Sega Genesis: The Complete Buyer's Guide
Sega launched the Genesis in North America on August 14, 1989. It challenged Nintendo with fast arcade-style games and an edgier image, and it is remembered for Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2 and the Sega CD and 32X add-ons.
Quick facts
| North American launch | August 14, 1989 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sega |
| Media | Cartridges |
| Controller ports | 2 |
| Best-selling game | Sonic the Hedgehog |
| Add-ons | Sega CD, 32X |
Models and what changed
The Model 1 is the original, larger console with a headphone jack and volume slider on the front. Its rear AV port outputs mono audio, while the headphone jack provides stereo, and early units are marked High Definition Graphics on top.
The Model 2, released in 1993, is smaller and drops the headphone jack, but outputs stereo audio through its AV port. It uses a different AV connector and power supply than the Model 1, so cables are not interchangeable.
The Model 3 was made by Majesco in 1998. It is very compact and plays most cartridges, but it does not support the Sega CD or 32X add-ons.
Tips for buying one today
- Match the cables to the model. The Model 1 uses an 8-pin DIN AV connector and its own power supply, while the Model 2 and 3 use a 9-pin mini-DIN AV connector.
- Clean cartridge contacts if games fail to boot or show a blank screen, since dirty contacts are a common cause.
- A six-button controller is worth having for fighting games like Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition, which was designed around the six-button layout.
- Use composite or RGB output through an upscaler or HDMI converter for a modern TV. RGB SCART cables give the cleanest image.
- Japanese Mega Drive cartridges have a different shell shape and some games check the console region, so imports may need an adapter.
Games to play first
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Sonic 3 & Knuckles
- Streets of Rage 2
- Gunstar Heroes
- Phantasy Star IV
- Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- Earthworm Jim
- Castlevania: Bloodlines
Shop by genre
Sega Genesis Action & Adventure Games · Sega Genesis Platformers · Sega Genesis Shooters · Sega Genesis Fighting Games · Sega Genesis Sports Games · Sega Genesis Racing Games · Sega Genesis Strategy Games
Guides
- Every Sonic Game in Order: Release Dates and Where to Start
- How to Connect an NES, SNES or Sega Genesis to a Modern TV
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Genesis Model 1 and Model 2?
The Model 1 is larger with a headphone jack and volume slider. The Model 2 is smaller, lacks the headphone jack and outputs stereo through its AV port. They use different AV cables and power supplies.
Does the Genesis work with the Sega CD and 32X?
The Model 1 and Model 2 work with both add-ons. The Model 3 does not support either.
How do Genesis games save?
Most games use passwords or no saving. Some, like Phantasy Star IV and Sonic 3, save to battery-backed or other memory inside the cartridge.
Can a Genesis play Mega Drive games?
Many Japanese Mega Drive cartridges do not fit a North American Genesis slot, and some check the region. An adapter or region-modified console is usually needed.