Difference between revisions of "Sega Mega-CD"

From Sega Retro

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| mcd_rrp_jp=49,800
 
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| mcd_date_us=1992-10-15
 
| mcd_date_us=1992-10-15
| mcd_rrp_us=299.99{{fileref|GamePro US 036.pdf|page=22}}
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| mcd_rrp_us=299.99 {{fileref|GamePro US 036.pdf|page=22}}
 
| mcd_date_uk=1993-04-02 {{fileref|CVG UK 138.pdf|page=8}}
 
| 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_rrp_uk=269.99 {{fileref|CVG UK 138.pdf|page=8}}
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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]]. 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.
+
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]]. 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.
  
 
==Hardware==
 
==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.
+
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.
+
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.
+
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 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.
 +
 
 +
===Models===
 +
{{MainArticle|Mega-CD consoles}}
  
===Official Variants===
 
 
Like the Mega Drive, there were two major revisions of the add-on by Sega and several special combination units.
 
Like the Mega Drive, there were two major revisions of the add-on by Sega and several special combination units.
  
====Mega CD====
+
====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.
+
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.
 +
 
 
<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
 
<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
 
MCD JP.jpg|Japanese
 
MCD JP.jpg|Japanese
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
====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. 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.
+
A cost-reduced model of the Mega-CD was produced and released around the same period as the cost-reduced Mega Drive 2. 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.
 +
 
 
<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
 
<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
 
MCD2 JP.jpg|Japanese/Asian
 
MCD2 JP.jpg|Japanese/Asian
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
====Mega Drive Combos: JVC Wondermega/X'eye, Pioneer LaserActive, Sega Multi-Mega, and Aiwa Mega CD====
+
====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|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.
+
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.
  
===Development Systems===
+
===Development systems===
 
[[File:Devmegacd.jpg|thumb|right|A SNASM Mega CD development unit.]]
 
[[File:Devmegacd.jpg|thumb|right|A SNASM Mega CD development unit.]]
 
====Cross Products SNASM Mega CD====
 
====Cross Products SNASM Mega CD====
The SNASM Mega CD is a fully featured debugging system developed by Cross Products and officially licensed by Sega for Mega CD debugging and development. Its features include a debugging interface through a port on the rear of the system as well as CD-ROM emulation through a proprietary SCSI card. The system contains a modified boot-rom which includes all used region combinations for localized debugging.  Also available to developers are a number of controls for both the main and sub 68000 CPUs in the Mega CD. The SNASM Mega CD is used with the SNASM2 family of development programs and Cross Products's SN Server.
+
The SNASM Mega CD is a fully featured debugging system developed by Cross Products and officially licensed by Sega for Mega-CD debugging and development. Its features include a debugging interface through a port on the rear of the system as well as CD-ROM emulation through a proprietary SCSI card. The system contains a modified boot-rom which includes all used region combinations for localized debugging.  Also available to developers are a number of controls for both the main and sub 68000 CPUs in the Mega-CD. The SNASM Mega CD is used with the SNASM2 family of development programs and Cross Products's SN Server.
  
 
====Psygnosis PsyQ Mega CD SDK====
 
====Psygnosis PsyQ Mega CD SDK====
[[Psygnosis]], a prominent 3rd party developer, developed their own tools for use with the systems which they developed for, including the Mega CD. The PsyQ development software includes the popular ASM68K and can be used with the Cross Products Mega CD.
+
[[Psygnosis]], a prominent 3rd party developer, developed their own tools for use with the systems which they developed for, including the Mega-CD. The PsyQ development software includes the popular ASM68K and can be used with the Cross Products Mega CD.
  
===Technical Specifications===
+
===Technical specifications===
The following Sega CD specifications are upgrades over the [[Sega Mega Drive#Technical Specifications|Sega Mega Drive technical specifications]].
+
:''See [[Sega Mega Drive#Technical specifications|Sega Mega Drive technical specifications]].''
 +
 
 +
The following are upgrades over the Sega Mega Drive technical specifications.
  
 
====CPU====
 
====CPU====
{{multicol|
 
 
* Main CPU: Motorola [[68000]] 16-bit processor running at 12.5 MHz
 
* Main CPU: Motorola [[68000]] 16-bit processor running at 12.5 MHz
 
** ''Same as the Mega Drive/Genesis. Acts as a coprocessor along with the Genesis CPU. One must note that the Genesis clock speed is slower (7.67 MHz)''
 
** ''Same as the Mega Drive/Genesis. Acts as a coprocessor along with the Genesis CPU. One must note that the Genesis clock speed is slower (7.67 MHz)''
 
* Instruction set: 16-bit and 32-bit instructions, 16 registers
 
* Instruction set: 16-bit and 32-bit instructions, 16 registers
* Instruction performance:  2.19&nbsp;[[wikipedia:Instructions per second|MIPS]]
+
* Instruction performance:  2.19 [[wikipedia:Instructions per second|MIPS]]
}}
 
  
 
====Graphics====
 
====Graphics====
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
* Graphics Processor: Custom ASIC
+
* Graphics processor: Custom ASIC
 
* Number of simultaneous [[palette|colors]] on screen: 64 (Using programming tricks, this limit is increased to 128 colors via raster effects)
 
* Number of simultaneous [[palette|colors]] on screen: 64 (Using programming tricks, this limit is increased to 128 colors via raster effects)
** 128 colors can also be displayed on screen using [[wikipedia:Hold-And-Modify|HAM]] techniques{{ref|http://tinyurl.com/p352qj9}}
+
** 128 colors can also 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]}}
 
* On-screen colors available in Cinepak and TruVideo modes: 128 to 256 colors
 
* On-screen colors available in Cinepak and TruVideo modes: 128 to 256 colors
 
* Video size from 1/4 to full screen
 
* Video size from 1/4 to full screen
 
* Advanced compression scheme
 
* Advanced compression scheme
 
* Software-based upgrade
 
* Software-based upgrade
* [[Sprite]]s/[[wikipedia:Tile engine|Tilemaps]]: The Mega CD features enhancement effects such as scaling and rotation, similar to 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. {{ref|http://www.angelfire.com/ny/dezmoowu/Sega/progscd.txt}}
+
* [[Sprite]]s/[[wikipedia:Tile engine|Tilemaps]]: The Mega-CD features enhancement effects such as scaling and rotation, similar to 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. {{ref|http://www.angelfire.com/ny/dezmoowu/Sega/progscd.txt}}
 
* 3D polygon capabilities:
 
* 3D polygon capabilities:
** Geometry performance: Up to 3,333&nbsp;polygons/sec
+
** Geometry performance: Up to 3,333 polygons/sec
** Rendering performance: 960&nbsp;polygons/sec {{ref|https://youtu.be/Vyme7CT04cw}}
+
** Rendering performance: 960 polygons/sec {{ref|https://youtu.be/Vyme7CT04cw}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
====Audio====
+
====Sound====
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
''The Mega CD adds 10 sound channels to the 10 provided by the Mega Drive's sound chips.''
+
''The Mega-CD adds 10 sound channels to the 10 provided by the Mega Drive's sound chips.''
  
 
* CD Digital Audio
 
* CD Digital Audio
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====Memory====
 
====Memory====
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
* System [[RAM]]: 856&nbsp;KB {{ref|http://console5.com/techwiki/images/1/16/Mega-CD_Maintenance_Manual%2C_Export%2C_August%2C_1992%2C_Rev_A.pdf}}
+
* System [[RAM]]: 856 KB {{ref|http://console5.com/techwiki/images/1/16/Mega-CD_Maintenance_Manual%2C_Export%2C_August%2C_1992%2C_Rev_A.pdf}}
** Main RAM: 4&nbsp;[[Bit|Mbit]] (512&nbsp;KB)
+
** Main RAM: 4 [[Bit|Mbit]] (512 KB)
** [[VRAM]]: 2&nbsp;Mbit (256&nbsp;KB)
+
** [[VRAM]]: 2 Mbit (256 KB)
** PCM audio samples: 512&nbsp;[[Bit|Kbit]] (64&nbsp;KB)
+
** PCM audio samples: 512 [[Bit|Kbit]] (64 KB)
** CD-ROM data cache: 128&nbsp;Kbit (16&nbsp;KB)
+
** CD-ROM data cache: 128 Kbit (16 KB)
** Internal Backup RAM: 64&nbsp;Kbit (8&nbsp;KB)
+
** Internal Backup RAM: 64 Kbit (8 KB)
* System [[BIOS|Boot ROM]]: 1&nbsp;Mbit (128 KB)
+
* System [[BIOS|Boot ROM]]: 1 Mbit (128 KB)
* External Memory Card: 1&nbsp;Mbit (128&nbsp;KB) [[CD BackUp RAM Cart]]
+
* External Memory Card: 1 Mbit (128 KB) [[CD BackUp RAM Cart]]
* System RAM bandwidth: 59.6&nbsp;MB/sec (16-bit) {{ref|http://console5.com/techwiki/images/1/16/Mega-CD_Maintenance_Manual%2C_Export%2C_August%2C_1992%2C_Rev_A.pdf}}
+
* System RAM bandwidth: 59.6 MB/sec (16-bit) {{ref|http://console5.com/techwiki/images/1/16/Mega-CD_Maintenance_Manual%2C_Export%2C_August%2C_1992%2C_Rev_A.pdf}}
** Main RAM: 23.84&nbsp;MB/sec (12.5&nbsp;MHz, [[wikipedia:FPM DRAM|FPM&nbsp;DRAM]]) {{fileref|TC511664B datasheet.pdf}}
+
** Main RAM: 23.84 MB/sec (12.5 MHz, [[wikipedia:FPM DRAM|FPM DRAM]]) {{fileref|TC511664B datasheet.pdf}}
** VRAM: 11.92&nbsp;MB/sec (6.25&nbsp;MHz, [[wikipedia:PSRAM|PSRAM]]) {{fileref|TC51832 datasheet.pdf}}
+
** VRAM: 11.92 MB/sec (6.25 MHz, [[wikipedia:PSRAM|PSRAM]]) {{fileref|TC51832 datasheet.pdf}}
** Audio RAM: 23.84&nbsp;MB/sec (12.5&nbsp;MHz, [[SRAM]]) {{ref|http://data.datasheetlib.com/pdf1/73/30/733038/mb8464a-10l_e1cb591058.pdf}}
+
** Audio RAM: 23.84 MB/sec (12.5 MHz, [[SRAM]]) {{ref|http://data.datasheetlib.com/pdf1/73/30/733038/mb8464a-10l_e1cb591058.pdf}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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<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.
 
<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====
 
====Other====
 
Dimensions: 301mm x 212.5 x 112.5<br/>
 
Dimensions: 301mm x 212.5 x 112.5<br/>
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==History==
 
==History==
:''Main article: [[History of the Sega Mega-CD]]''
+
{{MainArticle|History of the Sega Mega-CD}}
  
 
==Games==
 
==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]]).
+
 
 +
===List of 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|
 
{{multicol|
 
* ''[[3 Ninjas Kick Back / Hook]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[3 Ninjas Kick Back / Hook]]'' (1994)
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* ''[[AX-101]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[AX-101]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[A-Rank Thunder Tanjouhen]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[A-Rank Thunder Tanjouhen]]'' (1993)
* ''[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (Mega CD)|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' (1995)
+
* ''[[The Adventures of Batman & Robin (Mega-CD)|The Adventures of Batman & Robin]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[The Adventures of Willy Beamish]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[The Adventures of Willy Beamish]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[After Armageddon Gaiden]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[After Armageddon Gaiden]]'' (1994)
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* ''[[Arslan Senki]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Arslan Senki]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Bakuden: The Unbalanced Zone]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Bakuden: The Unbalanced Zone]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Batman Returns (Mega CD)|Batman Returns]]'' (1993)
+
* ''[[Batman Returns (Mega-CD)|Batman Returns]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Battle Frenzy]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Battle Frenzy]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Battlecorps]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Battlecorps]]'' (1993)
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* ''[[Black Hole Assault]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Black Hole Assault]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Bouncers]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Bouncers]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Bram Stoker's Dracula (Mega CD)|Bram Stoker's Dracula]]'' (1993)
+
* ''[[Bram Stoker's Dracula (Mega-CD)|Bram Stoker's Dracula]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Brutal: Paws of Fury]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Brutal: Paws of Fury]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Burai: Hachigyoku no Yuushi Densetsu]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Burai: Hachigyoku no Yuushi Densetsu]]'' (1992)
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* ''[[Jaguar XJ220]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Jaguar XJ220]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Jango World Cup]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Jango World Cup]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Jeopardy! (Mega CD)|Jeopardy!]]'' (1994)
+
* ''[[Jeopardy! (Mega-CD)|Jeopardy!]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Joe Montana's NFL Football]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Joe Montana's NFL Football]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Jurassic Park (Mega CD)|Jurassic Park]]'' (1993)
+
* ''[[Jurassic Park (Mega-CD)|Jurassic Park]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Keio Flying Squadron]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Keio Flying Squadron]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Kids on Site]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Kids on Site]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Kris Kross]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Kris Kross]]'' (1992)
* ''[[The Lawnmower Man (Mega CD)|The Lawnmower Man]]'' (1994)
+
* ''[[The Lawnmower Man (Mega-CD)|The Lawnmower Man]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Lethal Enforcers]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Lethal Enforcers]]'' (1993)
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* ''[[Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Mighty Mighty Missile!]]'' (2005)
 
* ''[[Mighty Mighty Missile!]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Mega CD)|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'' (1994)
+
* ''[[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Mega-CD)|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[My Paint: The Animated Paint Program]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[My Paint: The Animated Paint Program]]'' (1993)
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* ''[[Sewer Shark]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Sewer Shark]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Shadow of the Beast II]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Shadow of the Beast II]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Shadowrun (Mega CD)|Shadowrun]]'' (1996)
+
* ''[[Shadowrun (Mega-CD)|Shadowrun]]'' (1996)
 
* ''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. II]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. II]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective]]'' (1992)
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* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Soulstar]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Soulstar]]'' (1994)
* ''[[Space Ace (Mega CD)|Space Ace]]'' (1993)
+
* ''[[Space Ace (Mega-CD)|Space Ace]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[The Space Adventure]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[The Space Adventure]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin]]'' (1993)
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* ''[[Tenbu: Mega CD Special]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Tenbu: Mega CD Special]]'' (1992)
 
* ''[[Tenka Fubu]]'' (1991)
 
* ''[[Tenka Fubu]]'' (1991)
* ''[[The Terminator (Mega CD)|The Terminator]]'' (1994)
+
* ''[[The Terminator (Mega-CD)|The Terminator]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Theme Park]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Theme Park]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[The Third World War]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[The Third World War]]'' (1993)
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* ''[[Vay]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Vay]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Warau Salesman]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Warau Salesman]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Wheel of Fortune (Mega CD)|Wheel of Fortune]]'' (1994)
+
* ''[[Wheel of Fortune (Mega-CD)|Wheel of Fortune]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Who Shot Johnny Rock?]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Who Shot Johnny Rock?]]'' (1993)
 
* ''[[Wild Woody]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Wild Woody]]'' (1995)
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|cols=3}}
 
|cols=3}}
  
===Launch Titles===
+
===Launch titles===
{{multicol|
 
 
====Japan====
 
====Japan====
 
*''[[Heavy Nova]]''
 
*''[[Heavy Nova]]''
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====North America====
 
====North America====
 +
{{multicol|
 
*''[[Black Hole Assault]]''
 
*''[[Black Hole Assault]]''
 
*''[[Chuck Rock]]''
 
*''[[Chuck Rock]]''
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*''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. I]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective Vol. I]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]'' (pack-in)
 +
}}
  
 
====United Kingdom====
 
====United Kingdom====
 +
{{multicol|
 
*''[[Black Hole Assault]]''
 
*''[[Black Hole Assault]]''
 
*''[[Chuck Rock]]''
 
*''[[Chuck Rock]]''
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*''[[Sol-Feace]]/[[Cobra Command]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]/[[Cobra Command]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Wonder Dog]]''
 
*''[[Wonder Dog]]''
 +
}}
  
 
====Germany====
 
====Germany====
 +
{{multicol|
 
*''[[After Burner III]]''
 
*''[[After Burner III]]''
*''[[Batman Returns (Mega CD)|Batman Returns]]''
+
*''[[Batman Returns (Mega-CD)|Batman Returns]]''
 
*''[[Black Hole Assault]]''
 
*''[[Black Hole Assault]]''
 
*''[[Final Fight CD]]''
 
*''[[Final Fight CD]]''
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*''[[Wing Commander]]''
 
*''[[Wing Commander]]''
 
*''[[Wolf Child]]''
 
*''[[Wolf Child]]''
 +
}}
  
 
====Spain====
 
====Spain====
*''[[Batman Returns (Mega CD)|Batman Returns]]''
+
*''[[Batman Returns (Mega-CD)|Batman Returns]]''
 
*''[[Final Fight CD]]''
 
*''[[Final Fight CD]]''
 
*''[[Jaguar XJ220]]''
 
*''[[Jaguar XJ220]]''
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====Italy====
 
====Italy====
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]/[[Cobra Command]]'' (pack-in)
 
*''[[Sol-Feace]]/[[Cobra Command]]'' (pack-in)
}}
 
  
==Gallery==
+
==Promotional material==
 +
===Print advertisements===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:Mega CD Japanese logo.png|Japanese logo
+
MegaCD US PrintAdvert.jpg|US (1)
File:Sega CD logo USA.png|North American logo
+
MegaCD US PrintAdvert 2.jpg|US (2)
File:Mega CD logo EU.png|European/Australian logo
+
32XMCDII UK PrintAd.jpg|UK (Mega-CD II - £99.99)
 +
MCDII9GamePack MCD UK PrintAd.jpg|UK (Mega-CD II 9 Game Pack)
 +
MegaCD BR PrintAdvert.jpg|BR
 +
1993 06 - Teaser Mega CD.jpg|ES (teaser; 1)
 +
1993 07 - Teaser Mega CD.jpg|ES (teaser; 2)
 +
1993 08 - Teaser Mega CD.jpg|ES (teaser; 3)
 +
MegaCD ES PrintAdvert1.jpg|ES (launch; 1)
 +
MegaCD ES PrintAdvert2.jpg|ES (launch; 2)
 +
MegaCD ES PrintAdvert3.jpg|ES (1)
 +
1993 12 - Mega CD.jpg|ES (2)
 +
1994 01 - Mega CD.jpg|ES (3)
 +
1994 04 - Mega CD.jpg|ES (4)
 +
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>
  
==Promotional material==
+
===Television advertisements===
===Television Advertisements===
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
MegaCD TVAdvert JP 1.mp4|JP
 
MegaCD TVAdvert JP 1.mp4|JP
Line 578: Line 606:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
===Print Advertisements===
+
==Artwork==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:MegaCD US PrintAdvert.jpg|US print advert
+
Mega CD Japanese logo.png|Japanese logo
File:MegaCD US PrintAdvert 2.jpg|US print advert 2
+
Sega CD logo USA.png|North American logo
32XMCDII UK PrintAd.jpg|UK print advert (Mega-CD II - £99.99)
+
Mega CD logo EU.png|European/Australian logo
MCDII9GamePack MCD UK PrintAd.jpg|UK print advert (Mega-CD II 9 Game Pack)
 
File:MegaCD_BR_PrintAdvert.jpg|BR print advert
 
File:1993_06_-_Teaser_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print teaser 1
 
File:1993_07_-_Teaser_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print teaser 2
 
File:1993_08_-_Teaser_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print teaser 3
 
File:MegaCD ES PrintAdvert1.jpg|ES print launch advert 1
 
File:MegaCD ES PrintAdvert2.jpg|ES print launch advert 2
 
MegaCD ES PrintAdvert3.jpg|ES print advert 1
 
File:1993_12_-_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print advert 2
 
File:1994_01_-_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print advert 3
 
File:1994_04_-_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print advert 4
 
File:1994_07_-_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print advert 5
 
File:1994_11_-_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print advert 5
 
File:1995_06_-_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print advert 6
 
File:1995_09_-_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print advert 7
 
File:1995_12_-_Mega_CD.jpg|ES print advert 8
 
File:Samsung megacd2.jpg|KR print advert (Mega CD 2)
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 609: Line 620:
 
<references />
 
<references />
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
{{MegaDrive}}
 
{{MegaDrive}}
{{Sega_Consoles}}
+
{{Sega Consoles}}
 +
 
 
[[Category:Sega Mega-CD| ]]
 
[[Category:Sega Mega-CD| ]]

Revision as of 00:35, 24 May 2016

MegaCD JP 2.jpgMegaCD2 JP 2.jpg
Sega Mega-CD
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega-CD
JP
¥49,80049,800
Sega Mega-CD
US
$299.99299.99 [1]
Sega Mega-CD
DE
DM 530530
Sega Mega-CD
ES
Sega Mega-CD
FR
1,990F1,990
Sega Mega-CD
UK
£269.99269.99 [2]
Sega Mega-CD
SE
3,495 kr3,495
Sega Mega-CD
IT
Sega Mega-CD
AU
Sega Mega-CD
BR
Sega Mega-CD
KR
₩398,000398,000 SPC200CR
Sega Mega-CD
TW

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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

Development systems

A SNASM Mega CD development unit.

Cross Products SNASM Mega CD

The SNASM Mega CD is a fully featured debugging system developed by Cross Products and officially licensed by Sega for Mega-CD debugging and development. Its features include a debugging interface through a port on the rear of the system as well as CD-ROM emulation through a proprietary SCSI card. The system contains a modified boot-rom which includes all used region combinations for localized debugging. Also available to developers are a number of controls for both the main and sub 68000 CPUs in the Mega-CD. The SNASM Mega CD is used with the SNASM2 family of development programs and Cross Products's SN Server.

Psygnosis PsyQ Mega CD SDK

Psygnosis, a prominent 3rd party developer, developed their own tools for use with the systems which they developed for, including the Mega-CD. The PsyQ development software includes the popular ASM68K and can be used with the Cross Products Mega CD.

Technical specifications

See Sega Mega Drive technical specifications.

The following are upgrades over the Sega Mega Drive technical specifications.

CPU

  • Main CPU: Motorola 68000 16-bit processor running at 12.5 MHz
    • Same as the Mega Drive/Genesis. Acts as a coprocessor along with the Genesis CPU. One must note that the Genesis clock speed is slower (7.67 MHz)
  • Instruction set: 16-bit and 32-bit instructions, 16 registers
  • Instruction performance: 2.19 MIPS

Graphics

  • Graphics processor: Custom ASIC
  • Number of simultaneous colors on screen: 64 (Using programming tricks, this limit is increased to 128 colors via raster effects)
    • 128 colors can also be displayed on screen using HAM techniques[3]
  • On-screen colors available in Cinepak and TruVideo modes: 128 to 256 colors
  • Video size from 1/4 to full screen
  • Advanced compression scheme
  • Software-based upgrade
  • Sprites/Tilemaps: The Mega-CD features enhancement effects such as scaling and rotation, similar to 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. [4]
  • 3D polygon capabilities:
    • Geometry performance: Up to 3,333 polygons/sec
    • Rendering performance: 960 polygons/sec [5]

Sound

The Mega-CD adds 10 sound channels to the 10 provided by the Mega Drive's sound chips.

  • CD Digital Audio
    • 2-channel stereo
    • 44.1 kHz sampling rate
    • 16-bit PCM audio depth
  • Ricoh RF5C164 PCM chip provides 8 sound channels:
    • 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[4]

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 connectors.

Memory

  • System RAM: 856 KB [6]
    • Main RAM: 4 Mbit (512 KB)
    • VRAM: 2 Mbit (256 KB)
    • PCM audio samples: 512 Kbit (64 KB)
    • CD-ROM data cache: 128 Kbit (16 KB)
    • Internal Backup RAM: 64 Kbit (8 KB)
  • System Boot ROM: 1 Mbit (128 KB)
  • External Memory Card: 1 Mbit (128 KB) CD BackUp RAM Cart
  • System RAM bandwidth: 59.6 MB/sec (16-bit) [6]
    • Main RAM: 23.84 MB/sec (12.5 MHz, FPM DRAM) [7]
    • VRAM: 11.92 MB/sec (6.25 MHz, PSRAM) [8]
    • Audio RAM: 23.84 MB/sec (12.5 MHz, SRAM) [9]

Storage

  • 500 MB CD-ROM discs (equivalent to 62 min of audio data)
  • Access time: 800 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)

Boot ROM

  • Size: 1 Mb (128 KB)
  • Used for games, CD player, CD+G viewing, karaoke (limited to Japanese systems) and regional lockout
  • Region codes: "NA" = North America (NTSC), "EU" = Europe (PAL)
Boot ROM Revisions
Boot ROM Version Machine Download CRC32
0.98 Pioneer LaserActive 0.98 (NA) (info) ("Us lsr 930329.zip" does not exist) 8c3e3945
0.98 (Asia) (info) ("Jp lsr 930329.zip" does not exist) 9f5771d2
1.00 Sega/Mega CD Model 1
Victor WonderMega 1 (Asia)
Sega WonderMega (Asia)
1.00g (Asia, NTSC) (info) ("BIOS Mega CD Japan 1.00g.7z" does not exist) 3beb1ac2
1.00l (Asia, NTSC) (info) ("BIOS Mega CD Japan 1.00l.md.zip" does not exist) f18dde5b
1.00o (Asia, NTSC) (info) ("BIOS Mega CD Japan v1.00o.7z" does not exist) 1d9756a3
1.00p (Asia, NTSC) (info) ("Jp mcd1 911217.zip" does not exist) 9d2da8f2
1.00s (Asia, NTSC) (info) ("BIOS Mega CD Japan 1.00S.md.zip" does not exist) 79f85384
1.00s (Asia, PAL) (info) ("Jp mcd1 911228.zip" does not exist) 550f30bb
1.00w (Sega WonderMega Bios) (info) ("Jp wmg 920206.zip" does not exist) d21fe71d
1.00 (NA) (info) ("BIOS Sega CD USA 1.00.md.zip" does not exist) e7e3afe2
1.00 (EU) (info) ("Eu mcd1 921027.zip" does not exist) 529ac15a
1.04 Pioneer LaserActive 1.04 (NA) (info) ("Us mld 930922.zip" does not exist) 2ed602d7
1.05 Pioneer LaserActive 1.05 (Asia) (info) ("Jp lsr 930810.zip" does not exist) b24b919d
1.10 Sega CD Model 1 (minor update) 1.10 (NA) (info) ("Us scd1 921011.zip" does not exist) c6d10268
2.00 Sega/Mega CD 2
Victor WonderMega 2 (Asia)
JVC X'Eye (NA)
2.00 (1st NA version) (info) ("Us scd2 930314.zip" does not exist) 8af65f58
2.00w (2nd NA version) (info) ("Us scd2 930601.zip" does not exist) 9f6f6276
2.00c (Asian version) (info) ("Jp mcd2 921222.zip" does not exist) dd6cc972
2.00 (1st EU version) (info) ("Eu mcd2 930330.zip" does not exist) 0507b590
2.00w (2nd EU version) (info) ("Eu mcd2 930601.zip" does not exist) 4d5cb8da
2.00 (X'Eye) (info) ("Us xeye 931227.zip" does not exist) 290f8e33
2.00 (Wondermega) (info) ("Wondermega 2.00 Bios.zip" does not exist) 2b19972f1
2.11 Sega/Mega CD 2, Aiwa CSD G1M (Japan) 2.11w (NA) (info) ("Us scd2 930621.zip" does not exist) 2e49d72c
2.11c (JP) (info) ("Aiwa_CSD_GM1_Bios.zip" does not exist) 12154531
2.21 Sega Multimega (Europe & Japan), CDX (North America), Linguaphone Education Gear (Japan) 2.21x (MultiMega, EU) (info) ("Eu mmg 930916.zip" does not exist) aacb851e
2.21x (CDX) (info) ("Us cdx 930907.zip" does not exist) d48c44b5

1 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
Weight: 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs)

History

Main article: History of the Sega Mega-CD.

Games

Main article: List of Mega-CD games.

List of games

The five games marked with an asterisk(*) were later released in enhanced form, requiring both the Mega-CD and 32X to be played, and taking advantage of the latter's improved graphics (see Sega Mega-CD 32X).

Launch titles

Japan

North America

United Kingdom

Germany

Spain

Italy

Promotional material

Print advertisements

Television advertisements

Artwork

External links

References


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