An exciting new fan project has emerged that reimagines SEGA’s classic ninja action game Shinobi for the Neo Geo hardware. This ambitious demake demonstrates the creative spirit still alive in the retro gaming community.
The project, developed by H0ffman, showcases what Shinobi might have looked like if it had been released on SNK’s powerful arcade system. While SEGA’s original Shinobi was known for its tight controls and ninja action on the Master System and Genesis, this Neo Geo interpretation brings a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise.
For retro gaming enthusiasts interested in following more stories like this and staying up to date with the latest developments in the classic gaming scene, subscribe to our free weekly retro gaming news Substack, delivered to your inbox each Monday. Keep playing!
My OG console, the Sega Megadrive (aka Genesis to the USA) arrived in my house, via Santa Claus – in December 1990. I still remember the joy of seeing the box under the tree and then unwrapping it, unpacking it, and setting it up on the only spare TV we had in the house which was commissioned for child use. It was a 14″ CRT monitor for my Amstrad CPC 6128 which my dad kindly decided to buy the TV base for, so it doubled up as a TV (albeit one you had to manually tune via a knob for each of the 4 channels we had at the time).
I still remember via muscle memory where on the dial each of the channels was and could easily reach behind the TV for the switch to change it to the Megadrive, and tune it to the right frequency in a matter of seconds.
Anyway, fast forward to today – and the Sega Megadrive/Genesis is still alive and kicking, you might argue 2025 could be the best year since 1995 for fans of the console. Not only do we have a long list of games in production for release this year, we also have a live and kicking modding scene to bring all the modern conveniences to the classic console.
In light of the huge retro resurgence that 2024 brought, here is a list of products you can buy now for the Sega Genesis. If I have missed anything worth mentioning, let me know in the comments.
10. HDMI Cable for Sega Genesis Model 1/2 / 3, Sega CD, Sega CDX, Sega 32X, Sega Nomad, Original Sega Master System Console
Ok, so boring af – I get it, but this is a must-have if you do not have a CRT TV lying about (or if you do not have the space for the old beasts). Allowing you to plug in your old console to a modern TV will solve the need for most people looking to hook up their console via HDMI, as a bonus it will also work with the “tower of power” allowing you to connect the 32x as well. The adaptor allows you to switch between 4:3 and 16:9 for that original experience.
Looking for some relief from the winter chill? Sega has got you covered (literally) with a Green Hill Zone 100% polyester fleece blanket. I like the vibrant design on this and it’s a good size (50″ x 60″), printed on only one side. A good gift idea for any retro gaming Sega fans.
Limited to only 1,500 copies, and at the time of writing down to the last 20% of stock, this classic run and gun with a plethora of weapons and bosses to beat is a modern classic for a genuine classic console. I really like the quality of the games that are provided and this is one of my favourite new games for the console.
7. Alex Kidd “Janken Champion 1986” SEGA Master System video game Hoodie
What is there not to like about Alex Kidd? His crazy ears and his massive fists along with some very good games, have made him a Sega Icon. The Sega-produced hoodie is available in several colours and comes in sizes from S to XXL.
6. Retro-Bit Official Sega Genesis Controller 6-Button Arcade Pad for Sega Genesis – Original Port (Black)
We all agree that the 6 button Sega pads were the GOAT controllers. Right? Right…? Well, I do. The ability to play Streetfighter II without having to use the horrible shoulder buttons on the SNES was the knockout blow for me in this series of console wars. Well, the good folk at Retro-Bit make a damn fine range of controllers that look and feel identical to the original beauties.
5. Square Enix Sega Hardware Series “Bright Arts Gallery” diecast metal model
Think you have it all when it comes to collectables? Well, you don’t. You don’t have this $43.99 model Sega Genesis from Square Enix. It is due for release in April 2025 and I can confirm it looks like a Sega Genesis. Sadly it does not play games, and being tiny (H 0.59 in x W 2.36 in x D 1.77 in) it might get lost, but you might also make some profit by snapping one of these collectables up for the future!
4. RetroShell premium quality acrylic Sega Genesis game protectors
Ok, biased here as these are our products but we stand by the quality and need for serious collectors to protect and preserve their collections, whilst being able to display your treasures. Our RetroShell cases are made from 4mm acrylic and allow easy access via a trap door, along with being stackable either horizontally or vertically. We offer free worldwide shipping to our international customers and stand by our promise that these are the finest game protectors in the world.
3. 8Bitdo M30 2.4G Wireless Gamepad for the Original Sega Genesis
Let’s be real, the cable length on the older consoles was designed for small TVs (huge was 28″) so we could sit too close and “ruin your eyes” (quote from my mum). But we are not in the 90s any more, and not everyone has the official Sega wireless pads (I do 🧐) so the team at 8BitDo have got you covered. I love the quality of their products and this is a beauty which will connect to the OG console and other devices via 2.4g wireless.
2. Bitmap Books – Run ‘N’ Gun: A History of on-foot shooters
Not specifically for the Sega Genesis, but I find it hard to make a list of quality products for Sega fans without including a masterpiece from Bitmap Books. All of their books are visually spectacular and the books themselves are very well made and take pride of place in any collection, plus it comes with a free PDF version of the book 😎.
1. Hyperkin RetroN 3 HD 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console
I will be the first to admit that I am not a huge fan of the quality of this product, it is not FPGA, relying on emulation of the original cartridges to be able to play the games, and the controllers are not great. However, this will play all of your original cartridges, and give you HDMI and will also play Super Nintendo and Super Famicom games. Ideally, you want the Analogue Mega SG – but these are not likely to be for sale any time soon, and if you are lucky you might get a controller for $250+, so the Hyperkin RetroN is a good solution for 720p gaming and a quick and easy setup.
So there you have it, a list of products you can buy for the Sega Genesis. If you are reading this far, thanks – I appreciate you. If you love retro gaming, then perhaps you might like to sign up for our free, weekly Retro gaming substack. Click here to view the latest issue.
I hope that however you spent the Christmas time, it was enjoyable and filled with gaming goodness.
My week in gaming has been spent using my Chromatic, a beautiful console, playing Marvel Rivals (and Snap), and hacking my PS3 to load every guitar game from the PS2/PS3 era to relive the golden era of music games.
This week’s newsletter has 37 stories—including a Sega Genesis/Megadrive “Star Wars Holiday Special” game, watching films on the Game Boy Colour, Gen Z’s retro love, and a lot more. Thanks for reading!
News
🥳 Experience the force of nostalgia with the “Star Wars Holiday Special” mod for Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, adding a festive twist to your retro gaming. [RetroShell] Link
So bad it’s good.
🎮 Columbus Circle reveals the 8-Bit Compact HD, a modern 720p Famicom console designed to honour retro gaming in style. [RetroShell] Link
😂 Nintendo gives the NES a glow-up—officially rebranding it as “Regular Nintendo” after 39 years of memes. [Hard Drive] Link
📅 Celebrate gaming history with Fabli’s 2025 Retro Gaming Calendar (🇯🇵), packed with iconic dates and imagery to relive the classics. [RetroShell] Link
🖥️ Another N64 gem joins the PC world as dedicated fans bring a beloved classic to life with a new port. [VideoGamesChronicle] Link
🦊 Star Fox creator praises fans for porting Star Fox 64 to PC, even though it’s likely to draw Nintendo’s ire. [Automaton Media] Link
📺 Watch movies on your Game Boy using a creative link cable hack—because why not? [Hackaday] Link
🎄 SuperSega claims Sega approves its FPGA console—just in time for Christmas cheer! [Time Extension] Link
🎵 The Super Mario 64 soundtrack is now streaming via Nintendo Music—featuring all your favourite tunes from Peach’s Castle. [Nintendo Life] Link
🕹️ A passionate Sega fan has crafted a Final Fight MD console, blending creativity with retro fandom. [Time Extension] Link
🚫 Sega confirms no more mini consoles, exploring bold new ventures in retro gaming’s future. [GeekSided] Link
🤔 Sega confesses it’s unsure how many games it actually owns—some mysteries may remain forever unsolved. [Time Extension] Link
📦 Could Sega’s own game subscription service be on the horizon? Early hints point to a retro-inspired future. [Passionate Geekz] Link
🚀 “Sonic Robo Blast 3D 32X” brings a new dimension to the Sega 32X, with vibrant visuals and fast-paced gameplay. [RetroShell] Link
Features
🥌 Discover Japan’s hidden Sonic games, a treasure trove of forgotten adventures, and uncover what made these titles special and elusive. [RetroShell] Link
What’s the difference between a hedgehog and a police car? (Bad joke, google it)
📟 Witness Doom Eternal running on a Game Boy Color screen powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico in an incredible retro tech feat. [XDA Developers] Link
🪐 Dive into the rise and fall of Sega during the Saturn era, an odyssey marked by innovation, ambition, and bittersweet legacy. [RetroShell] Link
🎮 Do you really need to play the Virtual Boy? A humorous exploration of Nintendo’s most infamous console. [Nintendo Life] Link
🚀 Uncover Metroid Origins and the birth of Samus Aran, revealing the start of an iconic saga that defined generations. [RetroShell] Link
📺 Is this the ultimate CRT? A love letter to retro displays for enthusiasts who demand authenticity in gaming. [RetroShell] Link
🌟 Take a deep dive into overlooked video games, rediscovering hidden gems that are still worth playing today. [RetroShell] Link
There is one man who can solve this New Jersey drone problem.
🪱 Explore the untold story of Worms, where a simple idea revolutionised gaming with explosive results. [RetroShell] Link
🕹️ Miyamoto shares his son’s “frustrating experience” playtesting Super Mario 64, revealing valuable lessons in game design. [GameReactor] Link
📂 Go behind the scenes of game preservation with Square Enix, Capcom, Taito, and Sega, safeguarding retro gaming history. [RetroShell] Link
📈 Retro gaming sees a massive resurgence among Generation Z, with 70% showing interest in classic titles. [RetroShell] Link
🔮 Discover how the Zelda CD-i games inspire Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore, a spiritual successor for fans. [CBR] Link
🎮 Track the evolution of game controllers from A-B simplicity to X-Y complexity, celebrating decades of innovation. [RetroShell] Link
🎴 Relive the magic of the Super Game Boy, bringing Game Boy games to the SNES, complete with hidden secrets. [RetroShell] Link
Lists & Rankings
🎮Discover the best games exclusive to the Nintendo 64, ranked from fan favourites to hidden gems. [Game Rant] Link
🤖Ranking Robocop video game ports from the downright awful to the surprisingly awesome—don’t miss our breakdown![RetroShell] Link
Kind of hard to see with the urban camo.
🎂These early SNES classics still hold up today—proof that age is just a number in gaming! [CBR] Link
🤑From rare Pokémon cards to priceless collectables, dive into the world of Pokémon treasures that are worth a fortune. [The Gamer] Link
🛡️Relive the best Link moments across The Legend of Zelda franchise, ranked for their impact and nostalgia. [CBR] Link
🌟Take a deep dive into overlooked video game hidden gems—discover titles you might have missed but shouldn’t! [RetroShell] Link
📣Explore the most unforgettable video game marketing campaigns that redefined how we see games. [The Gamer] Link
🕹️A look at the best Game Boy games of each year—relive the iconic handheld’s golden moments. [The Gamer] Link
In the heart of Tokyo at the SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 conference, a remarkable endeavour was unveiled, one that delves into the rich cultural tapestry of video game creation. Four leading companies in the gaming world – Square Enix, Capcom, Taito, and Sega – have embarked on a journey to archive their historical development materials, transforming what was once deemed expendable into precious historical treasures for research and exhibition.
The Cultural Significance of Gaming Archives
Video games have evolved from mere pastimes to cultural phenomena, with their development materials from the 80s and 90s, like blueprints and sketches, becoming pivotal historical items. These artefacts provide insights into how games were conceptualized and crafted, fostering an understanding of the evolution of video game design, technology, and art.
Square Enix’s Trailblazing Archival Work
Square Enix, led by AI researcher Yoichiro Miyake, has been at the forefront of this archival movement. Since 2019, Miyake has been exploring the archives of Enix before its merger with Square, revealing materials previously undocumented. This discovery likened to finding a “treasure trove,” has sparked a project to digitize and manage these assets for future use, involving the photographing of physical items and their conversion into digital formats for research.
Capcom’s Archival System – CIAS
Capcom has developed the Capcom Illustrations Archives System (CIAS) to manage its historical assets, focusing on art and design elements for games like “Street Fighter” and “Rockman.” This system not only preserves these assets but also leverages them for current marketing and game development, showcasing a practical application of historical preservation.
Taito’s Challenges and Triumphs in Legacy Preservation
Taito, with its roots deep in arcade gaming history since 1953, faces unique challenges in preservation, including space and material deterioration. Despite these obstacles, they maintain a vast archive of arcade hardware, software, and even microfilms, which they proudly display at events commemorating their legacy.
Sega’s Recent Dive into Preservation
Sega, starting its preservation efforts in 2023, is now aggressively digitizing and cataloguing its past, from arcade machines to original artwork. This initiative includes plans to incorporate materials from subsidiaries like Atlus, aiming to create a comprehensive historical database.
Preserving the Physical: The Role of Game Boxes
The physical packaging of games, especially from the golden age of consoles like the NES and SNES, holds significant cultural and artistic value. These boxes are not just containers but pieces of art that reflect the era’s design and marketing ethos. Preserving them is crucial for collectors and historians to experience games as they were initially presented. For those keen on safeguarding these relics, RetroShell (www.retroshell.com) provides an array of display protectors designed to keep your collection safe from environmental damage, ensuring these artefacts can be enjoyed for years to come.
The Broader Impact of Preservation
The collective effort by these companies underscores a commitment to not just preserve history but to use it as a foundation for future innovation. This archival work teaches us about our past, informing current and future creators while also celebrating video games as cultural artefacts.
Envisioning the Future
As articulated by Yoichiro Miyake, the preservation of these materials is about building a bridge between generations of creators. By maintaining these archives, the industry ensures a continuous dialogue that honours its history while paving the way for future advancements.
This initiative highlighted at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 not only showcases the industry’s dedication to cultural heritage but also serves as a model for preservation across various fields, safeguarding a slice of digital culture for future generations to study and enjoy.
Sega’s journey in the gaming industry is a remarkable and often tumultuous saga that captures the volatile landscape of video game console rivalry, especially during the 1990s. Known as a pioneer in gaming technology, Sega not only set trends but also faced failures that reshaped the market. This summary will explore their ambitious yet misguided journey with the Sega Saturn, chronicling its initial promise, missteps, and the resulting legacy.
Introduction to Sega
Founding Year: Sega began as ‘Standard Games’ in 1940, primarily producing arcade games in Hawaii. By 1952, the company transitioned to Japan, becoming ‘Service Games of Japan.’
Market Transition: Sega initially thrived in the arcade sector, pivoting from mechanical games to groundbreaking console products in the early 1990s.
Sega’s peak came with the Genesis (or Mega Drive), launched in 1988-89, which spearheaded its success in Western markets by outpacing Nintendo at a vital time.
Sega’s Golden Era
The early 90s saw the rise of Sonic the Hedgehog, the company’s vibrant mascot who characterized a new era. Sega’s marketing campaigns were fierce, creating popular slogans like “Sega does what Nintendon’t,” directly challenging Nintendo’s dominance.
Market Strategy: Sega hired Tom Kalinske as President of Sega of America, who employed aggressive marketing tactics that propelled the Genesis into the forefront, resulting in a three-year lead over the Super Nintendo.
Enter Saturn
The Development Phase
Beginning: The Saturn was initially designed to showcase state-of-the-art 2D and 3D capabilities due to emerging competition from the Panasonic 3DO and Atari Jaguar.
Hardware: It boasted innovative specs—two CPUs (Hitachi’s SH-2 chips), dual Video Graphics Processors, and high-quality sound capabilities.
Despite promising features, concerns about competition led the team to hastily alter the planned release schedule, reflecting an uncharacteristic panic that derailed their earlier confidence.
Stumbling at Launch
E3 1995 Disaster
Surprise Launch: On May 11, 1995, during E3, Sega unveiled the Saturn with a shocking announcement that it was available immediately at an initial price of $399.
Market Backlash: The early release—meant to undermine the upcoming PlayStation—backfired spectacularly. Retailers, who were left unprepared, were enraged, and the insufficient supply (30,000 units) designed for launch worsened the perception of Sega’s mismanagement.
Sony’s Counterattack
The Mic-Drop Moment: Sony’s Steve Race followed up by dropping the price of PlayStation to $299, swiftly becoming the more attractive option. The move devastated Sega’s stance in the market.
An Uneven Battlefield
Hardware Complications
Despite an innovative vision, the Saturn’s complex hardware configuration made it difficult for developers. Notable issues included:
Lack of User-Friendly APIs: Unlike PlayStation, which provided tailored development tools, Sega’s unclear documentation resulted in a confused developer base.
Limited Games: The Saturn launched with only five titles, lacking sufficient exclusives to entice gamers, impacting its reception adversely.
Market Fragmentation and Internal Politics
The Disastrous 32X
Dual Systems: The release of the 32X, seen as a bridge between the Genesis and Saturn, inadvertently confused consumers and split Sega’s audience, crippling their marketing efforts.
Failure to Capture Momentum: After the Saturn’s rush to market, many titles developed for the 32X did not contribute meaningfully to the Sega brand.
Growing Divisions
Tensions grew internally between Sega’s American and Japanese divisions, leading to strategic misalignments that ultimately resulted in their decline, as detailed by Kalinske’s experiences.
Key Players
Impact on Market
Tom Kalinske (USA)
Successful marketing, initial console dominance
Hayao Nakayama (Japan)
Stringent control, limited vision for the international market
Identifying the Problems
Flawed Marketing Strategy: Marketing blitzes were overshadowed by poor launch decisions and confusing consumer offers.
Missed Opportunities: Significant games such as Sonic X-Treme fell victim to internal squabbles, exemplifying the curse of over-ambition entangled in ambition.
The Diminishing Legacy
The Post-Saturn Years
By 1998, with the Saturn officially discontinued after only three years and underwhelming sales of 9.26 million units, Sega struggled to regain market viability.
The Dreamcast Era: Though the Dreamcast emerged with some technical superiority, it inherited the negative perceptions lingering from Saturn’s chaotic processes.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
Sega’s story, especially regarding the Saturn, is a profound reminder of how company politics and management decisions can critically impact a product’s market success. The Saturn may have represented the peak of Sega’s engineering ambition and creativity, yet ultimately became a cautionary tale amidst fierce competition.
Embracing rapid advancement in technology while maintaining clarity in product development will be a challenge for future console manufacturers. Sega’s bold ambitions in the console wars showcased their innovative spirit, but an overzealous strategy combined with pivotal misjudgments ultimately hindered their fate. They played their cards early, demonstrated panic amidst competition, and unfortunately, lost much more than just a console.
This is the last newsletter before Christmas, so I wish you all a merry Christmas wherever you are in the world and however, you are spending it. I hope you get lots of time to play some retro games.
My week in gaming this week has revolved around hacking a PS3 Slim and getting every conceivable Guitar Hero/Rock Band game installed on it, then realising I did not have a PS3 Guitar (only an Xbox 360 one) and appreciating how slow the network functionality is on the PS3 as I try and transfer files 🫠. Also, I have been working on making RetroShell a news website and sourcing and writing many news articles that we have been writing on X (so it looks like the sources are very RetroShell-heavy this week).
The latest newsletter includes 33 stories, featuring pre-orders for retro gems like Slipstream Deluxe Edition, a Shenmue fangame’s festive update, Sega’s Netflix-style service, and rankings of gaming’s iconic moments.
News
🎮 Pre-orders for Slipstream Deluxe Edition are now live for the Nintendo Switch and PS5, offering the ultimate arcade-racing nostalgia! [RetroShell] Link
🐛 Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Worms Armageddon with a special Collector’s Edition packed with nostalgic goodies! [Otaku Study] Link
🎉 Celebrate the legacy of Gimmick! 2 with its stunning Collector’s Edition, now open for pre-orders on Switch and PS5. [RetroShell] Link
🎄Shenmue Fangame: Dreams of Saturn gets a festive update with bonkers new features for Christmas! [TimeExtension] Link
📖 Dive into The SNES Pixel Book, a beautifully illustrated celebration of the Super Nintendo’s glorious 16-bit era. (below) [RetroShell] Link
🎧 Onkyo teams up with Sega Saturn to release true wireless earphones, designed for fans of retro audio perfection. [TechEBlog] Link
🦁 A prototype of The Lion King SNES game from March 22, 1994, has been released, offering a fascinating glimpse into its development. [RetroShell] Link
📺 Sega considers launching a Netflix-style subscription service for its games, potentially changing the way retro titles are enjoyed. [GameRant] Link
🎲 Super Tilt Bro for the NES receives its first online update, marking a milestone for Wi-Fi cartridges in retro gaming. [RetroShell] Link
🎶 Sega fans rejoice! The SG-1000 30th Anniversary Collection takes you on a nostalgic musical journey through Sega’s early console era. [RetroShell] Link
🚗 BattleTanx for the N64 is back, with Limited Run Games opening pre-orders for a new cartridge release. [RetroShell] Link
🌍 Sam PR Explorer invites players on an Egyptian adventure with its brand-new MSX2 game. [RetroShell] Link
📱 A new multi-emulator for retro gaming has been launched on iOS, making it easier than ever to relive classics on the go. [Gearrice] Link
🌀 Relive the chaos! Sonic the Hedgehog 4 brings fresh adventures to the iconic blue blur’s legacy. [ScreenCrush] Link
🎅 The Shenmue fan game Dreams of Saturn is getting a crazy new Christmas update, packed with festive surprises! [Time Extension] Link
Features
🎮 Darkstalkers fans, rejoice! A developer shares exciting progress on a Sega Genesis fan project, breathing new life into the classic fighter. [RetroShell] Link
🕹️ Curious about playing SNES games on your Steam Deck? Here’s a guide to bringing your retro favourites to the modern handheld. [TechStory] Link
📦 ModRetro Chromatic Review: Is this modern device every retro gamer’s dream or just another pixelated promise? Find out! [Yahoo Tech] Link
🔫 Doom 64 stands tall as one of the best in the series—discover why it’s a must-play on Nintendo’s iconic console. [CBR] Link
🛠️ Hidden gems: An N64 modder uncovers extra RAM in the Expansion Pak, sparking fresh possibilities for retro enthusiasts. (below) [GoNintendo] Link
📺 Sega Mini Consoles may not be done yet—insights into the company’s roadmap for tapping into nostalgia. [Rolling Out] Link
📖 Relive Hideo Kojima’s early brilliance—30 years ago, Snatcher debuted in America with its sole official release. [Paste Magazine] Link
⏳ Sega’s future lies in its past? A bold statement from the company as it balances innovation with nostalgia. [The Guardian] Link
🥋 Rise of the Robots and its lesser-known sequel—how a forgotten fighter became the talk of fans for all the wrong reasons. [EventHubs] Link
Lists & Rankings
🎮 Ever wondered which Mario games appeared on non-Nintendo systems? Explore the plumber’s unexpected cameos across the gaming world. [CBR] Link
🚀 Some consoles were so ahead of their time they confused the market—discover the tech marvels that were misunderstood in their era. [CBR] Link
💪 The SNES boasted strong female leads—ranked here are the most iconic games showcasing their stories and impact. [GameRant] Link
🧛 Step into Dracula’s castle to rank the most intricately designed bosses from the Castlevania series—gory, gothic, and glorious. [CBR] Link
💰 Selling retro this Christmas? Here’s the golden list of the most expensive vintage consoles to flip for festive profits. [Golden Gate Media] Link
🎵 Retro consoles didn’t just play games—they were symphonies of sound. Dive into the best audio experiences of the golden age. [CBR] Link
🏢 Remember the studios that defined our childhoods? It’s a nostalgic tribute to the gaming legends that sadly closed their doors. [DualShockers] Link
📀 The Atari Lynx might’ve been overshadowed, but its game library was legendary. Here’s the definitive ranking of its best titles. [CBR] Link
🎨 The Game Boy Color isn’t just retro—it’s a treasure trove. Check out the hidden gems that still sparkle today. [Shacknews] Link
Battle Marine, the naval-themed shoot ’em up by SUZUKIPLAN, has been successfully ported to the Sega Game Gear and is now available on cartridge. Originally released on Steam, this intense bullet-hell shooter challenges players to master laser attacks and tactical manoeuvres as they navigate increasingly challenging waves of enemies.
The Game Gear version comes with packaging that replicates the original Japanese design, making it a perfect addition for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. The cartridge is available internationally, offering fans a chance to experience this high-energy shooter on classic hardware.
Onkyo has introduced a pair of true wireless earphones inspired by the iconic SEGA Saturn console. The CP-TWS01A model features earbuds designed to resemble the Saturn’s controllers, while the charging case mirrors the console’s aesthetic. Notably, these earphones incorporate the SEGA Saturn’s startup and system sounds, enhancing the nostalgic experience for users.
Key Features:
• Design: The earbuds and charging case are meticulously crafted to reflect the SEGA Saturn’s design elements, appealing to retro gaming enthusiasts.
• Audio Integration: Includes authentic SEGA Saturn startup and system sounds, providing an immersive nostalgic experience.
• Technical Specifications: Equipped with Qualcomm’s QCC3040 chipset, supporting SBC, AAC, and Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive audio codecs for high-quality sound reproduction. Features IPX7 water resistance (excluding the charging case), ambient microphone functionality, and a battery life of up to 9 hours on a single charge.
• Wireless Charging: An optional wireless charging pad, designed to resemble a game disc, is available for purchase separately.
Availability:
The SEGA Saturn-themed CP-TWS01A earphones are available for purchase in Japan, priced at approximately $100 USD for the earphones alone, and around $130 USD when bundled with the wireless charging pad.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sega’s entry into the home console market in Japan , the Sega SG-1000 30th Anniversary Collection offers a comprehensive 4-CD set that chronicles the musical evolution of Sega’s early gaming systems. This collection features tracks from the SG-1000, Sega Mark III, and Master System, highlighting both arcade ports and original titles that defined an era.
Key Features:
• Extensive Tracklist: The collection includes music from classics such as Congo Bongo, Star Jacker, Girl’s Garden, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, Space Harrier, OutRun, After Burner, and Phantasy Star. Notably, it features both PSG and FM sound versions for titles that supported FM synthesis, offering a comprehensive auditory experience.
• Exclusive Arrangements: In addition to original soundtracks, the set includes special 1980s-style arrangements by the elusive arranger Kei Takanishi, known for his work in Beep magazine. These tracks provide a nostalgic reinterpretation of classic themes.
• High-Quality Presentation: Released on July 31, 2013, the collection is priced at ¥5,500 and comes with a spot-varnished protective slipcase, reflecting Sega’s commitment to quality and preservation of its musical heritage.
This anniversary collection serves as both a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and an educational resource for those interested in the early days of video game music.
🎮 Sega Teases New Persona Games for 2024 [Exputer] Link
Features
💥 Sega and Nintendo’s Explosive Showdown in 1993: The Battle Heard Around the World – Take a trip down memory lane and relive the legendary showdown between Sega and Nintendo in 1993. [Super Jump Magazine] Link
A solid weekend in.
🍄 Super Mario RPG Review: A Classic RPG Collaboration Between Nintendo and Square Enix – Dive into a review of Super Mario RPG, a beloved collaboration between Nintendo and Square Enix. [Wired] Link
🌟 Super Mario RPG Review: A Nostalgic Journey Back to a Nintendo Classic – Revisit the classic Super Mario RPG with this nostalgic review. [Nintendo Insider] Link
🕹️ Check Out This Gigantic Raspberry Pi Game Boy – Discover an incredible Raspberry Pi-powered Game Boy that promises hours of retro gaming fun. [HowToGeek] Link
💾 Steam Deck Owners Mostly Use It for Emulating PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch, GameCube, and Game Boy – Steam Deck owners are turning to emulation to enjoy a wide range of classic games on this handheld device. [Ruetir] Link
🎮 How Much RAM Did the SNES Have? – Uncover the technical details of the SNES and learn how much RAM it had during its heyday. [Robots.net] Link
🚀 From ‘Spacewar!’ to ‘Starfield’: A History of Video Gaming – Take a journey through the history of video gaming, from the early days of “Spacewar!” to the highly anticipated release of “Starfield.” [LI Herald] Link
🔄 Sega Saturn: A Seriously Underrated Console – Explore why the Sega Saturn is often considered an underrated gem in the world of gaming consoles. [CBR] Link
✨ Aladdin for Sega Genesis Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary – Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic Sega Genesis game, Aladdin. [Inverse] Link
A whole new world of platform games 🥁
📼 Remembering Philips CD-i in Chocheluismos: The Revolution of Multimedia – Delve into the world of the Philips CD-i and its impact on multimedia gaming in this nostalgic article. [Ruetir] Link
🎮 Jaguar’s Graphic Power Marked in Its Classic Games – Learn about the graphic prowess of the Atari Jaguar through a look back at its classic games. [Gear Rice] Link
Lists & Rankings
🎮 Relive the ’80s: Top 25 Video Games That Defined a Decade – Take a nostalgic journey back to the ’80s with a list of the top 25 video games from that iconic era. [Wealth of Geeks] Link
If you know this, then you are old.
🍄 Weirdest Mario Games: Exploring the Quirky Side of the Mushroom Kingdom – Discover the quirkiest and most unusual Mario games that have graced the gaming world. [GameRant] Link
The crew were shocked by Mario’s porn collection
🌟 2D RPGs That Deserve HD Remakes: A Nostalgic Journey Awaits – Dive into the world of 2D RPGs and explore titles that are ripe for HD remakes. [CBR] Link
🔵 Best Sega Genesis Platform Games: Jump, Run, and Explore – Explore a selection of the best platform games on the Sega Genesis console. [GameRant] Link
🎮 Blast from the Past: Best Intellivision Games Worth Revisiting – Rediscover the magic of classic Intellivision games that continue to hold up today. [GamesRadar] Link
Not quite as good looking as the arcade version.
🚀 Turbocharge Your Gaming: Best PC Engine Games for Classic Fun – Dive into the world of PC Engine gaming with these outstanding titles. [GamesRadar] Link