not always simple.
 
Game Gears were also manufactured at a time where capacitor problems were rampant across the electronics industry. As a result, screen and audio failures are common, and fixes are not always simple.
  
−
=== Models ===
+
===Models===
−
:''Main article: [[Sega Game Gear Models]]''
+
{{mainArticle|Game Gear consoles}}
 +
<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
 +
Gamegear.jpg|Worldwide model
 +
GameGear Blue US.jpg|North American model (Sports Edition)
 +
GameGear Majesco.jpg|North American model (Majesco)
 +
GG Blue JP 1.jpg|Japanese model (light blue)
 +
GG Red JP 1.jpg|Japanese model (red)
 +
GG Yellow JP 1.jpg|Japanese model (yellow)
 +
GG White JP Front.jpg|Japanese model (white)
 +
gg_cc.jpg|Japanese model (''[[Coca Cola Kid]]'' edition (Model #3210CR))
 +
gg_ray.jpg|Japanese model (''[[Magic Knight Rayearth]]'' edition (Model #HGG-3210 RAY))
 +
GG VF JP 1.jpg|''Kid's Gear''{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970215222051/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/athome/toys/k.html}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19970216135947/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega_e/athome/toys/k.html}} (キッズギア) Japanese model (''[[Virtua Fighter Mini]]'' edition)
 +
GG Smoke.jpg|Japanese model (Smoke)
 +
HandyGamBoy.jpg|Korean model (Handy Gam*Boy)
 +
Notavailable.svg|Korean model (Handy Aladdin Boy)
 +
GGProto.jpg|Prototype model
 +
</gallery>
  
−
==== Coloured Game Gears====
+
===Technical specifications===
−
Japan saw four coloured Game Gear models which did not see a release in the west - Blue, Red, Yellow and White. Only 10,000 white units were manufactured, and weren't available in stores. Instead, they were often given to developers or those directly associated with Sega. White units also came with a white [[Sega Game Gear TV Tuner|TV Tuner]] and a white carrying case with enough space for the console, TV Tuner, AC adaptor and six AA batteries.
+
:''See [[Sega Master System#Technical specifications|Sega Master System specifications]] for further specifications''
  
−
==== Game Gear development hardware ====
+
The hardware is largely identical to the [[Sega Master System]], with some of the differences mentioned below.
−
This, along with a TV-out modified Game Gear, consists of two cards to plug into a PC, an In-Circuit Emulator, a 5.25" floppy (presumably containing an assembler) and a large circuit board with composite video out.
 
  
−
==== Coca-Cola Game Gear ====
+
{{multicol|
−
This was a limited-edition Japan-only release of the Game Gear as part of a promotion between Sega and Coca-Cola. It is exactly the same as a standard Game Gear console, save from a deep red color instead of the standard black. It was released with a similarly limited-edition game named 'Coca-Cola Kid'. An example of this unit is on display at the Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta.
+
*CPU: [[Zilog Z80]] (8-bit)
−
 
+
:*Speed: 3.579545 MHz (same as [[NTSC]] colorburst)
−
In 2005, Coca-Cola released another limited edition handheld, the [http://watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20050314/coca.htm Coca-Cola Edition] of the [[PlayStation Portable]].
+
*[[Resolution]]: 160 x 144 [[pixel]]s
−
 
+
*Color [[palette]] available: 4096 colors
−
==== MKR Game Gear/Kids Gear ====
+
:*Colors on screen: 32
−
Another Japanese Game Gear variant is [[Magic Knight Rayearth]] GG, which sported a red color, and featured the Rayearth logo. Another variant is the so-called 'Kids Gear', released in 1996. This variant is again a standard Game Gear, only renamed and featuring a large Virtua Fighter 2 image fascia, which reflected the pack-in title (Virtua Fighter 2).
+
*[[Sprite]]s on screen: 64
−
 
+
:*Sprite size: 8x8
−
====Handy Gam*Boy ====
+
*Screen size: 3.2 Inches
−
A South Korean variant, distributed by Samsung in 1991.
+
*Audio: [[SN76489]]
−
 
+
*[[RAM]]: 24 KB
−
====Majesco Game Gear====
+
}}
−
The Majesco Game Gear is a model of Game Gear designed by Majesco. The casing is the same as the original Game Gear but the Game Gear logo was colored white. It is also incompatible with the first version of the [[Master Gear Converter]] and the [[Sega Game Gear TV Tuner]].
 
−
 
 
−
===Technical Specifications===
 
−
*Main Processor: [[Zilog Z80]] (8-bit)
 
−
*Processor Speed: 3.579545 MHz (same as [[NTSC]] colorburst)
 
−
*[[Resolution]]: 160 x 144 [[pixel]]s
 
−
*[[Palette|Colors]] Available: 4,096
 
−
*Colors on screen: 32
 
−
*Maximum [[Sprite]]s: 64
 
−
*Sprite Size: 8x8
 
−
*Screen Size: 3.2 Inches
 
−
*Audio: 4-channel tone generator composed of three square waves and one white noise channel.
 
−
*[[RAM]]: 24 KB
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
===Development===
+
{{mainArticle|History of the Sega Game Gear}}
−
Development on the Sega Game Gear began in 1989, with the [[Sega planet codenames|codename]] '''Mercury'''. At the time, Nintendo's Game Boy was proving to be a huge success, despite its awkward shape and four shades of murky green/yellow. Sega felt that consumers may buy a handheld that fixed these problems, and so the Game Gear was born. It was originally announced at the [[Tokyo Toy Fair]] on the 7th June 1990.
 
  
−
===Release===
+
===Localised names===
−
====Japan====
+
{{aka
−
The Game Gear was first released in Japan on October 6, 1990 with launch titles ''[[Columns]]'' (bundled with the unit), ''[[Super Monaco GP]]'', and ''[[Pengo]]''. Japanese consumers were not interested in the handheld, and early units suffered from several hardware faults.
+
|en_name=Game Gear
 +
|jp_name=ゲームギア
 +
|jp_trans=Game Gear
 +
|kr_name=핸디겜보이
 +
|kr_trans=Handy Gam*Boy
 +
|il_name=גיימגיר
 +
}}
  
−
Japan was the only region to receive coloured systems (with one exception). Initial units were black, much like the rest of the world, but later, yellow, blue, red and white units were released, as well as several special versions tied to game releases.
+
==Games==
 +
{{mainArticle|Sega Game Gear games}}
  
−
====North America====
+
==Production credits==
−
North America got the Game Gear in 1991. [[Sega of America]] advertised the Game Gear throughout its lifetime through a television advertising campaign involving amusing and bizarre spots, some directly attacking the Game Boy for its limited colour palette.  
+
{{creditstable|
 +
*[[Hiroshi Yagi]]
 +
*[[Hiroyuki Ohtaka]]
 +
| source=Developer mentions{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210205150032/https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20210126043/}}{{ref|https://www.facebook.com/hiroyuki.ohtaka/about_work_and_education}}
 +
| console=GG
 +
}}
  
−
The Game Gear also went against other color handhelds, including the Atari Lynx and NEC TurboExpress. Though the Game Gear never topped the Game Boy, it did manage second place with its competitive price. Many of the Game Gear's flaws in regards to screens and battery life also applied to the Lynx and TurboExpress, the latter, being a TurboGrafx-16 in handheld form, was also incredibly expensive and poorly marketed.
+
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
  
−
Blue Game Gears were bundled with copies of ''[[World Series Baseball (Game Gear)|World Series Baseball]]'' in this region. They are considerably rarer than the black models, and a darker shade than the Japanese blue models.
+
==Promotional material==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}
  
−
[[Majesco]], who were given the rights to distribute older Sega consoles, re-released the Game Gear in 2000 with slightly improved specifications, including a better screen and longer battery life. Majesco Game Gears can be identified by their non-coloured logos and purple start buttons. They are incompatible with the [[Sega Game Gear TV Tuner|TV Tuner]].
+
==Logos by regions==
−
 
+
{|class="prettytable sortable" style="background: #f2f2f2;"
−
====Europe====
+
|-
−
Though a reasonably popular handheld in Europe, the Game Gear again played second best to the Game Boy, making it the first Sega console in that region to make less money than Nintendo.
+
! style="width:100px;" style="text-align: center;" |'''Logo'''
−
 
+
! style="width:100px;" style="text-align: center;" |'''Region'''
−
===Decline===
+
|- style="background: silver;"
−
While its hardware was superior to the Game Boy and was its most successful and longest lasting competitor, a combination of poor design choices and poor third-party support led to the Game Gear's eventual decline and discontinuation in 1997.
+
|-
−
 
+
|<gallery>gamegear us logo.svg</gallery>
−
As with later consoles, third-party support for the Game Gear was in short supply. However, due to the hardware similarities, many early Game Gear games were modifications of [[Sega Master System]] games made to take advantage of the larger palette capabilities and smaller screen size. This meant many companies could convert their Master System lineup in to Game Gear titles fairly easily (and vice versa), but this only applied to companies supporting Europe, as by the time the Game Gear was released, the Master System had been discontinued in Japan and North America.
+
|International logo
−
 
+
|-
−
Approximately 390 Game Gear games were produced, with 11 million Game Gear units sold worldwide.
+
|<gallery>GameGear JP logo.png</gallery>
−
 
+
|Used in Japan, Asia and Africa
−
===Legacy===
+
|-
−
After the Game Gear's discontinuation, Sega did not attempt to re-enter the handheld console market, instead choosing to become a third-party developer for other handhelds. Sega of America immediately moved to supporting [[Tiger Electronics]]'s [[Game.com]] and [[R-Zone]] units, and by the end of the decade Sega of Japan backed the [[Neo Geo Pocket Color]] and licensed games to [[Bandai]] for the WonderSwan and to [[Media Factory]] for Nintendo's Game Boy Color. By the end of 2000 Sega had become a licensed third-party developer for Nintendo's handhelds, releasing ''[[Chu Chu Rocket!]]'' as a launch title for the [[Game Boy Advance]].
+
|<gallery>GG US logo 1991.png
−
 
+
GG US logo 1992.png
−
Game Gear games are offered in the [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service.
 
−
 
 
−
==Games==
 
−
:''See [[List of Game Gear games]] for a complete list.''
 
−
 
 
−
===Launch Titles===
 
−
====Japan====
 
−
*''[[Columns]]''
 
−
*''[[Super Monaco GP]]''
 
−
*''[[Pengo]]''
 
−
====North America====
 
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*''[[Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (8-bit)|Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse]]''
 
−
*''[[Columns]]''
 
−
*''[[G-Loc: Air Battle]]''
 
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*''[[Psychic World]]''
 
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*''[[Revenge of Drancon]]''
 
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*''[[Super Monaco GP]]''
 
−
====Europe====
 
−
*''[[Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (8-bit)|Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse]]''
 
−
*''[[Columns]]''
 
−
*''[[Dragon Crystal]]''
 
−
*''[[G-Loc: Air Battle]]''
 
−
*''[[Psychic World]]''
 
−
*''[[Super Monaco GP]]''
 
−
*''[[Wonder Boy]]''
 
−
 
 
−
==Gallery==
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
Image:gamegear us logo.svg|US/JP logo
 
−
Image:gamegear eu logo.svg|EU logo
 
−
Image:gamegear outline.svg|Console outline
 
−
File:Gamegear.jpg|Console (black)
 
−
File:GameGear Blue US.jpg|US model (Sports Edition)
 
−
File:GameGear Majesco.jpg|US model (Majesco)
 
−
File:GG Blue JP 1.jpg|JP model (light blue)
 
−
File:GG Red JP 1.jpg|JP model (red)
 
−
File:GG Yellow JP 1.jpg|JP model (yellow)
 
−
File:GG White JP 3.jpg|JP model (white)
 
−
File:gg_cc.jpg|JP model (''[[Coca Cola Kid]]'' edition (Model #3210CR))
 
−
File:gg_ray.jpg|JP model (''[[Magic Knight Rayearth]]'' edition (Model #HGG-3210 RAY))
 
−
File:GG VF JP 1.jpg|JP model (''[[Virtua Fighter Mini]]'' edition)
 
−
File:HandyGamBoy.jpg|KR model (Handy Gam*Boy)
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
|Used in North America, Asia<br> and parts of South America
 +
|-
 +
|<gallery>Notavailable.svg</gallery>
 +
|Used in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay<br>and Uruguay
 +
|-
 +
|<gallery>gamegear eu logo.svg</gallery>
 +
|Used in Western and Eastern Europe,<br> Asia, Africa and Australasia
 +
|-
 +
|<gallery>GG logo Arabic.png</gallery>
 +
|Used in Arabian Peninsula
 +
|-
 +
|<gallery>Game Gear SE logo.jpg</gallery>
 +
|Used in Scandinavia
 +
|-
 +
|<gallery>Notavailable.svg</gallery>
 +
|Used in South Korea
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
==Promotional Material==
+
==Artwork==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:GameGear US PrintAdvert 3.jpg|US print advert
+
gamegear outline.svg|Console outline
−
File:GameGear US PrintAdvert.jpg|US print advert 2
 
−
File:GameGear US PrintAdvert 2.jpg|US print advert 3
 
−
File:GameGear UK PrintAdvert.jpg|UK print advert
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
== External links ==
+
==External links==
 +
* Sega of Japan catalogue pages (Japanese): [https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/ Game Gear]
 
* [http://www.consoledatabase.com Console Database] - Sega Game Gear info and FAQs
 
* [http://www.consoledatabase.com Console Database] - Sega Game Gear info and FAQs
 
* [http://www.smspower.org SMS Power] - Technical information and more on the Game Gear and its bigger brother, the Master System
 
* [http://www.smspower.org SMS Power] - Technical information and more on the Game Gear and its bigger brother, the Master System
 +
 +
==References==
 +
{{multicol|
 +
<references />
 +
|cols=3}}
  
 
[[Category:Sega Game Gear| ]]
 
[[Category:Sega Game Gear| ]]
 
{{Sega_Consoles}}
 
{{Sega_Consoles}}
 
{{GameGear}}
 
{{GameGear}}

Latest revision as of 15:07, 26 March 2024

For the American automobile manufacturer, see Mercury (company).
Gamegear us logo.svg
Gamegear.jpg
Sega Game Gear
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Game Gear
JP 		¥19,80019,800 HGG-3200
Sega Game Gear
US
(NY/LA) 		$149.95149.95[3]
Sega Game Gear
US
(Nationwide) 		$149.95149.95[3]
Sega Game Gear
DE
Sega Game Gear
ES
Sega Game Gear
FR
Sega Game Gear
PT
Sega Game Gear
UK 		£99.9999.99[4][5][6]
Sega Game Gear
SE
Sega Game Gear
IT
Sega Game Gear
CZ
Sega Game Gear
AU
Sega Game Gear
MX
Sega Game Gear
BR 		R$160,000160,000
Sega Game Gear
KR 		₩198,000198,000 SPC-150
Sega Game Gear
SA 		500‎﷼‎500[8]

The Game Gear (ゲームギア) is a handheld video game console developed by Sega and released in late 1990 as a response to Nintendo's Game Boy handheld . It is a full colour console and was Sega's first attempt to compete in the handheld games market (the second being the Sega Nomad — a handheld Mega Drive). In South Korea it is known as the Handy Gam*Boy (핸디겜보이) and Handy Aladdin Boy (핸디알라딘보이).

After development of the Sega Saturn began, the Game Gear was retroactively given the codename Mercury[9].

Hardware

The Game Gear is a "portable" device which was designed to address problems with Nintendo's Game Boy. It is held lengthwise at the sides (preventing the cramping of hands which plagued Nintendo's system) and has a backlit, colour LCD screen, allowing for clearer and more vibrant visuals than its main rival.

Similarly to the Mega Drive, which at the time was Sega's main focus in the home console market, the Game Gear is derived from the earlier Sega Master System. Unlike the Mega Drive, however, the Game Gear is largely identical to the Master System, the major difference being a VDP capable of displaying palettes consisting of a wider variety of colors, and the playback of stereo sound. Game Gear games traditionally run at a smaller resolution too, although with a screen built similarly to televisions of the era, the Game Gear is fully capable of playing games in higher resolutions.

Like the Master System, the Game Gear features a D-Pad and two buttons, 1 and 2, but also adds a third,  START . This is one button short of a Game Boy.

Unfortunately, due to technical limitations of the era, the Game Gear demands six AA batteries to be played on the go, of which the fluorescent backlight on the LCD screen will eat through in three to five hours (though a battery pack provides longer playtime). Furthermore, the system gives off more heat than the Game Boy, often leading to "sweaty palms" after prolonged use. The system was also considered not to be very "portable" - its bulky size means it does not fit in many pockets, and the power-draining backlight of the LCD screen (which cannot be turned off) meant Game Gears were unusable after a short period of time. An AC adaptor can be plugged into the system so that it runs off the mains, but this was not considered practical for consumers of the day.

Game Gears were also manufactured at a time where capacitor problems were rampant across the electronics industry. As a result, screen and audio failures are common, and fixes are not always simple.

Models

Main article: Game Gear consoles.

  • Worldwide model

  • North American model (Sports Edition)

  • North American model (Majesco)

  • Japanese model (light blue)

  • Japanese model (red)

  • Japanese model (yellow)

  • Japanese model (white)

  • Japanese model (Coca Cola Kid edition (Model #3210CR))

  • Japanese model (Magic Knight Rayearth edition (Model #HGG-3210 RAY))

  • Kid's Gear[10][11] (キッズギア) Japanese model (Virtua Fighter Mini edition)

  • Japanese model (Smoke)

  • Korean model (Handy Gam*Boy)

  • Korean model (Handy Aladdin Boy)

  • Prototype model

Technical specifications

See Sega Master System specifications for further specifications

The hardware is largely identical to the Sega Master System, with some of the differences mentioned below.

  • Speed: 3.579545 MHz (same as NTSC colorburst)
  • Colors on screen: 32
  • Sprite size: 8x8

History

Main article: History of the Sega Game Gear.

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English Game Gear Game Gear
Japanese ゲームギア Game Gear
Korean 핸디겜보이 Handy Gam*Boy
Hebrew גיימגיר

Games

Main article: Sega Game Gear games.

Production credits

Source:
Developer mentions[12][13]


Magazine articles

Main article: Sega Game Gear/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Sega Game Gear/Promotional material.

Logos by regions

Logo Region
  • Gamegear us logo.svg
 International logo
  • GameGear JP logo.png
 Used in Japan, Asia and Africa
  • GG US logo 1991.png
  • GG US logo 1992.png
 Used in North America, Asia
and parts of South America
  • Notavailable.svg
 Used in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay
and Uruguay
  • Gamegear eu logo.svg
 Used in Western and Eastern Europe,
Asia, Africa and Australasia
  • GG logo Arabic.png
 Used in Arabian Peninsula
  • Game Gear SE logo.jpg
 Used in Scandinavia
  • Notavailable.svg
 Used in South Korea

Artwork

  • Console outline

External links

  • Sega of Japan catalogue pages (Japanese): Game Gear
  • Console Database - Sega Game Gear info and FAQs
  • SMS Power - Technical information and more on the Game Gear and its bigger brother, the Master System

References

  1. ↑ https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/ (Wayback Machine: 2020-11-08 22:55)
  2. ↑ GamePro, "May 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 8
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 GamePro, "May 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 16
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 File:DailyMirror_UK_1991-06-29_08.png
  5. ↑ Mean Machines, "June 1991" (UK; 1991-05-29), page 11
  6. ↑ Raze, "September 1991" (UK; 1991-07-25), page 17
  7. ↑ Ação Games, "Julho 1991" (BR; 1991-07-xx), page 14
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Alaab Alcomputtar, "" (SA; 1995-06-xx), page 12
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqdN_L4YaDE
  10. ↑ http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/athome/toys/k.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-15 22:20)
  11. ↑ http://www.sega.co.jp/sega_e/athome/toys/k.html (Wayback Machine: 1997-02-16 13:59)
  12. ↑ https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20210126043/ (Wayback Machine: 2021-02-05 15:00)
  13. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/hiroyuki.ohtaka/about_work_and_education
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