SEGA Plans on Releasing a Plug and Play Console With 80 Games

SEGA and AtGames have announced the retro inspired plug and play Sega Mega Drive Classic Game Console that will come pre-loaded with 80 classic games.

Retro is the new hot trend this year for the gaming industry. The trend started earlier this year with Activision revealing that Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is getting a remastered version later this year. A few weeks later, Nintendo revealed their plans about the mini classic Nintendo Entertainment System, complete with 30 preloaded games. While these reveals are still hot, SEGA decided to bring their own plug and play classic console bundle as well.

Now that Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, SEGA and AtGames have conjoined to release an updated version of the Sega Mega Drive Classic Game Console / Ultimate Portable Game Player. While this portable player contains a USB cable meant for charging and an SD slot, the console version has the original and working cartridge slot, 2 wifi controllers and 80 built-in games. These games feature some of SEGA's greatest hits like Vectorman, Sonic the Hedgehog and GOlden Axe.

Even though the product is officially licensed by SEGA, the device itself is developed by AtGames, a manufacturer who has previously released devices like the Atari Flashback and an older version of the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive Classic Game Console. Some of the games that have been removed are fan faves like all three Streets of Rage games, Ecco the Dolphin and Virtual Fighter 2.

With Nintendo releasing a retro inspired trailer for their new mini NES, it will be interesting to see how fans react to both of the classic console. The Mega Drive may lack some mode features that Nintendo added to their consoles, but it being able to use old SEGA cartridges and controllers is a substantial plus and a nice touch.

The Sega Mega Drive Classic Game Console / Ultimate Portable Game Players will probably release in October this year.