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With Nintendo monopolizing the ‘classic’ console market (with the exception of those poor quality plug and play systems), it was only a matter of time before the other big players in the industry started getting in on the action. The Genesis Mini is one answer to things like the SNES Classic, bundling a decent spattering of titles that are sure to trigger almost anyone’s nostalgia.
The good news is that Sega has decided to handle the production themselves, rather than outsource to AtGames, who were behind the train wreck that was their last attempt at a console collection. The AtGames version has issues such as inferior emulation quality, slowdown, sounds issues, and even issues with crashing. AtGames not being involved this time around definitely means the Mini is going to be pretty solid this time around. The main focus was quality and making the titles look and feel how they did on the original console.
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In terms of games, there aren’t as many as on the mini, but they are hand picked and very well curated to give the best representation of the console in its hay day. There are a total of 42 games on the Mini, including some unsung heroes like Contra: Hard Corps and Casltevania Bloodlines. There are also a ton of well known titles like Sonic the Hedgehog 1 & 2, Toejam & Earl, Golden Axe and Altered Beast as well. While it may not have every title you’re looking for, it’s definitely a strong enough selection to make most fans happy, and be a great introduction to some of the classic titles of that generation.
In terms of the Mini’s build quality, the amount of detail that went into it is incredible. There are a ton of nonfunctional elements on the Mini that are simply there to match the original console, like the volume sliders, cartridge insert flaps, and even the expansion port cover. It’s mainly powered by a micro-USB adapter, and the video output is via HDMI. The controllers included are the traditional 3-button controllers, though Retro-Bit’s 6-button USB third party controller is supported.
There are also a few UI perks in terms of the Mini. You can return to the main menu by holding start for three seconds, rather than having to get up and reset the console. Speaking of the UI, it offers three different visual styles reflecting the marketing styles for the USA, Japan and EU regions. The look and feel of the UI isn’t super inviting, but it’s perfectly easy to navigate and get where you need to in the menus.
Overall, the Sega Genesis Mini offers a great variety of titles that showcase why the Genesis was such a great console. While the UI could be a bit more inviting, and the fact that it comes with the 3-button controllers as opposed to the 6-button controller is a little disappointing, overall the Mini will give you a nearly perfect emulation of the old titles, so you can relive all that wonderful nostalgia, or experience it all for the f
