Difference between revisions of "Sega Mega-CD"

From Sega Retro

 
(55 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{ConsoleBob
 
{{ConsoleBob
| logos=[[File:Mega CD Japanese logo.png|180px]]
+
| | logo=Mega CD Japanese logo.png|180px]]
 
| consoleimage=MegaCD JP 2.jpg
 
| consoleimage=MegaCD JP 2.jpg
| imgwidth=140px
 
 
| consoleimage2=MegaCD2 JP 2.jpg
 
| consoleimage2=MegaCD2 JP 2.jpg
| imgwidth2=180px
 
 
| name=
 
| name=
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
Line 10: Line 8:
 
| processor=
 
| processor=
 
| releases={{releasesMCD
 
| releases={{releasesMCD
| mcd_date_jp=1991-12-12
+
| mcd_date_jp=1991-12-12{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20181116043414/https://sega.jp/history/hard/mega-cd/index.html}}
| mcd_rrp_jp=49,800
+
| mcd_rrp_jp=49,800e{{magref|bemega|1991-12|3}}{{magref|mdfan|25|2}}
 
| mcd_code_jp=HAA-2910
 
| mcd_code_jp=HAA-2910
 +
| mcd_date_us=1992-11-11{{ref|StarTribune_US_1992-11-12_page_6D.jpg}}{{ref|https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/XvPwfE1474Q/m/jq2meR-ZaokJ}}
 +
| mcd_rrp_us=299.95{{magref|sv|9|6}}
 +
| mcd_code_us=1690
 
| mcd_date_as=199x
 
| mcd_date_as=199x
 
| mcd_code_as=1690-11
 
| mcd_code_as=1690-11
| mcd_date_us=1992-11{{fileref|SegaVisions US 09.pdf|page=6}}{{fileref|MegaPlay US 11.pdf|page=16}}
+
| mcd_date_uk=1993-04-02{{magref|cvg|138|8}}<!--1993-04-03{{magref|megatech|16|6}}-->
| mcd_rrp_us=299.95{{fileref|SegaVisions US 09.pdf|page=6}}
+
| mcd_rrp_uk=269.99{{magref|cvg|138|8}}
| mcd_code_us=1690
 
| mcd_date_uk=1993-04-02{{fileref|CVG UK 138.pdf|page=8}}
 
| mcd_rrp_uk=269.99{{fileref|CVG UK 138.pdf|page=8}}
 
 
| mcd_code_uk=1690-18
 
| mcd_code_uk=1690-18
 
| mcd_date_it=1993-04
 
| mcd_date_it=1993-04
 
| mcd_code_it=1690-18
 
| mcd_code_it=1690-18
| mcd_date_au=1993-04-19
+
| mcd_date_au=1993
 
| mcd_rrp_au=699
 
| mcd_rrp_au=699
 
| mcd_code_au=1690-18
 
| mcd_code_au=1690-18
Line 29: Line 27:
 
| mcd_rrp_se=3,495
 
| mcd_rrp_se=3,495
 
| mcd_code_se=1690-18
 
| mcd_code_se=1690-18
| mcd_date_br=1993-10<!-- first week -->{{fileref|VideoGame BR 31.pdf|page=6}}
+
| mcd_date_br=1993-10<!-- first week -->{{magref|vg|31|6}}
 
| mcd_date_kr=1993-03
 
| mcd_date_kr=1993-03
 
| mcd_code_kr=SPC200CR
 
| mcd_code_kr=SPC200CR
 
| mcd_rrp_kr=398,000
 
| mcd_rrp_kr=398,000
| mcd_date_de=1993-09{{fileref|MegaFun DE 1993-09.pdf|page=30}}
+
| mcd_date_de=1993-09{{magref|megafun|1993-09|30}}
| mcd_rrp_de=529,-{{fileref|MegaFun DE 1993-09.pdf|page=30}}
+
| mcd_rrp_de=529.00{{magref|megafun|1993-09|30}}
 
| mcd_code_de=MK-4102-50
 
| mcd_code_de=MK-4102-50
 
| mcd_date_es=1993-09
 
| mcd_date_es=1993-09
 
| mcd_code_es=MK-4102-50
 
| mcd_code_es=MK-4102-50
 
| mcd_date_fr=1993-09
 
| mcd_date_fr=1993-09
| mcd_rrp_fr=1,990{{fileref|PlayerOne FR 034.pdf|page=53}}
+
| mcd_rrp_fr=1,990{{magref|playerone|34|53}}
 
| mcd_code_fr=MK-4102-50
 
| mcd_code_fr=MK-4102-50
 
| mcd_date_tw=199x
 
| mcd_date_tw=199x
 +
| mcd_date_ru=1994
 +
| mcd_date_si=1993-11
 +
| mcd_date_sa=199x{{magref|alaabalc|1|12}}
 +
| mcd_rrp_sa=900{{magref|alaabalc|1|12}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
<section begin=intro />The '''Sega Mega-CD''' (メガCD), known as the '''Sega CD''' in North America and Brazil, and '''CD Aladdin Boy''' (CD 알라딘 보이) in South Korea, is a hardware add-on developed by [[Sega]] for the [[Sega Mega Drive]].
+
<section begin=intro />The '''Mega-CD''' (メガCD), known as the '''Sega CD''' in North America and Brazil, and '''CD Aladdin Boy''' (CD 알라딘 보이) in South Korea, is a hardware add-on developed by [[Sega]] for the [[Mega Drive]].
  
 
As the names suggest, it allows a Mega Drive to run compact discs, be it proprietary Mega-CD software, audio CDs or [[CD plus G|CD+G]] discs. It also acts as an upgrade to the Mega Drive hardware, sporting an extra processor and extra RAM. The Mega-CD was first released in 1991 and was supported alongside regular Mega Drive cartridges.<section end=intro />
 
As the names suggest, it allows a Mega Drive to run compact discs, be it proprietary Mega-CD software, audio CDs or [[CD plus G|CD+G]] discs. It also acts as an upgrade to the Mega Drive hardware, sporting an extra processor and extra RAM. The Mega-CD was first released in 1991 and was supported alongside regular Mega Drive cartridges.<section end=intro />
Line 57: Line 59:
 
The Mega-CD also offers stereo sound RCA connectors. The Mega Drive on its own will output a monaural audio signal to the television, with stereo only being available through the headphone port located at the front of the console. An external connection from the Mega Drive to the Mega-CD will allow all games to play through the television in stereo.
 
The Mega-CD also offers stereo sound RCA connectors. The Mega Drive on its own will output a monaural audio signal to the television, with stereo only being available through the headphone port located at the front of the console. An external connection from the Mega Drive to the Mega-CD will allow all games to play through the television in stereo.
  
The Mega-CD can be used in conjunction with a [[Sega 32X]] to run one of the six [[Sega Mega-CD 32X]] games. Alternatively it can be used to just play regular 5-inch or 3-inch audio CDs.
+
The Mega-CD can be used in conjunction with a [[Sega 32X]] to run one of the six [[Sega Mega-CD 32X]] games. Alternatively it can be used to just play regular 5-inch or 3-inch audio CDs or [[CD+G]] discs. Strictly speaking the Mega-CD does not need a television to function as a CD player, as the audio can controlled with button combinations{{fileref|SegaCD1 US Manual.pdf|page=12}}{{fileref|SegaCD2 US Manual.pdf}}.
  
 
===Models===
 
===Models===
Line 77: Line 79:
 
MCD JP MD2.jpg|JP (Mega Drive 2)
 
MCD JP MD2.jpg|JP (Mega Drive 2)
 
MegaCD US 2.jpg|US (Genesis)
 
MegaCD US 2.jpg|US (Genesis)
Notavailable.svg|US (Genesis (2))
+
MCD US MD2.jpg|US (Genesis (2))
 
SegaCD.jpg|EU (Mega Drive)
 
SegaCD.jpg|EU (Mega Drive)
 
Notavailable.svg|EU (Mega Drive II)
 
Notavailable.svg|EU (Mega Drive II)
Line 85: Line 87:
  
 
====Mega-CD 2====
 
====Mega-CD 2====
A cost-reduced model of the Mega-CD was produced and released around the same period as the cost-reduced Mega Drive 2. In Japan, the system debuted on the 23rd April, 1993{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233011*/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/mcd2.html}}, with a US release around [[Summer CES 1993]] and August 1993 for Europe{{fileref|SegaForceMega UK 05.pdf|page=19}}.
+
A cost-reduced model of the Mega-CD was produced and released around the same period as the cost-reduced Mega Drive 2. In Japan, the system debuted on the 23rd April, 1993{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233011*/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/mcd2.html}}, with a US release around [[Summer CES 1993]] and August 1993 for Europe{{magref|sfm|5|19}}.
  
 
This version sits on the right hand side of the Mega Drive, though continues to act as a new base for the console, and is a top-loading device. Fewer mechanical parts means less is likely to go wrong with a Mega-CD 2, and is designed to look sleeker and more appealing. The Mega-CD 2 is designed primarily with the Mega Drive 2 in mind, however a plastic extension piece was included to add extra support with an original Mega Drive attached.
 
This version sits on the right hand side of the Mega Drive, though continues to act as a new base for the console, and is a top-loading device. Fewer mechanical parts means less is likely to go wrong with a Mega-CD 2, and is designed to look sleeker and more appealing. The Mega-CD 2 is designed primarily with the Mega Drive 2 in mind, however a plastic extension piece was included to add extra support with an original Mega Drive attached.
 +
 +
As part of the cost-cutting measures, only one (red) LED is used to communicate the state of the console, and the clip on the left-hand side (to keep the lead of connected headphones or speakers out of the way) has been removed (least because the redesigned Mega Drive 2 always outputs in stereo).
  
 
<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
 
<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
Line 96: Line 100:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
<gallery widths="105px" heights="80px">
 
<gallery widths="105px" heights="80px">
Notavailable.svg|JP (Mega Drive)
+
MCD2 JP MD1.jpg|JP (Mega Drive)
 
MegaCD2 JP 2.jpg|JP (Mega Drive 2)
 
MegaCD2 JP 2.jpg|JP (Mega Drive 2)
 
MCD2 US MD1.jpg|US (Genesis)
 
MCD2 US MD1.jpg|US (Genesis)
Line 111: Line 115:
  
 
===Technical specifications===
 
===Technical specifications===
:''See [[Sega Mega Drive#Technical specifications|Sega Mega Drive technical specifications]].''
+
{{mainArticle|Sega Mega-CD/Technical specifications}}
 +
:''See also [[Sega Mega Drive/Technical specifications]].''
  
The following are upgrades over the Sega Mega Drive technical specifications.
+
==History==
 +
{{MainArticle|History of the Sega Mega-CD}}
  
====CPU====
+
==Games==
{{multicol|
+
{{MainArticle|Mega-CD games}}
* Main CPU: Motorola [[68000]] 16-bit processor running at 12.5 MHz
+
{{BulletPointGameList|MCD}}
** ''Same as the Mega Drive/Genesis. Acts as a co-processor along with the Genesis CPU.''
 
** Bus width: 16-bit
 
** Instruction set: 16-bit and 32-bit instructions, 16 registers
 
** Performance: 2.19 [[wikipedia:Instructions per second|MIPS]]
 
* Co-processor: Motorola 68000 (Mega Drive CPU) running at 7.67 MHz
 
** Bus width: 16-bit
 
** Performance: 1.34225 MIPS
 
}}
 
  
====Graphics====
+
==Production credits==
{{multicol|
+
{{creditstable|
* GPU graphics processor: Sega 315-5548 Custom [[wikipedia:ASIC|ASIC]]{{fileref|MCD MaintenanceManual Export RevA.pdf|page=102}}
+
*'''Designer:''' Mega Master{{magref|mdfan|19|114}}
** Bus width: 32-bit (2x 16-bit)
+
*[[Taku Matsubara]]{{magref|harmony|130|18}}
** Bus clock rate: 6.25 MHz (25 MB/s bandwidth)
+
*[[Hiroyuki Ohtaka]]{{ref|https://www.facebook.com/hiroyuki.ohtaka/about_work_and_education}}  
* Number of simultaneous [[Palette|colors]] on screen: 64 (default)
+
*[[Masaki Kawahori]]{{ref|1=https://jglobal.jst.go.jp/detail?JGLOBAL_ID=201103088763400954}}
** Using programming tricks, this limit is increased to 128–256 colors via raster effects.
+
*'''BIOS Screen Programmer:''' [[Dehehe]]{{magref|mdfan|24|93}}
** 128&ndash;256 colors can be displayed on screen using [[wikipedia:Hold-And-Modify|HAM]] techniques{{ref|1=[https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=deBFx7QAwsQC&pg=PA556#v=onepage&q&f=false Encyclopedia of Video Games]}}
+
*'''BIOS Screen Music Composer:''' [[Masafumi Ogata]]{{intref|Sega Archives - M2 Music Memorial -}}
* Planes: 5 layers
+
| source=Various sources
** Sega CD FMV layer
+
| console=MCD
** 3 enhanced Mega Drive layers (sprite layer, 2 tile layers)
 
** Mega Drive back screen
 
* Full motion video: Video size from 1/4 to full screen, advanced compression scheme, software-based upgrade
 
** On-screen colors available in Cinepak and TruVideo modes: 128–256 colors
 
* [[Sprite]]s/[[wikipedia:Tile engine|Tilemaps]]: The Mega-CD features enhancement effects such as scaling and rotation, similar to Sega's [[Super Scaler]] arcade hardware and that of the "Mode 7" effect employed by the Super NES. While Mode 7 only supports the scaling and rotation of tilemap backgrounds, the Sega CD supports the scaling and rotation of both the sprites and the tilemap backgrounds.{{intref|Sega CD programming FAQ (1998-12-06)}}
 
* DMA transfer rates: 3.467179 MB/s (VRAM), 6.934358 MB/s (CRAM/VSRAM)
 
** Transfer rates during active display: 1.625 MB/s (VRAM), 3.25 MB/s (CRAM/VSRAM)
 
* Read/Write fillrate: 6.934358 MPixels/s
 
** Write fillrate during active display: 3.25 MPixels/s
 
* 3D polygon graphics:{{ref|[https://youtu.be/Vyme7CT04cw GASEGA68k's Genesis Fully 3D Star Fox Demo: Stock and 12 MHz Overclock], YouTube}}
 
** Vertex transformations: 16,000 vertices/sec{{ref|767 cycles per vertex|group=n}}
 
** Polygon transformations: 5000 triangles/sec,{{ref|2301 cycles per triangle polygon|group=n}} 4000 quads/sec{{ref|3068 cycles per quad polygon|group=n}}  
 
** Framebuffer rendering: 256×160, double-buffered, 15–30 FPS{{ref|40 KB memory, 614.4 KB/s (15 FPS) to 1.2288 MB/s (30 FPS) bandwidth, 2.383275 CPU cycles per byte VRAM DMA transfer, 1.464285 MHz (15 FPS) to 2.928568 MHz (30 FPS) DMA, 9.571432 MHz (30 FPS) to 11.035715 MHz (15 FPS) remaining for polygons|group=n}}
 
** Flat shading: 3300 polygons/sec (32-pixel triangles),{{ref|32-pixel polygons, 15 FPS, [[wikipedia:Scanline rendering|scanline rendering]], 250 cycles/scanline per poly, 3301 cycles/poly (4 scanlines)
 
* Polygon memory: 40 bytes per polygon, 8.594 KB memory (220 polygons per frame), 132 KB/s bandwidth (3300 polygons/sec)
 
|group=n}} 2100 polygons/sec (64-pixel quads){{ref|64-pixel polygons, 15 FPS, 250 cycles/scanline per poly, 5068 cycles/poly (8 scanlines)|group=n}}
 
** Texture mapping: 2000 polygons/sec{{ref|ASIC's sprite/texture scaling and rotation capabilities can be used for texture mapping rasterization
 
*CPU cycles: 2 ASIC command cycles per texel, 128 ASIC command cycles per 8×8 texel texture, 77 cycles DMA transfer (32 bytes) per 8×8 texel texture, 5273 cycles (205 texture cycles) per 8×8 texel polygon
 
*Polygon/Texture memory: 72 bytes per textured polygon, 9.844 KB memory (140 polygons per frame), 151.2 KB/s bandwidth (2100 polygons/sec)
 
|group=n}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
====Sound====
+
==Magazine articles==
{{multicol|
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
''The Mega-CD adds 10 sound channels to the 10 provided by the Mega Drive's sound chips.''
 
  
* CD Digital Audio
+
==Promotional material==
** 2-channel stereo
+
{{mainArticle|Sega Mega-CD/Promotional material}}
** 44.1 kHz sampling rate
 
** 16-bit PCM audio depth
 
* Ricoh RF5C164 (315-5476A) PCM chip provides 8 sound channels:{{fileref|MCD MaintenanceManual Export RevA.pdf|page=102}}
 
** Sound format: 8-bit sign/magnitude monaural PCM (with "stereo" support by allowing each channel to have different volumes on both left and right channels)
 
** Maximum sample rate: 32 kHz
 
** PCM audio depth: 16-bit{{intref|Sega CD programming FAQ (1998-12-06)}}
 
** Bus width: 8-bit
 
 
 
Other specifications:
 
* 16-bit DAC
 
* 8x internal over-sampling digital filter
 
* Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20 KHz
 
* Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 90 dB @ 1K
 
* Channel Separation: > 90 dB
 
* Input: Mixer cable for Genesis Model 1 compatibility.
 
* Output: Stereo [[RCA jack|RCA]] connectors.
 
}}
 
 
 
====Memory====
 
{{multicol|
 
* System [[RAM]]: 856 KB{{fileref|MCD MaintenanceManual Export RevA.pdf}}
 
** Main RAM: 4 [[Bit|Mbit]] (512 KB)
 
** [[VRAM]]: 2 Mbit (256 KB)
 
** PCM audio samples: 512 [[Bit|Kbit]] (64 KB)
 
** CD-ROM data cache: 128 Kbit (16 KB)
 
** Internal Backup RAM: 64 Kbit (8 KB)
 
* System [[BIOS|Boot ROM]]: 1 Mbit (128 KB)
 
* External Memory Card: 1 Mbit (128 KB) [[CD BackUp RAM Cart]]
 
* System RAM bandwidth: 62.5 MB/sec (3 buses, 56-bit bus width){{fileref|MCD MaintenanceManual Export RevA.pdf}}
 
** Main RAM: 25 MB/sec (16-bit, 12.5 MHz, [[wikipedia:FPM DRAM|FPM DRAM]]){{fileref|TC511664B datasheet.pdf}}
 
** VRAM: 25 MB/sec (32-bit, 6.25 MHz, [[wikipedia:PSRAM|PSRAM]]){{fileref|TC51832 datasheet.pdf}}
 
** Audio RAM: 12.5 MB/sec (8-bit, 12.5 MHz, [[SRAM]]){{fileref|MB8464A datasheet 2.pdf}}
 
}}
 
 
 
====Storage====
 
{{multicol|
 
* 500 MB CD-ROM discs (equivalent to 62 min of audio data)
 
* Access time: 800 [[wikipedia:Microsecond|ms]]
 
* 1/4 screen B/W footage video: 1.5 to 4 hours
 
* 1/4 screen color footage: 45 minutes
 
* CD-ROM drive transfer rate: 150 Kbytes/s (1x)
 
''(Above specs prior to compression)''
 
}}
 
  
====[[BIOS|Boot ROM]]====
+
==Logos by regions==
* Size: 1 Mb (128 KB)
+
{|class="prettytable sortable" style="background: #f2f2f2;"
* Used for games, CD player, CD+G viewing, karaoke (limited to Japanese systems) and regional lockout
 
* Region codes: "NA" <nowiki>=</nowiki> North America (NTSC), "EU" <nowiki>=</nowiki> Europe (PAL)
 
 
 
{| class="prettytable"
 
|+ Boot ROM Revisions
 
|-
 
! width="50"| Boot ROM Version
 
! Machine
 
! Download
 
! CRC32
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2"| 0.98
 
| rowspan="2"| Pioneer LaserActive
 
| {{file|Us lsr 930329.zip|0.98 (NA)}}
 
| 8c3e3945
 
|-
 
| {{file|Jp lsr 930329.zip|0.98 (Asia)}}
 
| 9f5771d2
 
|-
 
| rowspan="9"| 1.00
 
| rowspan="9"| Sega/Mega CD Model 1<br/>Victor WonderMega 1 (Asia)<br/>Sega WonderMega (Asia)
 
| {{file|BIOS Mega CD Japan 1.00g.7z|1.00g (Asia, NTSC)}}
 
| 3beb1ac2
 
|-
 
| {{file|BIOS Mega CD Japan 1.00l.md.zip|1.00l (Asia, NTSC)}}
 
| f18dde5b
 
 
|-
 
|-
| {{file|BIOS Mega CD Japan v1.00o.7z|1.00o (Asia, NTSC)}}
+
! style="width:100px;" style="text-align: center;" |'''Logo'''
| 1d9756a3
+
! style="width:100px;" style="text-align: center;" |'''Region'''
 +
|- style="background: silver;"
 
|-
 
|-
| {{file|Jp mcd1 911217.zip|1.00p (Asia, NTSC)}}
+
|<gallery>Mega CD Japanese logo.png</gallery>
| 9d2da8f2
+
|Used in Japan, Asia and parts of Eastern Europe
 
|-
 
|-
| {{file|BIOS Mega CD Japan 1.00S.md.zip|1.00s (Asia, NTSC)}}
+
|<gallery>Sega CD logo USA.png</gallery>
| 79f85384
+
|Used in North and South America
 
|-
 
|-
| {{file|Jp mcd1 911228.zip|1.00s (Asia, PAL)}}
+
|<gallery>Mega CD logo EU.png</gallery>
| 550f30bb
+
|Used in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia,<br> Africa, Australasia
 
|-
 
|-
| {{file|Jp wmg 920206.zip|1.00w (Sega WonderMega Bios)}}
 
| d21fe71d
 
|-
 
| {{file|BIOS Sega CD USA 1.00.md.zip|1.00 (NA)}}
 
| e7e3afe2
 
|-
 
| {{file|Eu mcd1 921027.zip|1.00 (EU)}}
 
| 529ac15a
 
|-
 
| 1.04
 
| Pioneer LaserActive
 
| {{file|Us mld 930922.zip|1.04 (NA)}}
 
| 2ed602d7
 
|-
 
| 1.05
 
| Pioneer LaserActive
 
| {{file|Jp lsr 930810.zip|1.05 (Asia)}}
 
| b24b919d
 
|-
 
| 1.10
 
| Sega CD Model 1 (minor update)
 
| {{file|Us scd1 921011.zip|1.10 (NA)}}
 
| c6d10268
 
|-
 
| 1.11
 
| Mega CD Model 2 (Japan sample/prototype)
 
| {{file|Jp mcd2 920501.zip|1.11 (JP)}}
 
| 4be18ff6
 
|-
 
| rowspan="7"| 2.00
 
| rowspan="7"| Sega/Mega CD 2<br/>Victor WonderMega 2 (Asia)<br/>JVC X'Eye (NA)
 
| {{file|Us scd2 930314.zip|2.00 (1<sup>st</sup> NA version)}}
 
| 8af65f58
 
|-
 
| {{file|Us scd2 930601.zip|2.00w (2<sup>nd</sup> NA version)}}
 
| 9f6f6276
 
|-
 
| {{file|Jp mcd2 921222.zip|2.00c (Asian version)}}
 
| dd6cc972
 
|-
 
| {{file|Eu mcd2 930330.zip|2.00 (1<sup>st</sup> EU version)}}
 
| 0507b590
 
|-
 
| {{file|Eu mcd2 930601.zip|2.00w (2<sup>nd</sup> EU version)}}
 
| 4d5cb8da
 
|-
 
| {{file|Us xeye 931227.zip|2.00 (X'Eye)}}
 
| 290f8e33
 
|-
 
| {{file|Wondermega 2.00 Bios.zip|2.00 (Wondermega)}}
 
| 2b19972f<sup>1</sup>
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2"| 2.11
 
| rowspan="2" | Sega/Mega CD 2, Aiwa CSD G1M (Japan)
 
| {{file|Us scd2 930621.zip|2.11w (NA)}}
 
| 2e49d72c
 
|-
 
| {{file|Aiwa_CSD_GM1_Bios.zip|2.11c (JP)}}
 
| 12154531
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2"| 2.21
 
| rowspan="2"| Sega Multimega (Europe & Japan), CDX (North America), Linguaphone Education Gear (Japan)
 
| {{file|Eu mmg 930916.zip|2.21x (MultiMega, EU)}}
 
| aacb851e
 
|-
 
| {{file|Us cdx 930907.zip|2.21x (CDX)}}
 
| d48c44b5
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
<sup>1</sup> The ZIP file contains two dumps, a "good" dump and a "bad" dump. The "bad" dump has an incorrect HINT vector, but is otherwise identical to the "good" dump. The CRC32 listed here is for the "good" dump.
 
 
====Other====
 
Dimensions: 301mm x 212.5 x 112.5<br/>
 
Weight: 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs)
 
 
==History==
 
{{MainArticle|History of the Sega Mega-CD}}
 
 
==Games==
 
===List of games===
 
{{MainArticle|List of Mega-CD games}}
 
 
The five games marked with an asterisk(*) were later released in enhanced form, requiring both the Mega-CD and [[Sega 32X|32X]] to be played, and taking advantage of the latter's improved graphics (see [[Sega Mega-CD 32X]]).
 
{{multicol|
 
* ''[[3 Ninjas Kick Back / Hook]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[3x3 Eyes: Seima Densetsu]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[AX-101]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[A-Rank Thunder Tanjouhen]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (Mega-CD)|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[The Adventures of Willy Beamish]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[After Armageddon Gaiden]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[After Burner III]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Aisle Lord]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Alshark]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Android Assault: The Revenge of Bari-Arm]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Anetto Futatabi]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[The Animals]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Aoki Ookami to Shiroki Mejika: Genchou Hishi]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Arcus I.II.III]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Arslan Senki]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Bakuden: The Unbalanced Zone]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Batman Returns (Mega-CD)|Batman Returns]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Battle Frenzy]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Battlecorps]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[BC Racers]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Bill Walsh College Football]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Black Hole Assault]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Bouncers]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Bram Stoker's Dracula (Mega-CD)|Bram Stoker's Dracula]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Brutal: Paws of Fury]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Burai: Hachigyoku no Yuushi Densetsu]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Cadillacs and Dinosaurs: The Second Cataclysm]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Capcom no Quiz Tonosama no Yabou]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Captain Tsubasa]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Chuck Rock]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Cliffhanger]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Cobra Command]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Colors of Modern Rock]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Corpse Killer]]'' (1994)*
 
* ''[[Cosmic Fantasy Stories]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Crime Patrol]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Cyborg 009]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Daihoushinden]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Dark Seed]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Dark Wizard]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Death Bringer: The Knight of Darkness]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Demolition Man]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Detonator Orgun]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Devastator]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Double Switch]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Dracula Unleashed]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Dragon's Lair]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Dune]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Dungeon Explorer]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Dungeon Master II: Skullkeep]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Dynamic Country Club]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Earnest Evans]]'' (1991)
 
* ''[[Earthworm Jim: Special Edition]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Ecco the Dolphin]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Ecco the Dolphin CD]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Ecco: The Tides of Time]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Egawa Suguro no Super League]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[ESPN Baseball Tonight]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[ESPN National Hockey Night]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[ESPN NBA Hangtime '95]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[ESPN Sunday Night NFL]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Eye of the Beholder]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[F-1 Circus CD]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Fahrenheit]]'' (1995)*
 
* ''[[Fatal Fury Special]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Fhey Area]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[FIFA International Soccer]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Final Fight CD]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Flashback: The Quest for Identity]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Flink]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Formula One World Championship: Beyond the Limit]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Frog Feast]]'' (2005)
 
* ''[[Funky Horror Band]]'' (1991)
 
* ''[[Gambler Jikko Chuushinha 2]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Game no Kanzume: Sega Games Can Vol. 1]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Game no Kanzume: Sega Games Can Vol. 2]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Genei Toshi: Illusion City]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Ground Zero: Texas]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Heart of the Alien]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Heavy Nova]]'' (1991)
 
* ''[[Heimdall]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Hook]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[INXS]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Iron Helix]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Ishii Hisaichi no Daisekai]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Jaguar XJ220]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Jango World Cup]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Jeopardy! (Mega-CD)|Jeopardy!]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Joe Montana's NFL Football]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Jurassic Park (Mega-CD)|Jurassic Park]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Keio Flying Squadron]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Kids on Site]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Kris Kross]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[The Lawnmower Man (Mega-CD)|The Lawnmower Man]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Lethal Enforcers]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Links: The Challenge of Golf]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Loadstar: The Legend of Tully Bodine]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Lords of Thunder]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Lunar: Eternal Blue]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Lunar: The Silver Star]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Mad Dog McCree]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Mahou no Shoujo: Silky Lip]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Mansion of Hidden Souls]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Marko's Magic Football]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Masked Rider]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Mega Schwarzschild]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[MegaRace]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Microcosm]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Midnight Raiders]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Mighty Mighty Missile!]]'' (2005)
 
* ''[[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Mega-CD)|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[My Paint: The Animated Paint Program]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[NBA Jam]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[NFL Football Trivia Challenge]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[NFL's Greatest: San Francisco vs. Dallas 1978-1993]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[NHL '94]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Night Striker]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Night Trap]]'' (1992)*
 
* ''[[The Ninja Warriors]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Nostalgia 1907]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Novastorm]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Panic!]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Popful Mail]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Power Factory featuring C+C Music Factory]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Power Monger]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Prince of Persia]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Prize Fighter]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Pro Yakyuu Super League CD]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Psychic Dectective vol. 3: Psychic Detective Aya]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Psychic Dectective vol. 4: Psychic Detective Orgel]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Puggsy]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Quiz Scramble Special]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Racing Aces]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Radical Rex]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Ranma ½: Byakuran Aika]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[RDF Global Conflict]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Record of Lodoss War JASPAC]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Revenge of the Ninja]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Revengers of Vengeance]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Rise of the Dragon]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Road Avenger]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Road Rash]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Robo Aleste]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms III: Dragon of Destiny]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Samurai Shodown]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[The Secret of Monkey Island]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Sega Classics Arcade Collection]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Sengoku Denshou]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Sensible Soccer]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Sewer Shark]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Shadow of the Beast II]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Shadowrun (Mega-CD)|Shadowrun]]'' (1996)
 
* ''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. II]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Shin Megami Tensei]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Shining Force CD]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Silpheed]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[SimEarth]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Slam City with Scottie Pippen]]'' (1992)*
 
* ''[[The Smurfs]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Snatcher]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Sol-Feace]]'' (1991)
 
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Soulstar]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Space Ace (Mega-CD)|Space Ace]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[The Space Adventure]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Star Strike]]'' (2000)
 
* ''[[Star Wars Chess]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Star Wars: Rebel Assault]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[StarBlade]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Stellar Fire]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Supreme Warrior]]'' (1994)*
 
* ''[[Surgical Strike]]'' (1995)*
 
* ''[[Syndicate]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Tenbu: Mega CD Special]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Tenka Fubu]]'' (1991)
 
* ''[[The Terminator (Mega-CD)|The Terminator]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Theme Park]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[The Third World War]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Thunderhawk]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Time Gal]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Tomcat Alley]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Trivial Pursuit]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Ultraverse Prime / Microcosm]]'' (1994}
 
* ''[[Urusei Yatsura: Dear My Friends]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Vay]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Warau Salesman]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Wheel of Fortune (Mega-CD)|Wheel of Fortune]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Who Shot Johnny Rock?]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Wild Woody]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Wing Commander]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Winning Post]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Wirehead]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Wolfchild]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Wonder Dog]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[World Cup USA 94]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[WWF Rage in the Cage]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Yumimi Mix]]'' (1993)
 
|cols=3}}
 
 
===Launch titles===
 
====Japan====
 
*''[[Heavy Nova]]''
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]''
 
 
====North America====
 
{{multicol|
 
*''[[Black Hole Assault]]''
 
*''[[Chuck Rock]]''
 
*''[[Cobra Command]]''
 
*''[[INXS]]''
 
*''[[Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch]]''
 
*''[[Night Trap]]''
 
*''[[Sega Classics Arcade Collection]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Sewer Shark]]''
 
*''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. I]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]'' (pack-in)
 
}}
 
 
====United Kingdom====
 
{{multicol|
 
*''[[Black Hole Assault]]''
 
*''[[Chuck Rock]]''
 
*''[[Hook]]''
 
*''[[Prince of Persia]]''
 
*''[[Road Avenger]]''
 
*''[[Sega Classics Arcade Collection]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. I]]''
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]/[[Cobra Command]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Wonder Dog]]''
 
}}
 
 
====France====
 
*''[[Road Avenger]]''{{fileref|SelectRound FR 01.pdf|page=2}}
 
 
====Germany====
 
{{multicol|
 
*''[[After Burner III]]''
 
*''[[Batman Returns (Mega-CD)|Batman Returns]]''
 
*''[[Black Hole Assault]]''
 
*''[[Final Fight CD]]''
 
*''[[INXS]]''
 
*''[[Jaguar XJ220]]''
 
*''[[Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch]]''
 
*''[[Prince of Persia]]''
 
*''[[Road Avenger]]''
 
*''[[Robo Aleste]]''
 
*''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. I]]''
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]/[[Cobra Command]]''
 
*''[[Time Gal]]''
 
*''[[Wing Commander]]''
 
*''[[Wolf Child]]''
 
}}
 
 
====Spain====
 
*''[[Batman Returns (Mega-CD)|Batman Returns]]''
 
*''[[Final Fight CD]]''
 
*''[[Jaguar XJ220]]''
 
*''[[Road Avenger]]''
 
*''[[Thunderhawk]]''
 
 
====Italy====
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]/[[Cobra Command]]'' (pack-in)
 
 
====Brazil====
 
*''[[Batman Returns (Mega-CD)|Batman Returns]]''
 
*''[[Ecco the Dolphin]]
 
*''[[Final Fight CD]]
 
*''[[INXS]]''
 
*''[[Night Trap]]
 
*''[[Prince of Persia]]
 
*''[[Sewer Shark]]
 
 
==Magazine articles==
 
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 
 
==Promotional material==
 
===Print advertisements===
 
<gallery>
 
MegaCD BR PrintAdvert.jpg|BR
 
1993 06 - Teaser Mega CD.jpg|ES (teaser; 1)
 
1993 07 - Teaser Mega CD.jpg|ES (teaser; 2)
 
MegaCD ES PrintAdvert1.jpg|ES (launch; 1)
 
1994 01 - Mega CD.jpg|ES (3)
 
1994 07 - Mega CD.jpg|ES (5)
 
1994 11 - Mega CD.jpg|ES (5)
 
1995 06 - Mega CD.jpg|ES (6)
 
1995 09 - Mega CD.jpg|ES (7)
 
1995 12 - Mega CD.jpg|ES (8)
 
Samsung megacd2.jpg|KR (Mega-CD 2)
 
</gallery>
 
{{gallery
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|SegaVisions US 10.pdf|sv|10|8-9
 
|EGM US 044.pdf|egm|44|132
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|EGM US 041.pdf|egm|41|74-75
 
|EGM US 043.pdf|egm|43|18
 
}}
 
|{{GalleryPrintAd
 
|SegaVisions US 15.pdf|sv|15|67-74
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|GamePro US 054.pdf|gamepro|54|26-27
 
|SegaVisions US 17.pdf|sv|17|74
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|GamePlayers US 0710.pdf|gameplayers|0710|95,94
 
|SegaVisions US 21.pdf|sv|21|40
 
|GamePro US 064.pdf|gamepro|64|80
 
|SegaVisions US 22.pdf|sv|22|64
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|CVG UK 158.pdf|cvg|158|110
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|CVG UK 169.pdf|cvg|169|13
 
|MeanMachinesSega40UK.pdf|mms|40|2
 
|SegaPro UK 57.pdf|segapro|57|2
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|MegaForce FR 21.pdf|megaforce|21|2-3
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|SegaMagazin DE 01.pdf|segamagazin|1|23
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|TodoSega ES 05.pdf|todosega|5|108
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|Micromania ES 064.pdf|micromania2|64|2-3
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|Micromania ES 065.pdf|micromania2|65|2-3
 
|Micromania ES 066.pdf|micromania2|66|2-3
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|Micromania ES 067.pdf|micromania2|67|2-3
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|TodoSega ES 14.pdf|todosega|14|6-7
 
|MegaForce ES 24.pdf|megaforcees|24|2
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|Megazone AU 28.pdf|mz|28|22-23
 
|Megazone AU 30.pdf|mz|30|24
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|Megazone AU 29.pdf|mz|29|2-3
 
|Megazone AU 30.pdf|mz|30|40
 
|Megazone AU 31.pdf|mz|31|44
 
}}
 
}}
 
====Retailers====
 
{{gallery
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|GamesMaster UK 004.pdf|gamesmaster|4|4-5
 
}}
 
}}
 
 
===Television advertisements===
 
<gallery>
 
MegaCD TVAdvert JP 1.mp4|JP
 
MegaCD TVAdvert US 1.mp4|US
 
MegaCD US TVAdvert ChillEB.mp4|US (Chill E.B.)
 
MCD UK TVAdvert SegaTV.mp4|UK (Sega TV)
 
MegaCD TVAdvert UK 1.mp4|UK or AU?
 
MCD UK TVAdvert Horiscope.mp4|UK (Horiscope)
 
</gallery>
 
 
==Artwork==
 
<gallery>
 
Mega CD Japanese logo.png|Japanese logo
 
Sega CD logo USA.png|North American logo
 
Mega CD logo EU.png|European/Australian logo
 
</gallery>
 
  
 
==Patents==
 
==Patents==
Line 730: Line 167:
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
*[http://www.retrodev.com/segacd.html Sega CD Development Guide]
+
* [https://sega.jp/history/hard/mega-cd/index.html Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)]
 
+
* [http://www.retrodev.com/segacd.html Sega CD Development Guide]
==Notes==
 
{{multicol|
 
<references group="n"/>
 
}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{multicol|
 
 
<references />
 
<references />
}}
 
  
 
{{MegaCD}}
 
{{MegaCD}}

Latest revision as of 16:13, 14 February 2024

Mega CD Japanese logo.png
MegaCD JP 2.jpgMegaCD2 JP 2.jpg
Sega Mega-CD
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega-CD
JP
¥49,800 (51,294)49,800e[2][3] HAA-2910
Sega Mega-CD
US
$299.95299.95[6] 1690
Sega Mega-CD
DE
DM 529.00529.00[9] MK-4102-50
Sega Mega-CD
ES
MK-4102-50
Sega Mega-CD
FR
1,990F1,990[10] MK-4102-50
Sega Mega-CD
UK
£269.99269.99[7] 1690-18
Sega Mega-CD
SI
Sega Mega-CD
SE
3,495 kr3,495 1690-18
Sega Mega-CD
IT
1690-18
Sega Mega-CD
AU
$699699 1690-18
Sega Mega-CD
BR
Sega Mega-CD
KR
₩398,000398,000 SPC200CR
Sega Mega-CD
RU
Sega Mega-CD
SA
900‎﷼‎900[11]
Sega Mega-CD
TW
Sega Mega-CD
AS
1690-11

The Mega-CD (メガCD), known as the Sega CD in North America and Brazil, and CD Aladdin Boy (CD 알라딘 보이) in South Korea, is a hardware add-on developed by Sega for the Mega Drive.

As the names suggest, it allows a Mega Drive to run compact discs, be it proprietary Mega-CD software, audio CDs or CD+G discs. It also acts as an upgrade to the Mega Drive hardware, sporting an extra processor and extra RAM. The Mega-CD was first released in 1991 and was supported alongside regular Mega Drive cartridges.

Hardware

The Mega-CD comes in many forms, but in all cases the hardware adds the capability of reading compact discs, technology which in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was becoming a more affordable storage option than the traditional video game ROM cartridge of previous console generations.

A traditional Mega-CD does not act as a stand-alone unit, and needs to be hooked up to a Mega Drive via the expansion port located on the right hand side of the console. Mega-CDs do, however, require their own AC adaptor, meaning that in order to play Mega-CD games, two sockets will be occupied by the upgraded console.

Though one would expect the Mega-CD to simply give the Mega Drive access to compact discs, it in fact adds extra processors, memory and audio features as well, all of which can only be utilised by CD software. The Mega-CD does not, however, solve the issue of graphics, which aside from the ability to scale and rotate sprites on the fly, remain identical to the standard Mega Drive system.

The Mega-CD also offers stereo sound RCA connectors. The Mega Drive on its own will output a monaural audio signal to the television, with stereo only being available through the headphone port located at the front of the console. An external connection from the Mega Drive to the Mega-CD will allow all games to play through the television in stereo.

The Mega-CD can be used in conjunction with a Sega 32X to run one of the six Sega Mega-CD 32X games. Alternatively it can be used to just play regular 5-inch or 3-inch audio CDs or CD+G discs. Strictly speaking the Mega-CD does not need a television to function as a CD player, as the audio can controlled with button combinations[12][13].

Models

Main article: Mega-CD consoles.

Like the Mega Drive, there were two major revisions of the add-on by Sega and several special combination units.

Mega-CD

The original Mega-CD utilises a CD tray, and sits underneath the Mega Drive (or Mega Drive 2). It is a reasonably large add-on designed to be permanently attached to the console at all times.

Mega-CD 2

A cost-reduced model of the Mega-CD was produced and released around the same period as the cost-reduced Mega Drive 2. In Japan, the system debuted on the 23rd April, 1993[14], with a US release around Summer CES 1993 and August 1993 for Europe[15].

This version sits on the right hand side of the Mega Drive, though continues to act as a new base for the console, and is a top-loading device. Fewer mechanical parts means less is likely to go wrong with a Mega-CD 2, and is designed to look sleeker and more appealing. The Mega-CD 2 is designed primarily with the Mega Drive 2 in mind, however a plastic extension piece was included to add extra support with an original Mega Drive attached.

As part of the cost-cutting measures, only one (red) LED is used to communicate the state of the console, and the clip on the left-hand side (to keep the lead of connected headphones or speakers out of the way) has been removed (least because the redesigned Mega Drive 2 always outputs in stereo).

Mega Drive combos: JVC Wondermega/X'eye, Pioneer LaserActive, Sega Multi-Mega, and Aiwa Mega CD

Main articles: Wondermega, LaserActive, Sega Multi-Mega, Aiwa Mega CD.

Combination Mega Drive/Mega-CD units were developed over the course of the Mega-CD's lifetime. The Wondermega and LaserActive are standalone consoles; the LaserActive also plays LaserDiscs. The Multi-Mega is a portable audio CD player that can play Mega Drive and Mega-CD games when plugged in to wall power and a TV. The Aiwa Mega CD is a Mega Drive/Mega-CD packed into Aiwa's consumer-level portable CD stereos.

Technical specifications

Main article: Sega Mega-CD/Technical specifications.
See also Sega Mega Drive/Technical specifications.

History

Main article: History of the Sega Mega-CD.

Games

Main article: Mega-CD games.

Production credits

Source:
Various sources


Magazine articles

Main article: Sega Mega-CD/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Sega Mega-CD/Promotional material.

Logos by regions

Logo Region
Used in Japan, Asia and parts of Eastern Europe
Used in North and South America
Used in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia,
Africa, Australasia

Patents

External links

References


Sega Mega-CD
Topics Technical specifications | History | Magazine articles | Promotional material
Hardware Mega CD (Asia | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Australasia | Africa)
Sega Multi-Mega (Asia | North America | Europe | South America | Australasia)
Wondermega | LaserActive | CSD-G1M
Misc. hardware CD BackUp RAM Cart | Mega-CD Karaoke | Pro CDX
Development tools SNASM Mega-CD | PsyQ Mega-CD SDK | PSY-Q CD Emulation System (Mega-CD)
Unreleased hardware Game Genie


Sega Mega Drive
Topics Technical specifications (Hardware comparison) | History | List of games | Magazine articles | Promotional material | Merchandise | Cartridges | TradeMark Security System
Hardware Japan | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Asia | South Korea | Australasia | Africa
EZ Games | LaserActive | Mega Jet | Mega PC | Mega Play | Mega-Tech System | Nomad | Teradrive | Mega Drive Mini | Mega Drive Mini 2
New Mega Drive | Tianli VCD/DVD Players | "Consoles on a chip" | Licensed clones (Magic 2 | Mega Game II | Power Pegasus | Super Bitman)
Unlicensed clones
Add-ons Game Box | Power Base Converter | Mega-CD | 32X (Mega-CD 32X) | Mega Modem | Demo System DS-16
Cases Sega Genesis Nomad Carrying Case | System Carry Case
Controllers Control Pad | Six Button Control Pad | 6 Button Arcade Pad | Arcade Power Stick 6B | Konami Justifier | MK-1470
Action Chair | Activator | Arcade Power Stick | Keyboard | MegaFire | Mouse | Mega Stick | Menacer | Remote Arcade System | Ten Key Pad | Third Party Controllers
Accessories 4 Way Play | Cleaning System | Control Pad Extension Cord | Genesis Speakers | Headset | HeartBeat Catalyst | Microphone | Region converter cartridges | Mega Terminal | Nomad PowerBack | RF Unit (Mega Drive 2) | SCART Cable (Mega Drive 2) | Stereo Audio Video Cable | Team Player | Video Monitor Cable | Third Party Accessories
Network services Sega Channel | Sega Game Toshokan | Mega Anser | Mega Net | TeleBradesco Residência | XB∀ND
Development tools ERX 308P | ERX 318P | Sprobe | SNASM68K | SNASM2 (Mega Drive) | SNASM2 (32X) | PSY-Q Development System (Mega Drive) | PSY-Q Development System (32X) | 32X CartDev | Sega Mars Development Aid System | Sega 32X Development Target
Unreleased Edge 16 | Floppy Disk Drive | Mega Play 1010 | Sega VR | Teleplay System | Video Jukebox
Sega Home Video Game Systems
83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11
SG-1000 SG-1000 II Mega Drive Mega Drive II
SC-3000 Mega-CD Mega-CD II Genesis 3
Sega Mark III 32X Dreamcast
Master System Master System II
AI Computer Game Gear
Saturn
Pico Beena