Following in the footsteps of Nintendo’sNESandSNES Classicsystems, thePlayStation Classic, and even the Neo Geo Mini, Sega is releasing its own bite-sized plug-and-play system — theSega Genesis Mini. The system comes loaded with more than three dozen of the most iconic games released for the original Sega Genesis, and it promises a gaming experience you’d expect from the console you spent years playing in the ‘90s. From games and price to the console’s specs and the release date, here is everything we know about the Sega Genesis Mini.
It’s made by Sega, and it will vary by region
Go to Target or Walmart today, and you are very likely to seeplug-and-play Sega systemson the shelves, marketed as “Sega Genesis Flashback.” These consoles come preloaded with more than 80 games and feature several display modes and even wireless controllers, but they’ve been heavily criticized for poor-quality emulation that ruins the experience.
The Sega Genesis Mini isn’t made by a third-party company, but rather Sega itself. On the product’s official website, Sega appears to acknowledge the failure of earlier licensed versions, saying the new console “delivers quality as only a first-party product can.”
The Sega Genesis Mini will be about half the size of the original console, but its look is essentially identical to it. The shape and color are the same, as are the logos and the “High Definition Graphics” label across the top. As with the majority of plug-and-play systems, it willnotsupport the original Genesis’ cartridges.
What’s in the package?
Depending on where you live, the Sega Genesis Mini’s designwill vary slightly. In the West, the console will include two traditional, wired three-button controllers with USB plugs, while the Japanese Mega Drive version will only include one controller that features six buttons.
The use of USB controller inputs means the Sega Genesis Mini won’t be able to use the original system’s controllers, but it will feature more moving parts than we’re used to on traditional mini-style game consoles, including a headphone adjustment dial and the cartridge lock, even though they serve no functional purpose on the mini system.
Also included in the package is an HDMI cable, as well as a power cableandUSB power adapter, so you won’t have to purchase one separately or use your phone’s adapter in order to play the system.
It will include 40 games
The Sega Genesis’ primary competition back in its heyday was the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. When Nintendo released the SNES Classic, it came with 21 preloaded games. Sega nearly doubles that number with the Genesis Mini’s 40 included games. They are:
The Japanese Mega Drive Mini will include adifferent listof games, thoughseveral of the titles are identical. They are:
Interestingly, the quality of games you’re able to play willapparently not be affectedby where you happen to live. The Japanese console will include three separate versions ofCastlevania: Bloodlines, for instance, letting players choose between the North American, European, or Japanese games. This is a major difference from Sony’s PlayStation Classic, which offeredonly European versionsfor some of its included games that are widely considered to be inferior.
We tried our hand atguessing the other gameswe’ll likely see announced for the Sega Genesis Mini. When those titles get announced, we’ll be sure to update this article with that information.
It will include suspend points
Just like with the most recent plug-and-play consoles from Nintendo and Sony, the Sega Genesis Mini will include suspend points so you can always jump back into your favorite games. According to the Japanese website, there will be four save points available for each included game, and you will be able to save atanypoint – Sega emphasized that this could mean you’ll finally see the ending to your favorite ultra-difficult game from back in the day, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to skip anything.
It’s out this September
The Sega Genesis Mini will be available for purchase on July 25, 2025, for $80. Pre-orders in the United States are currently available fromBuy at AmazonandGameStop.
