Sega is introducing a mini version of its Mega Drive in a nod to the retro console trend.
Following the popularity of Nintendo’s SNES and the Classic NES over the past two years, Sega announced it is to release the Mega Drive Mini in Japan later this year.
The console’s release will coincide with the developer’s 30th anniversary, although it is not yet known how many games will accompany the 16-bit device.
「メガドライブ」誕生30周年記念！『メガドライブ ミニ』（仮称）2018年発売決定！
思い出の名作ゲームの数々が、これ1台で楽しめます！#セガフェス #メガドライブ #メガドライブ30周年https://t.co/HWj6NFL96y pic.twitter.com/0C9QH1l5Mr
— セガ公式アカウント (@SEGA_OFFICIAL) April 14, 2018
Little more is known of the Mega Drive Mini, which was unveiled at Sega FES 2018 in Tokyo, Japan over the weekend. But pictures of the nostalgic console suggest it will be a hand-sized model of the original.
『メガドライブ ミニ』（仮称）
※画像はイメージです。#セガフェス #メガドライブ #メガドライブ30周年https://t.co/HWj6NFL96y pic.twitter.com/KG8a6DhG7L
— セガ公式アカウント (@SEGA_OFFICIAL) April 14, 2018
Sega has predominantly focused on its video game offerings for almost two decades, and the Mini Drive will be the company’s first console since the kid-friendly Advanced Pico Beena in 2005.
The original Mega Drive, known as Genesis in the United States, was released in November 1990 in the EU.
