History Platform / SegaGenesis

** ''VideoGame/DoctorRobotniksMeanBeanMachine'' (a localization of ''VideoGame/PuyoPuyo'')

* 8 KB of [[UsefulNotes/GamingAudio sound RAM]]. The sound RAM bus is clocked at 3.58 [=MHz=].

While the Platform/SegaMasterSystem was a decent success in Europe and South America (Mostly from UsefulNotes/{{Brazil}}), it failed to make any strong dents in the North American and Japanese markets. The hold of the [[Platform/NintendoEntertainmentSystem NES/Famicom]] was too strong, and the Master System wasn't advanced enough to topple the juggernaut. So Creator/{{Sega}} decided to just top it. Creator/{{Nintendo}} were complacent with their success and dragging their feet on developing a [[MediaNotes/The16bitEraOfConsoleVideoGames 16-bit]] system, which was the {{UsefulNotes/arcade|game}} standard at the time. They were already being impacted in Japan by the sudden success of NEC's [[Platform/TurboGrafx16 PC Engine]] ([=TurboGrafx-16=] in the West) which, while not ''actually'' 16-bit, was a noticeable technical improvement from the Famicom, which was underpowered even for its time. Thus, Sega decided that they would beat Nintendo to the punch with a console based on their System 16 arcade board (codenamed "Mark V").

* ''VideoGame/{{Valis}}'':

* ''[[VideoGame/SmashTV Super Smash T.V.]]''

** ''Film/BatmanReturns''
** ''Film/BatmanForever''

* ''Super Thunder Blade'' (a third-person reinvention of Sega's ''VideoGame/ThunderBlade'' arcade game. One of the original launch titles)
* ''[[VideoGame/SmashTV Super Smash T.V.]]''

* ''VideoGame/ScoobyDooMystery''

The very same Nintendo/Sega rivalry would find a new light in 2019 when Sega responded to Nintendo's release of Classic Mini UsefulNotes/PlugnPlayGame systems with their own Sega Genesis Mini (called the Mega Drive Mini outside North America). The system would release worldwide on September 19, 2019. [[labelnote:List (exclusives in bold)]]'''''VideoGame/AlexKidd in the Enchanted Castle''''', '''''VideoGame/AlienSoldier''''', ''VideoGame/AlisiaDragoon'', '''''VideoGame/AlteredBeast1988''''', '''''Assault Suit Leynos''''', ''Beyond Oasis 2'', '''''VideoGame/CastleOfIllusion Starring Mickey Mouse''''', ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaBloodlines'', ''VideoGame/{{Columns}}'', '''''VideoGame/ComixZone''''', ''VideoGame/ContraHardCorps'', ''VideoGame/{{Darius}}'', '''''VideoGame/DrRobotniksMeanBeanMachine''''', '''''Dyna Brothers 2''''', '''''VideoGame/DynamiteHeaddy''''', '''''VideoGame/EarthwormJim''''', '''''VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin''''', '''''VideoGame/EternalChampions''''', ''Game no Kanzume Otokuyou'', ''Ghouls N Ghosts'', ''VideoGame/GoldenAxe'', ''VideoGame/GunstarHeroes'', '''''VideoGame/KidChameleon''''', ''VideoGame/{{Landstalker}}'', '''''Langrisser II''''', '''''VideoGame/LightCrusader''''', '''''VideoGame/LordMonarch''''', ''Madō Monogatari I'', ''VideoGame/MegaMan: The Wily Wars (officially releasing this game in North America for the first time)'', ''Monster World IV'', '''''VideoGame/{{MUSHA}}''''', '''''VideoGame/OutRun 2019''''', '''''Party Quiz Mega-Q''''', ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarIV'', Powerball, '''''VideoGame/PuyoPuyo 2''''', '''''Puzzle & Action Tant-R''''', '''''Rent-A-Hero''''', ''VideoGame/RoadRash 2'', ''VideoGame/ShiningForce'', '''''Shining Force 2''''', '''''Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master''''', '''''Slap Fight MD''''', '''''Snow Bros''''', '''''VideoGame/SonicSpinball''''', '''''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog1''''', ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2'', ''Space Harrier 2'', '''''VideoGame/StreetFighterII Special Championship Edition''''', ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage 2'', '''''VideoGame/{{Strider}}''''', ''Super Fantsay Zone'', '''''Sword of Vermillion''''', ''VideoGame/{{Tetris}}'' (saving a long-lost Genesis port of that game from DevelopmentHell), '''''The Hybrid Front''''', '''''The Revenge of Shinobi''''', ''VideoGame/ThunderForce 3'', '''''VideoGame/ToeJamAndEarl''''', '''''VideoGame/{{Vectorman}}''''', '''''VideoGame/VirtuaFighter 2''''', '''''VideoGame/WonderBoyInMonsterWorld''''', ''VideoGame/WorldOfIllusion'', and ''''' Yu Yu Hakusho Makyō Tōitsusen''''' [[/labelnote]] In 2021, Nintendo introduced an Expansion Pack for its Platform/NintendoSwitch Online service, which includes a library of Sega Genesis games. New games are added to the library every so often. Nintendo also introduced a replica three button Genesis controller that can be used with the Switch. In 2022, following the Mini's massive success, Sega revealed the Sega Genesis Mini 2 (again named the Mega Drive Mini 2 outside North America), modelled after the Genesis Model 2 and featuring another 50+ games, including a number of Sega CD games[[labelnote:List (exclusives in bold)]]'''''Aa Harimanada''''', ''VideoGame/AfterBurner II'', ''VideoGame/AlienSoldier'' (previously only on the Taiwan/Korea version of the original Genesis Mini), ''VideoGame/AtomicRunnerChelnov'', ''VideoGame/BonanzaBros'', '''''VideoGame/CaptainTsubasa''''', '''''VideoGame/ClayFighter''''', '''''VideoGame/{{Columns}} III''''', ''VideoGame/CrusaderOfCenty'', '''''VideoGame/DesertStrike''''', ''Devi & Pii'' (an unreleased game developed by Takashi Iizuka pre-''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog3AndKnuckles Sonic 3]]''), ''[[VideoGame/RoboAleste Dennin Aleste]]'' (''Robo Aleste'' outside Japan), '''''VideoGame/EarthwormJim 2''''', '''''Elemental Master''''', ''VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin CD'', ''[[VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin Ecco: The Tides of Time CD]]'', ''VideoGame/FantasyZone'', ''VideoGame/FatalFury2'', ''VideoGame/FinalFight CD'', ''VideoGame/GainGround'', '''''VideoGame/GoldenAxeII''''', ''Granada'', '''''VideoGame/Hellfire1989''''', '''''VideoGame/HerzogZwei''''', '''''Honoo no Toukyuuji Dodge Danpei''''', '''''Katayama Masayuki no Mahjong Dojo''''', '''''[[VideoGame/LangrisserI Langrisser]]''''' (under its English name, ''Warsong'') '''''VideoGame/LunarEternalBlue''''', '''''VideoGame/LunarTheSilverStar''''', '''''Manga/MagicalTarurutoKun''''', '''''Mahou no Shoujo: Silky Lip!''''', ''VideoGame/MansionOfHiddenSouls'', ''Megapanel'', ''VideoGame/MidnightResistance'', '''''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater''''', ''VideoGame/NightStriker'', ''VideoGame/NightTrap'', ''VideoGame/{{TheNinjaWarriors|1987}}'', '''''VideoGame/TheOoze''''', ''VideoGame/OutRun'', '''''[[VideoGame/OutRun OutRunners]]''''', '''''Party Quiz Mega-Q 2022''''', '''''Party Quiz Sega-Q''''', ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarII'' (includes the easy difficulty added with the [=PS2=] Sega AGES release) '''''VideoGame/PopfulMail''''', ''VideoGame/{{Populous}}'', '''''Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R''''', '''''VideoGame/RainbowIslands Extra''''', ''VideoGame/RangerX'', '''''VideoGame/TheRevengeOfShinobi''''', '''''VideoGame/{{Ristar}}''''', ''VideoGame/RollingThunder 2'', '''''VideoGame/{{Romance of the Three Kingdoms|Koei}} III: Dragon of Destiny''''' (both the Mega Drive and MEGA-CD versions), '''''VideoGame/SewerShark''''', '''''VideoGame/ShadowDancer''''', '''''[[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiI Shin Megami Tensei]]''''', '''''VideoGame/ShiningForceII''''', ''[[VideoGame/ShiningForceGaidenGames Shining Force CD]]'', ''VideoGame/ShiningInTheDarkness'', ''VideoGame/{{Silpheed}}'', '''''VideoGame/Sonic3DBlast''''', ''VideoGame/SonicCD'', '''''[[VideoGame/DragonSlayer Sorcerian]]''''', ''VideoGame/SpaceHarrier'', ''VideoGame/SpaceHarrier II'' (an upgraded version that plays more akin to the original arcade game), ''Spatter'' (a new port of a SEGA arcade game), ''VideoGame/{{Splatterhouse}} 2'', '''''Star Cruiser''''', ''Star Mobile'' (a completed, but previously-unannounced and unreleased game from 1992), '''''VideoGame/{{Starblade}}''''', '''''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage 3''''', '''''Super VideoGame/HangOn''''', ''Super Locomotive'' (another new SEGA arcade game port), ''Super VideoGame/StreetFighterII'', '''''Tenka Fubu: Eiyuutachi no Houkou''''', ''VideoGame/ThunderForce IV'' (''Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar'' outside Japan), '''''VideoGame/ToeJamAndEarl in Panic on Funkotron''''', '''''Tougi-ou King Colossus''''', ''Viewpoint'' (officially releasing in Japan for the first time), '''''VideoGame/{{Vectorman}} 2''''', ''VideoGame/VirtuaRacing'' (the SVC chip-powered Genesis/Mega Drive version), ''VS VideoGame/PuyoPuyoSun'' (a demake of the Saturn game's 2-player mode with tweaked/updated mechanics), '''''Wondermega Collection'''''[[/labelnote]], slated for release natively in Japan and via import in the US and Europe on October 27 of that year.

'''Sega CDX''': Combination Genesis/Sega CD/portable CD player. Only released in North America for $399 and with only 5,000 made is pretty rare (in other words, expensive in the aftermarket). While the CD player is powered by batteries it needs to be plugged into a wall to play games. Despite Sega's insistence to the contrary it works just fine with the 32X, though it doesn't support the Power Base Converter.

'''Mega-LD PAC''': Ironically an add-on for another "console", this gave the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaserActive Pioneer LaserActive]] the ability to play Genesis and Sega CD games, along with special "Mega LD" games that made use of the [=LaserActive’s=] laserdisc player. At an absurd $600, and needing a $900 [=LaserActive=] to work, these obviously saw a ''very'' limited release (mainly in Japan, where Laserdiscs were far more popular than in North America), and as such are stupidly expensive today. Incompatible with the 32X and Power Base Converter. A similar device, the LD-ROM PAC, allows the [=LaserActive=] to play PC Engine and PC Engine CD games, along with their own laserdisc games.

'''Terradrive''': Combination Mega Drive/IBM PC. Only released in Japan and completely bombed thanks to the PC end being about a decade out of date, though with the right software it could act as a dev kit. Incompatible with all add-ons. Incredibly rare, and even more rare is the European/Australian version released by Amstrad.

* ''Wolfchild''

While the Platform/SegaMasterSystem was a decent success in Europe and South America (Mostly from UsefulNotes/{{Brazil}}), it failed to make any strong dents in the North American and Japanese markets. The hold of the [[Platform/NintendoEntertainmentSystem NES/Famicom]] was too strong, and the Master System wasn't advanced enough to topple the juggernaut. So Creator/{{Sega}} decided to just top it. Creator/{{Nintendo}} were complacent with their success and dragging their feet on developing a [[UsefulNotes/The16bitEraOfConsoleVideoGames 16-bit]] system, which was the {{UsefulNotes/arcade|game}} standard at the time. They were already being impacted in Japan by the sudden success of NEC's [[Platform/TurboGrafx16 PC Engine]] ([=TurboGrafx-16=] in the West) which, while not ''actually'' 16-bit, was a noticeable technical improvement from the Famicom, which was underpowered even for its time. Thus, Sega decided that they would beat Nintendo to the punch with a console based on their System 16 arcade board (codenamed "Mark V").

The Genesis and SNES had a long and fierce rivalry in the west which is the best-remembered {{UsefulNotes/Console War|s}} of all. Sega brazenly championed the technological superiority of 16-bits as a marketing point over the 8-bit NES: a "16-bit" nameplate was loudly plastered on the console, and their port of ''VideoGame/{{Strider|Arcade}}'' was advertised as one of the biggest games of its day due to the fact that it was the first Sega game to use an 8-Megabit cartridge. After Nintendo upgraded to their own 16-bit console that was technically superior to the competition in many respects, Sega of America decided to change strategies and instead advertise the "Blast Processing" power of the Genesis, whatever that meant; it was just a marketing ploy to spin how the console had a faster processor than the SNES. Sega even planned ''VideoGame/Sonic3AndKnuckles'' to be a then-staggering 34-Megabit cartridge, but when it became far too expensive for them to manufacture (along with the game being rushed down the pipeline due to a tie-in deal with UsefulNotes/McDonalds), they were forced to [[OneGameForThePriceOfTwo split the game in half]]; the latter release had a specialized Lock-On Technology cartridge which allowed the game to be played in its intended length.

** ''Star Mobile'' (a completed 1992 conversion of a puzzle game orignally released on the UsefulNotes/SharpX68000 and [[Platform/TurboGrafx16 PC Engine CD]] that was never announced or released)

* [[/index]]''Franchise/TheSimpsons'':[[index]]

** ''VideoGame/TheSimpsonsBartVsTheSpaceMutants''

** ''VideoGame/KrustysFunHouse''

The very same Nintendo/Sega rivalry would find a new light in 2019 when Sega responded to Nintendo's release of Classic Mini UsefulNotes/PlugnPlayGame systems with their own Sega Genesis Mini (called the Mega Drive Mini outside North America). The system would release worldwide on September 19, 2019. [[labelnote:List (exclusives in bold)]]'''''VideoGame/AlexKidd in the Enchanted Castle''''', '''''VideoGame/AlienSoldier''''', ''VideoGame/AlisiaDragoon'', '''''VideoGame/AlteredBeast1988''''', '''''Assault Suit Leynos''''', ''Beyond Oasis 2'', '''''VideoGame/CastleOfIllusion Starring Mickey Mouse''''', ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaBloodlines'', ''VideoGame/{{Columns}}'', '''''VideoGame/ComixZone''''', ''VideoGame/ContraHardCorps'', ''VideoGame/{{Darius}}'', '''''VideoGame/DrRobotniksMeanBeanMachine''''', '''''Dyna Brothers 2''''', '''''VideoGame/DynamiteHeaddy''''', '''''VideoGame/EarthwormJim''''', '''''VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin''''', '''''VideoGame/EternalChampions''''', ''Game no Kanzume Otokuyou'', ''Ghouls N Ghosts'', ''VideoGame/GoldenAxe'', ''VideoGame/GunstarHeroes'', '''''VideoGame/KidChameleon''''', ''VideoGame/{{Landstalker}}'', '''''Langrisser II''''', '''''VideoGame/LightCrusader''''', '''''VideoGame/LordMonarch''''', ''Madō Monogatari I'', ''VideoGame/MegaMan: The Wily Wars (officially releasing this game in North America for the first time)'', ''Monster World IV'', '''''VideoGame/{{MUSHA}}''''', '''''VideoGame/OutRun 2019''''', '''''Party Quiz Mega-Q''''', ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarIV'', Powerball, '''''VideoGame/PuyoPuyo 2''''', '''''Puzzle & Action Tant-R''''', '''''Rent-A-Hero''''', ''VideoGame/RoadRash 2'', ''VideoGame/ShiningForce'', '''''Shining Force 2''''', '''''Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master''''', '''''Slap Fight MD''''', '''''Snow Bros''''', '''''VideoGame/SonicSpinball''''', '''''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog1''''', ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2'', ''Space Harrier 2'', '''''VideoGame/StreetFighterII Special Championship Edition''''', ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage 2'', '''''VideoGame/{{Strider}}''''', ''Super Fantsay Zone'', '''''Sword of Vermillion''''', ''VideoGame/{{Tetris}}'' (saving a long-lost Genesis port of that game from DevelopmentHell), '''''The Hybrid Front''''', '''''The Revenge of Shinobi''''', ''VideoGame/ThunderForce 3'', '''''VideoGame/ToeJamAndEarl''''', '''''VideoGame/{{Vectorman}}''''', '''''VideoGame/VirtuaFighter 2''''', '''''VideoGame/WonderBoyInMonsterWorld''''', ''VideoGame/WorldOfIllusion'', and ''''' Yu Yu Hakusho Makyō Tōitsusen''''' [[/labelnote]] In 2021, Nintendo introduced an Expansion Pack for its Platform/NintendoSwitch Online service, which includes a library of Sega Genesis games. New games are added to the library every so often. Nintendo also introduced a replica three button Genesis controller that can be used with the Switch. In 2022, following the Mini's massive success, Sega revealed the Sega Genesis Mini 2 (again named the Mega Drive Mini 2 outside North America), modelled after the Genesis Model 2 and featuring another 50+ games, including a number of Mega-CD games[[labelnote:List (exclusives in bold)]]'''''Aa Harimanada''''', ''VideoGame/AfterBurner II'', ''VideoGame/AlienSoldier'' (previously only on the Taiwan/Korea version of the original Genesis Mini), ''VideoGame/AtomicRunnerChelnov'', ''VideoGame/BonanzaBros'', '''''VideoGame/CaptainTsubasa''''', '''''VideoGame/ClayFighter''''', '''''VideoGame/{{Columns}} III''''', ''VideoGame/CrusaderOfCenty'', '''''VideoGame/DesertStrike''''', ''Devi & Pii'' (an unreleased game developed by Takashi Iizuka pre-''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog3AndKnuckles Sonic 3]]''), ''[[VideoGame/RoboAleste Dennin Aleste]]'' (''Robo Aleste'' outside Japan), '''''VideoGame/EarthwormJim 2''''', '''''Elemental Master''''', ''VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin CD'', ''[[VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin Ecco: The Tides of Time CD]]'', ''VideoGame/FantasyZone'', ''VideoGame/FatalFury2'', ''VideoGame/FinalFight CD'', ''VideoGame/GainGround'', '''''VideoGame/GoldenAxeII''''', ''Granada'', '''''VideoGame/Hellfire1989''''', '''''VideoGame/HerzogZwei''''', '''''Honoo no Toukyuuji Dodge Danpei''''', '''''Katayama Masayuki no Mahjong Dojo''''', '''''[[VideoGame/LangrisserI Langrisser]]''''' (under its English name, ''Warsong'') '''''VideoGame/LunarEternalBlue''''', '''''VideoGame/LunarTheSilverStar''''', '''''Manga/MagicalTarurutoKun''''', '''''Mahou no Shoujo: Silky Lip!''''', ''VideoGame/MansionOfHiddenSouls'', ''Megapanel'', ''VideoGame/MidnightResistance'', '''''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater''''', ''VideoGame/NightStriker'', ''VideoGame/NightTrap'', ''VideoGame/{{TheNinjaWarriors|1987}}'', '''''VideoGame/TheOoze''''', ''VideoGame/OutRun'', '''''[[VideoGame/OutRun OutRunners]]''''', '''''Party Quiz Mega-Q 2022''''', '''''Party Quiz Sega-Q''''', ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarII'' (includes the easy difficulty added with the [=PS2=] Sega AGES release) '''''VideoGame/PopfulMail''''', ''VideoGame/{{Populous}}'', '''''Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R''''', '''''VideoGame/RainbowIslands Extra''''', ''VideoGame/RangerX'', '''''VideoGame/TheRevengeOfShinobi''''', '''''VideoGame/{{Ristar}}''''', ''VideoGame/RollingThunder 2'', '''''VideoGame/{{Romance of the Three Kingdoms|Koei}} III: Dragon of Destiny''''' (both the Mega Drive and MEGA-CD versions), '''''VideoGame/SewerShark''''', '''''VideoGame/ShadowDancer''''', '''''[[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiI Shin Megami Tensei]]''''', '''''VideoGame/ShiningForceII''''', ''[[VideoGame/ShiningForceGaidenGames Shining Force CD]]'', ''VideoGame/ShiningInTheDarkness'', ''VideoGame/{{Silpheed}}'', '''''VideoGame/Sonic3DBlast''''', ''VideoGame/SonicCD'', '''''[[VideoGame/DragonSlayer Sorcerian]]''''', ''VideoGame/SpaceHarrier'', ''VideoGame/SpaceHarrier II'' (an upgraded version that plays more akin to the original arcade game), ''Spatter'' (a new port of a SEGA arcade game), ''VideoGame/{{Splatterhouse}} 2'', '''''Star Cruiser''''', ''Star Mobile'' (a completed, but previously-unannounced and unreleased game from 1992), '''''VideoGame/{{Starblade}}''''', '''''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage 3''''', '''''Super VideoGame/HangOn''''', ''Super Locomotive'' (another new SEGA arcade game port), ''Super VideoGame/StreetFighterII'', '''''Tenka Fubu: Eiyuutachi no Houkou''''', ''VideoGame/ThunderForce IV'' (''Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar'' outside Japan), '''''VideoGame/ToeJamAndEarl in Panic on Funkotron''''', '''''Tougi-ou King Colossus''''', ''Viewpoint'' (officially releasing in Japan for the first time), '''''VideoGame/{{Vectorman}} 2''''', ''VideoGame/VirtuaRacing'' (the SVC chip-powered Genesis/Mega Drive version), ''VS VideoGame/PuyoPuyoSun'' (a demake of the Saturn game's 2-player mode with tweaked/updated mechanics), '''''Wondermega Collection'''''[[/labelnote]], slated for release natively in Japan and via import in the US and Europe on October 27 of that year.

Not to be confused with the band Music/{{Genesis|Band}}, the [[WebGames web game]] ''VideoGame/GeNeSis2009'', the [[Film/StarTrekIITheWrathOfKhan Genesis Device]], the Literature/BookOfGenesis in Literature/TheBible, the yearly PPV event held by Wrestling/ImpactWrestling, the [[https://www.genesis.com/us/en/genesis.html Korean luxury car brand]], or [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNvQYiM6bw#t=786s the Genesis game based on the book in The Bible with a soundtrack by Genesis.]]

** Along with the [=TurboGrafx-16=], the console's brazen marketing of the 16 bit mantra (even proudly displaying it on the first model of the console) started the rather unfortunate misconception that "Bits=Better Graphics/The Power of the Console". While it does have a grain of truth in it, [[UsefulNotes/HowVideoGameSpecsWork it's also a gross oversimplification of how bits work.]]

While the UsefulNotes/SegaMasterSystem was a decent success in Europe and South America (Mostly from UsefulNotes/{{Brazil}}), it failed to make any strong dents in the North American and Japanese markets. The hold of the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem NES/Famicom]] was too strong, and the Master System wasn't advanced enough to topple the juggernaut. So Creator/{{Sega}} decided to just top it. Creator/{{Nintendo}} were complacent with their success and dragging their feet on developing a [[UsefulNotes/The16bitEraOfConsoleVideoGames 16-bit]] system, which was the {{UsefulNotes/arcade|game}} standard at the time. They were already being impacted in Japan by the sudden success of NEC's [[UsefulNotes/TurboGrafx16 PC Engine]] ([=TurboGrafx-16=] in the West) which, while not ''actually'' 16-bit, was a noticeable technical improvement from the Famicom, which was underpowered even for its time. Thus, Sega decided that they would beat Nintendo to the punch with a console based on their System 16 arcade board (codenamed "Mark V").

Although the Mega Drive flopped in its home country, which was already embroiled in a war between the Famicom and the PC Engine, Sega of America's and Sega of Europe's adept marketing broke Nintendo's stranglehold on the Western market (while the [=TurboGrafx-16=] [[AmericansHateTingle was squeezed out of the market by both competitors there]]), redefining the landscape for both companies and consumers and giving the Big N its first real competition in the home console business, the Genesis also got success in Europe thanks to European-heavy [=IPs=] at that time. Nintendo eventually deployed their own 16-bit console in the form of the [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem Super NES/Super Famicom]].

The very same Nintendo/Sega rivalry would find a new light in 2019 when Sega responded to Nintendo's release of Classic Mini UsefulNotes/PlugnPlayGame systems with their own Sega Genesis Mini (called the Mega Drive Mini outside North America). The system would release worldwide on September 19, 2019. [[labelnote:List (exclusives in bold)]]'''''VideoGame/AlexKidd in the Enchanted Castle''''', '''''VideoGame/AlienSoldier''''', ''VideoGame/AlisiaDragoon'', '''''VideoGame/AlteredBeast1988''''', '''''Assault Suit Leynos''''', ''Beyond Oasis 2'', '''''VideoGame/CastleOfIllusion Starring Mickey Mouse''''', ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaBloodlines'', ''VideoGame/{{Columns}}'', '''''VideoGame/ComixZone''''', ''VideoGame/ContraHardCorps'', ''VideoGame/{{Darius}}'', '''''VideoGame/DrRobotniksMeanBeanMachine''''', '''''Dyna Brothers 2''''', '''''VideoGame/DynamiteHeaddy''''', '''''VideoGame/EarthwormJim''''', '''''VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin''''', '''''VideoGame/EternalChampions''''', ''Game no Kanzume Otokuyou'', ''Ghouls N Ghosts'', ''VideoGame/GoldenAxe'', ''VideoGame/GunstarHeroes'', '''''VideoGame/KidChameleon''''', ''VideoGame/{{Landstalker}}'', '''''Langrisser II''''', '''''VideoGame/LightCrusader''''', '''''VideoGame/LordMonarch''''', ''Madō Monogatari I'', ''VideoGame/MegaMan: The Wily Wars (officially releasing this game in North America for the first time)'', ''Monster World IV'', '''''VideoGame/{{MUSHA}}''''', '''''VideoGame/OutRun 2019''''', '''''Party Quiz Mega-Q''''', ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarIV'', Powerball, '''''VideoGame/PuyoPuyo 2''''', '''''Puzzle & Action Tant-R''''', '''''Rent-A-Hero''''', ''VideoGame/RoadRash 2'', ''VideoGame/ShiningForce'', '''''Shining Force 2''''', '''''Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master''''', '''''Slap Fight MD''''', '''''Snow Bros''''', '''''VideoGame/SonicSpinball''''', '''''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog1''''', ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2'', ''Space Harrier 2'', '''''VideoGame/StreetFighterII Special Championship Edition''''', ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage 2'', '''''VideoGame/{{Strider}}''''', ''Super Fantsay Zone'', '''''Sword of Vermillion''''', ''VideoGame/{{Tetris}}'' (saving a long-lost Genesis port of that game from DevelopmentHell), '''''The Hybrid Front''''', '''''The Revenge of Shinobi''''', ''VideoGame/ThunderForce 3'', '''''VideoGame/ToeJamAndEarl''''', '''''VideoGame/{{Vectorman}}''''', '''''VideoGame/VirtuaFighter 2''''', '''''VideoGame/WonderBoyInMonsterWorld''''', ''VideoGame/WorldOfIllusion'', and ''''' Yu Yu Hakusho Makyō Tōitsusen''''' [[/labelnote]] In 2021, Nintendo introduced an Expansion Pack for its UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch Online service, which includes a library of Sega Genesis games. New games are added to the library every so often. Nintendo also introduced a replica three button Genesis controller that can be used with the Switch. In 2022, following the Mini's massive success, Sega revealed the Sega Genesis Mini 2 (again named the Mega Drive Mini 2 outside North America), modelled after the Genesis Model 2 and featuring another 50+ games, including a number of Mega-CD games[[labelnote:List (exclusives in bold)]]'''''Aa Harimanada''''', ''VideoGame/AfterBurner II'', ''VideoGame/AlienSoldier'' (previously only on the Taiwan/Korea version of the original Genesis Mini), ''VideoGame/AtomicRunnerChelnov'', ''VideoGame/BonanzaBros'', '''''VideoGame/CaptainTsubasa''''', '''''VideoGame/ClayFighter''''', '''''VideoGame/{{Columns}} III''''', ''VideoGame/CrusaderOfCenty'', '''''VideoGame/DesertStrike''''', ''Devi & Pii'' (an unreleased game developed by Takashi Iizuka pre-''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog3AndKnuckles Sonic 3]]''), ''[[VideoGame/RoboAleste Dennin Aleste]]'' (''Robo Aleste'' outside Japan), '''''VideoGame/EarthwormJim 2''''', '''''Elemental Master''''', ''VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin CD'', ''[[VideoGame/EccoTheDolphin Ecco: The Tides of Time CD]]'', ''VideoGame/FantasyZone'', ''VideoGame/FatalFury2'', ''VideoGame/FinalFight CD'', ''VideoGame/GainGround'', '''''VideoGame/GoldenAxeII''''', ''Granada'', '''''VideoGame/Hellfire1989''''', '''''VideoGame/HerzogZwei''''', '''''Honoo no Toukyuuji Dodge Danpei''''', '''''Katayama Masayuki no Mahjong Dojo''''', '''''[[VideoGame/LangrisserI Langrisser]]''''' (under its English name, ''Warsong'') '''''VideoGame/LunarEternalBlue''''', '''''VideoGame/LunarTheSilverStar''''', '''''Manga/MagicalTarurutoKun''''', '''''Mahou no Shoujo: Silky Lip!''''', ''VideoGame/MansionOfHiddenSouls'', ''Megapanel'', ''VideoGame/MidnightResistance'', '''''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater''''', ''VideoGame/NightStriker'', ''VideoGame/NightTrap'', ''VideoGame/{{TheNinjaWarriors|1987}}'', '''''VideoGame/TheOoze''''', ''VideoGame/OutRun'', '''''[[VideoGame/OutRun OutRunners]]''''', '''''Party Quiz Mega-Q 2022''''', '''''Party Quiz Sega-Q''''', ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarII'' (includes the easy difficulty added with the [=PS2=] Sega AGES release) '''''VideoGame/PopfulMail''''', ''VideoGame/{{Populous}}'', '''''Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R''''', '''''VideoGame/RainbowIslands Extra''''', ''VideoGame/RangerX'', '''''VideoGame/TheRevengeOfShinobi''''', '''''VideoGame/{{Ristar}}''''', ''VideoGame/RollingThunder 2'', '''''VideoGame/{{Romance of the Three Kingdoms|Koei}} III: Dragon of Destiny''''' (both the Mega Drive and MEGA-CD versions), '''''VideoGame/SewerShark''''', '''''VideoGame/ShadowDancer''''', '''''[[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiI Shin Megami Tensei]]''''', '''''VideoGame/ShiningForceII''''', ''[[VideoGame/ShiningForceGaidenGames Shining Force CD]]'', ''VideoGame/ShiningInTheDarkness'', ''VideoGame/{{Silpheed}}'', '''''VideoGame/Sonic3DBlast''''', ''VideoGame/SonicCD'', '''''[[VideoGame/DragonSlayer Sorcerian]]''''', ''VideoGame/SpaceHarrier'', ''VideoGame/SpaceHarrier II'' (an upgraded version that plays more akin to the original arcade game), ''Spatter'' (a new port of a SEGA arcade game), ''VideoGame/{{Splatterhouse}} 2'', '''''Star Cruiser''''', ''Star Mobile'' (a completed, but previously-unannounced and unreleased game from 1992), '''''VideoGame/{{Starblade}}''''', '''''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage 3''''', '''''Super VideoGame/HangOn''''', ''Super Locomotive'' (another new SEGA arcade game port), ''Super VideoGame/StreetFighterII'', '''''Tenka Fubu: Eiyuutachi no Houkou''''', ''VideoGame/ThunderForce IV'' (''Lightening Force: Quest for the Darkstar'' outside Japan), '''''VideoGame/ToeJamAndEarl in Panic on Funkotron''''', '''''Tougi-ou King Colossus''''', ''Viewpoint'' (officially releasing in Japan for the first time), '''''VideoGame/{{Vectorman}} 2''''', ''VideoGame/VirtuaRacing'' (the SVC chip-powered Genesis/Mega Drive version), ''VS VideoGame/PuyoPuyoSun'' (a demake of the Saturn game's 2-player mode with tweaked/updated mechanics), '''''Wondermega Collection'''''[[/labelnote]], slated for release natively in Japan and via import in the US and Europe on October 27 of that year.

* The console has a 16/32-Bit [[UsefulNotes/CentralProcessingUnit Motorola 68000]][[note]]Which got around quite a bit, it was also in the UsefulNotes/AppleMacintosh, UsefulNotes/NeoGeo AES, Platform/SuperACan, and the UsefulNotes/AtariJaguar (as a co-prosessor)[[/note]] that runs at 7.68 [=MHz=] (varies per region). The 16-bit part was prominently used as a marketing point over the 8-bit NES. Its arithmetic and logic unit is 16 bits wide, but its registers are 32 bits wide. This CPU uses microcode to emulate 32 bit instructions in hardware slower than a full 32 bit processor, but faster than emulating the 32 bit instructions in 16 bit software.

** The system was heavily marketed for its ability to render objects faster than the UsefulNotes/{{S|uperNintendoEntertainmentSystem}}NES, a feature for which the Sega marketing division coined the term ''"[[http://segaretro.org/Blast_processing Blast Processing]]"''. The higher performance allowed the console to be able to render 3D polygons even without any special chips, like with ''VideoGame/HardDrivin'' and ''Star Cruiser''.

* Video cable support is identical to the first model of the UsefulNotes/SegaMasterSystem, allowing for RF, composite, and RGB, with support for standard SCART/JP-21 cables in the latter's case as opposed to competitors' usage of proprietary cables.

* The console had two [=DE9=] controller ports that were backwards-compatible with UsefulNotes/Atari2600 and UsefulNotes/SegaMasterSystem controllers. A 2600 joystick's button would be treated as button A; a Master System controller would have button 1 treated as button A, and button 2 as Start.

'''Genesis Model 2/Mega Drive II''': Slimmed-down version of the Model 1, giving it about the same footprint as the [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem SNES]]. Retailed for only $99 but lacked the headphone jack and volume slider, sadly the "16-BIT" was also the victim of budget cuts. Probably the most common Genesis/MD out there. Compatible with the Model 2 Sega CD and the 32X, incompatible with the Model 1 Sega CD (which requires the headphone jack on the original Genesis) and the Power Base Converter unless it's modded, as it will block the A/V ports. A Power Base Converter II that works with the Model 2 Genesis/MD was released in Europe but will work on any Genesis/MD.

'''Genesis Nomad''': Portable Genesis, only released in North America. Had the same battery life and screen issues as Sega's UsefulNotes/GameGear. Same compatibility issues as the Model 3. Released after the Saturn was on the market and flopped.

There's also way too many clones, authorized and unauthorized, to list here. Especially in South America, where the Genesis was the #1 console well into the 2010s, and maybe even to this day. Following in Nintendo's lead, a miniature version of the console with a built-in selection of games called the Genesis/Mega Drive Mini was released in 2019. A follow-up called the Genesis/Mega Drive Mini 2, now including UsefulNotes/SegaCD games, was released in 2022.

'''Power Base Converter''': Also known as the "Master System Converter" in Europe and as the "Mega Adaptor" in Japan. An add-on which allowed the console to play all but a very select few Master System games[[note]]It cannot play games that use the Master System's special video modes like ''F-16 Fighting Falcon'' or use its Japan exclusive FM chip. It also cannot play SG-1000 games.[[/note]], either of the cartridge or the card variety, and included support for the SMS's [=SegaScope=] 3D glasses. The add-on was designed around the form factor of the original model of the Genesis, so it doesn't work with most revisions other than the second model (and even then the original Convertor had issues, so a new convertor was issued, albeit in Europe only; that version also lacked card support). It also won't work with a 32X unless it is modded.[[note]]As the UsefulNotes/GameGear was basically just a Master System shrunken down to (somewhat) portable size there were plans to release an updated Power Base Converter that also had Game Gear support, though it never got past the planning stage.[[/note]]

'''[[UsefulNotes/SegaCD Sega CD/Mega-CD]]''': An add-on which would allow the console to take advantage of the higher-capacity CD storage medium, enabling features such as [[InteractiveMovie Full Motion Video]] and Red Book CD sound. Unfortunately, the Genesis'[=/=]Mega Drive's own processing power wasn't quite enough to take advantage of these features to the fullest. Commonly believed to be a flop, the add-on actually sold well enough to be incorporated into some models of the console (the JVC [=Wondermega/X'Eye=] the CDX/Multi-Mega), though it never found the sort of popularity that NEC's CD add-on for the PC Engine did in Japan.

'''UsefulNotes/Sega32X''': Originally codenamed as "Mars"[[note]]As mentioned above, "Neptune" was a cancelled Genesis/32X in a single unit[[/note]], a cartridge-based 32-bit system to go along with their second CD-based system, the UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn. The add-on boasted two 32-bit processors and primitive 3D graphics capabilities, and was marketed as an opportunity for consumers to get a head start on the 32-bit generation. Unfortunately, both consumers and developers saw that the superior Saturn was just around the corner--although Sega deluded themselves into believing the 32X and Saturn could co-exist, with casual gamers gravitating towards the cheaper 32X while the Saturn was reserved for the hardcore crowd. Titles for the add-on were few and far between, and many of the games that were released ended up ChristmasRushed. Some earlier CD games were also re-released on the 32X to take advantage of the system's improved processing; those games require ''both'' the 32X and CD accessories to be present to be playable[[note]]"Those games" being ''Corpse Killer'', ''Fahrenheit'', the (in)famous ''Night Trap'', ''Slam City with Scottie Pippen'', ''Supreme Warrior'', and ''Surgical Strike'' (which was only released in Brazil)[[/note]]. Madness.

** ''Battletoads'' (a direct port of Creator/{{Rare}}'s original [[UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem NES]] game by an then-unknown Creator/ArcSystemWorks with slightly nerfed difficulty and tweaked graphics and music)

** ''Darius Extra Version'' (a ''2019'' port of the game, originally exclusive to the Genesis Mini before getting an actual cartridge and later a digital release for [[/index]]UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 and UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch[[index]])

** ''Star Mobile'' (a completed 1992 conversion of a puzzle game orignally released on the UsefulNotes/SharpX68000 and [[UsefulNotes/TurboGrafx16 PC Engine CD]] that was never announced or released)

* TheArtifact: In the early days of the Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega kept the Master System's Alex Kidd around as their mascot. But when ''Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle'' flopped with critics and retail, Sonic turned out to be their real {{cash cow|franchise}}. Sega mostly retired Alex Kidd from their Genesis/Mega Drive, Saturn, and [[UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast Dreamcast]] libraries, with Alex being relegated to very-sporadic cameos in later works, such as {{Mascot Racer}}s and the [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics comics.]]

* CompetingProductPotshot: The Genesis was known for its famous advertising campaign "Genesis Does What Nintendon't," targeting the leading competitor, the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem. They eventually softened up and dropped the slogan sometime into the 1990's; instead, they pushed that the Genesis had "Blast Processing" that made Genesis games feel faster than their Super Nintendo counterparts. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bun8tA_ksZw The gameplay of Super Mario Kart]] as was used as an example of how "slow" Nintendo's games were.

* DivorcedInstallment: As with the UsefulNotes/SegaMasterSystem, many early games were [[LicensedGame based on]] popular {{Anime}} and {{Manga}} franchises; these tended to be released in America and other Western markets without their original licenses. Examples include the aforementioned ''Mystic Defender'' and ''VideoGame/DecapAttack'' (originally a game based on the anime ''Magical Hat'').

** Different games made by different companies under the same title were quite common in that era. You wanted a game on multiple platforms, but the team you wanted only knew how to develop for one platform. So you contracted other teams to develop the game for other consoles. With little-to-no communication between developers, you wound up with very-different games that still kept to the brief given by the owner of the IP. It still happens to a degree in the modern day, albeit for different reasons. Many cross-platform games have levels that might differ from other consoles quite a lot (as was the case quite often during the transitional period for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 after the UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 came out), or games that differ completely due to different input methods (UsefulNotes/NintendoDS and UsefulNotes/NintendoWii).

** Sega Genesis controllers work with the ''UsefulNotes/Atari2600''.

** The Sega Nomad. While it's a near-fully functioning portable version of the Genesis/Mega Drive, it suffers from a truly horrific battery life (six AA's, from which you'd be lucky to get two hours of playtime), lacks a reset button (which makes certain games such as ''X-Men'' impossible to complete, as they require pressing the button at certain points), and is incompatible with the CD and 32X add-ons - although it would utterly defeat the point of it's portability if it was intended to connect to a Mega CD. Not to mention that if you shake it too much while playing, your game will freeze, typical for most cartridge based systems. And you can pretty much forget about playing on the ''Sonic & Knuckles'' lock-on cartridge without a mishap at some point. An official chargeable battery pack was made for the handheld, and the Nomad is also compatible with the same AC adapter as the Sega Genesis model-2 and UsefulNotes/GameGear. It was actually quite a powerful handheld for its time, featuring a backlit screen and the ability to connect with a TV to function as a traditional Genesis/Mega Drive. The concept of having a screen on your controller while also playing on the television would ironically become the main gimmick of Nintendo's UsefulNotes/WiiU more than a decade later, and the idea of a unit that could function as both a portable and home console would become the gimmick of the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch.

* TakeThat: The ad campaign in America took heavy pot-shots at Nintendo, whether by comparing the Genesis' Blast Processing (represented as a drag race car) to a broken-down ice cream truck with ''[[VideoGame/SuperMarioKart Mario Kart]]'' playing on it, or comparing Nintendo to a bloodsucking mosquito because they charged an extra $10 for certain games on the SNES. They also took a swipe at the [[UsefulNotes/ThreeDOInteractiveMultiplayer 3DO]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no1xCpLJgaI in one of their 32X ads.]] They also successfully sabotaged the UsefulNotes/TurboGrafx16 launch in the US by airing ads of this kind in the select markets the [=TG16=] was going to be tested in.

** The SVP chip port of VideoGame/VirtuaRacing for the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis was supposed to be a market test and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZHFbLfvb8w Sega had plans to re-release the SVP as a standalone add-on cartridge that other games that needed it locked-on to it]], along with plans to re-release Virtua Racing for the add-on along with a port for Virtua Fighter. Three things caused this to fall through: 1. The poor reception to the high price of the Virtua Racing cartridge convincing Sega that there was no money in this upgrade, 2. The fact that Sega's Japan branch was actively objecting the development of the add-on and pushing hard for the development of a new console instead, and perhaps most importantly 3. A patent filed by Creator/CodeMasters coincidentally detailing the design for such a device hitting the USPTO just days before Sega tried to file their patent. However, even if the SVP add-on did happen, impact would've been minimal and it would've been overshadowed by the 32X anyway.

* The console has a 16/32-Bit [[UsefulNotes/CentralProcessingUnit Motorola 68000]][[note]]Which got around quite a bit, it was also in the UsefulNotes/AppleMacintosh, UsefulNotes/NeoGeo AES, UsefulNotes/SuperACan, and the UsefulNotes/AtariJaguar (as a co-prosessor)[[/note]] that runs at 7.68 [=MHz=] (varies per region). The 16-bit part was prominently used as a marketing point over the 8-bit NES. Its arithmetic and logic unit is 16 bits wide, but its registers are 32 bits wide. This CPU uses microcode to emulate 32 bit instructions in hardware slower than a full 32 bit processor, but faster than emulating the 32 bit instructions in 16 bit software.

* ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'':

* ''VideoGame/EternalChampions''

* ''VideoGame/MegaManTheWilyWars''/''Rockman Megaworld'' (a CompilationRerelease of ''VideoGame/MegaMan'', ''VideoGame/MegaMan2'' and ''VideoGame/MegaMan3'' with 16-bit graphics and sounds. [[NoExportForYou Only released in Europe and Japan]], although it was briefly available in the US via the Sega Channel, and is now locally available via the Sega Genesis Mini)

** ''Krusty's Fun House''

* ''VideoGame/XPerts''

* ''VideoGame/{{Contra}}: Hard Corps''