The Sega Genesis Mini is sold as the Sega Mega Drive Mini internationally, following 1980s naming conventions. — AFP Relaxnews
Sega's miniaturized retro console, the Genesis Mini (or Mega Drive Mini) released Sept 19, with Nintendo's larger, lighter, less expensive Switch debuting Sept 20; Apple officially launched its Apple Arcade game subscription service on Sept 19 after a soft launch for some users earlier this week.
Containing a veritable library of built-in games by 1980s standards, the Sega Genesis Mini launched Sept 19 with 42 titles regardless of region, releasing to a swathe of enthusiastic press reviews published the week before.
Debuting in 1988, the Genesis – known as the Mega Drive outside the United States and Canada – launched two years ahead of the Super Nintendo.
Over the course of its lifespan, it was home to the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise, plus classics of the action genre in Golden Axe, Gunstar Heroes, Road Rash II and Streets Of Rage 2.
Then there was Tetris alternative Columns, while Phantasy Star IV and Shining Force helped role-playing adventures find a larger audience.
Each of the above – even Nintendo-adjacent Tetris – numbers among 22 games common to three global editions of the US$80 (RM335) Sega Genesis Mini.
Further variations exist between Japanese editions, a version made for China and Korea, and a single games roster applied to North American and European equivalents.
European and Middle Eastern territories can expect to see the Mega Drive Mini launching on Oct 4.
Meanwhile, Nintendo is preparing to welcome a new wave of Switch owners.
Sept 20's Switch Lite modifies the original design with a slightly larger size, longer battery life and lighter weight.
It also does away with the original Switch's detachable controllers and TV display compatibility in return for a US$199 (RM834) price tag -- US$100 (RM419) less than its predecessor.
A Sept 20 release date means it launches alongside The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening, a well-anticipated remaster of the 1993 classic Game Boy action adventure.
Then there's a two-month wait until November's Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield pairing, perhaps the two most highly awaited games of the Switch's lifecycle.
While Sega and Nintendo announced their consoles' release dates months in advance – in March for the Genesis Mini, July for the Switch Lite – Apple waited until last week to set a Sept 19 date for its curated games subscription plan, Apple Arcade.
Over 100 games are lined up for the US$4.99 (RM20.92) per month service, Apple has said, its roster a mixture of new and mobile-exclusive titles including a modern remix of a timeless classic, Frogger In Toy Town, experiential journey The Pathless, jump'n'run adventure Shantae And The Seven Sirens and wild mini golfer What The Golf. – AFP Relaxnews
