Key Facts

  • The Sega Genesis Mini 2 is only meant to be released in Japan and the UK.Unlike its predecessor which came with 40 games, this console will have 60.Titles fans will be able to look forward to include Granada, Night Trap, Outrunners, and Sonic The Hedgehog CD.

Did you enjoy playing the Sega Genesis years ago? Well, now you can relive the fun again with over 60 games packed into the Sega Genesis Mini 2. The small console packs a punch and is truly the best way to play older Genesis games. Best of all, the Genesis Mini 2 includes an entirely different library of games than the first version.

© Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash

Sega Genesis Mini 2: Overview

Sega announced back in June 2022 that they would release a sequel to their popular Genesis Mini later in the year. It is set to release on October 27 for $99.99, but unfortunately, it will not get a North American release. Instead, the Genesis Mini 2 will only release in overseas markets such as UK and Japan.

  • More compact. More advanced.The SEGA Genesis Mini 2 is here.The SEGA Genesis Mini is back and more powerful than ever!Sega CD titles available as well!60 classic titles!Package includes: Genesis Mini 2 Console, 1 Wired Control Pad, USB Power Adapter, Power Cable, HDMI Cable; Console size: Width 4.7 inches (120.8 mm) x Height 1.3 inches (32.3 mm) x Length 4.6 inches (116.5 mm); Controller size: Width 5.5 inches (140 mm) x Height 2.8 inches (70 mm) x Length 1.1 inches (29 mm) / Controller Cable: Length 6.6 ft (2 M); Input Jacks: HDMI jack, USB jack (USB Micro-B), Video output: 720p, 480p, Audio out: Linear PCM output from HDMI

This is understandable, as the original console performed better in those markets than it did here. Nonetheless, it is still disappointing for many fans. The Genesis Mini 2 is on the same scale as the first Genesis Mini, but there are a few major differences.

Sega Genesis Mini 1 vs Mini 2

The first generation Sega Genesis Mini featured only 40 games compared to its successor’s 60. But more important and noticeable is that the original was based on the first-generation Genesis console. The Sega Genesis actually had three versions over its lifecycle. So Sega designed its second generation mini console off the second generation Genesis console.

  • The iconic SEGA Genesis console that defined a generation of gaming returns in a slick, miniaturized unit.The SEGA Genesis Mini console is loaded with 42 legendary games and is plug and play ready right out of the box!Box contents: Sega Genesis Mini console and 2 wired controllers, 40 games + 2 bonus games, power cable and USB adapter, and HDMI cable.

Another difference between the two mini consoles is the controller. The Genesis Mini 2 includes the later-released controller that is slightly smaller and includes three additional buttons. But possibly the biggest and best difference is that the games are entirely different. The Genesis Mini 1 included many classic titles, but the Mini 2 expands on that by including Sega CD games.

Features

Sega’s Genesis Mini 2 is feature packed with many small details that Sega fans are sure to enjoy. First, the Genesis Mini 2 allows for multiplayer. Two controller inputs accept original Genesis Mini controllers or Mini 2 controllers. Unlike the original Genesis Mini, the Genesis Mini 2 only includes one controller. However, the controller does have the extra three buttons seen on later Genesis controllers.

The Sega Genesis Mini 2 has more space and power than its predecessor, which makes it capable of running Sega CD games that the first console could not. This is a welcome addition as many gamers did not get a chance to play these games.

However, one of the most significant features of the Genesis Mini 2 is that it creates a definitive way to play classic games. The enhanced graphics and HDMI output give these older titles the best gameplay experience possible.

Specifications

Sega Genesis Mini 2 Games

Sega’s Genesis Mini 2 features a great collection of games, many of which you are sure to recognize. The first game to catch many people is likely Night Trap, which was a notoriously controversial game in the 1990s.

  • One player

However, many never got a chance to experience it since it was exclusively on Sega CD. This is true of many games available on the Genesis Mini 2, as most Genesis owners did not purchase the CD add-on.

Other noteworthy games are based on arcade games that never saw a console release. But even some traditional Genesis games got added features, such as soundtracks, and other games that never saw a North American release are present. But still missing from the list are Sega 32X games and other hits such as Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles.

  • After Burner IIAlien SoldierAtomic RunnerBonanza Bros.ClayFighterCrusader of CentyDesert Strike: Return to the GulfDevi & PiiEarthworm Jim 2Ecco the Dolphin (CD Ver.)Ecco: The Tides of Time (CD Ver.)Elemental MasterFantasy ZoneFatal Fury 2Final Fight CDGain GroundGolden Axe IIGranadaHellfireHerzog ZweiLightening Force: Quest for the DarkstarMansion of Hidden SoulsMidnight ResistanceNIGHT STRIKERNight TrapOutRunOutRunnersPhantasy Star IIPopulousRAINBOW ISLANDS -EXTRA-Ranger-XRistarRobo AlesteROLLING THUNDER 2Sewer SharkShadow Dancer: The Secret of ShinobiShining Force IIShining Force CDShining in the DarknessSILPHEEDSonic 3D BlastSonic The Hedgehog CDSpace Harrier II (+Space Harrier)SpatterSPLATTERHOUSE 2Star MobileStreets of Rage 3Super Hang-OnSuper LocomotiveSUPER STREET FIGHTER II THE NEW CHALLENGERSTHE NINJAWARRIORSThe OozeThe Revenge of ShinobiToeJam & Earl in Panic on FunkotronTruxtonVectorMan 2ViewpointVirtua RacingVS Puyo Puyo SunWarsong

Sega Genesis Mini 2: Review

Sega’s Genesis Mini 2 takes a beloved console and packages it in a way that it’s easily playable today. The Genesis 2 is no doubt impressive on its own, with a solid lineup of games. But are we seeing fatigue from mini consoles? After all, several consoles from the era got remakes, and the Genesis already received one miniature version.

While the Sega Genesis Mini 2 delivers on its promises, it feels like it really is an unnecessary release for most people. Of course, ardent fans of the original console will likely find it a good addition. One of the biggest reasons to purchase the console is its never-released games and added features. In addition, many Genesis owners never had the chance to play Sega CD games.

However, the lack of 32X games is unfortunate and a possible sign of a third Genesis Mini in the future. In all, this is undoubtedly the definitive way to play Genesis games. Furthermore, the decision by Sega not to release the console in the North American market shows they probably knew it would underperform, especially at its $99.99 price tag.

So, making it available in the US for their most diehard fans without a full-blown release was probably the best move.

How to Get a Sega Genesis Mini 2

Should You Buy a Sega Genesis Mini 2?

Whether you should buy a Sega Genesis Mini 2 will entirely depend on how much you enjoyed the original Sega Genesis. Likewise, if you owned the first Genesis Mini and enjoyed it, then you will probably want to get the Genesis Mini 2.

The games from the previous Genesis Mini do not repeat (with a few exceptions), so you are getting a whole different collection of games. The only caveat is that the first version had higher-quality games.

Another factor to consider is convenience; it may be more convenient for you to play on a console you already own, such as an Xbox, Playstation, or Switch console. Some of the included games are available on Sega Genesis Classics. Similarly, other Sega Genesis games are available through Nintendo Switch Online.

Unfortunately, this is one of the cases where you will need to decide whether or not to purchase early on because it looks like it will sell out quickly. So, if you are inclined to purchase the Genesis Mini 2, you are probably best off buying one. What’s more, it should hold its value pretty well because of scarcity, so you can always resell it later if you are unimpressed.

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