Sega Genesis

The Sega Genesis, known as the Mega Drive outside North America, is a home video game console developed and sold by Sega. The Genesis is Sega's third console and the successor to the Sega Master System. It was released in 1988 in Japan, 1989 in North America, and 1990 in other regions. The console was part of the fourth generation of video game consoles and competed primarily with the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

History

The Sega Genesis was designed to be a more powerful alternative to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which dominated the market at the time. The console's Motorola 68000 processor and superior graphics capabilities allowed it to run more complex and visually appealing games. Sega's aggressive marketing strategies, including the famous "Genesis does what Nintendon't" campaign, helped the console gain a significant market share.

Hardware

The Sega Genesis is powered by a Motorola 68000 CPU running at 7.6 MHz, with a Zilog Z80 as a sound controller. It features a palette of 512 colors and can display up to 64 colors on screen simultaneously. The console uses ROM cartridges as its primary storage medium.

Peripherals

Several peripherals were released for the Sega Genesis, including the Sega CD and the Sega 32X, which expanded the console's capabilities. The Sega CD added CD-ROM support, allowing for larger and more complex games, while the Sega 32X provided enhanced graphics and processing power.

Games

The Sega Genesis boasts a large library of games, including iconic titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and Golden Axe. The console's game library is known for its variety, including genres such as platformers, beat 'em ups, and role-playing games.

Legacy

The Sega Genesis is considered one of the most successful and influential video game consoles of all time. It helped establish Sega as a major player in the video game industry and paved the way for future consoles like the Sega Saturn and Sega Dreamcast. The console's games continue to be celebrated and re-released on modern platforms.

See also

• List of Sega Genesis games
• Sega Genesis Mini
• Sega CD
• Sega 32X
• Sonic the Hedgehog (character)