AtGames has launched the 2016 model of their Sega Genesis Classic Game Console, which is simply now beginning to be out there from main US retailers. While listing worth is $69.99, typical retail worth is commonly fairly a bit much less.
The Classic Game Console is a part of the brand new AtGames Flashback Zone, which encompasses an growing variety of retro-themed merchandise and a brand new social media presence on each Twitter and Facebook. The AtGames Flashback Zone is anticipated to be the AtGames retro gaming portal going ahead and may hopefully see common enlargement. Other merchandise for this yr embody: Atari Flashback 7 (out there now), Atari Flashback Portable (out there November), Sega Genesis Ultimate Portable Game Player (out there now), and Atari Flashback Classics Volume 1 and Volume 2 for Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One (each out there quickly). I ought to ultimately have evaluations posted for all of these merchandise.
This yr’s version of the Classic Game Console sports activities the twenty fifth Anniversary Sonic the Hedgehog brand on the field and an addition of 1 additional Sonic-centric sport, Sonic 3D Blast. Of course, that’s not the one change for this yr’s version, which I element subsequent.
Differences from the 2015 Version
You can see the sport listing for this model right here, and the 2015 model right here. There are 39 unique Genesis video games, and 41 newer video games (and swing of -1 and +1, respectively, over 2015) which can be coded to be Genesis-like, however benefit from the additional capabilities of the AtGames {hardware}.
While there are just a few enjoyable titles within the listing of these 41 newer video games, their high quality is extremely variable and naming conventions are far and wide, so it’s troublesome to evaluate what’s been added or dropped. To be clear, there are some variations between what’s within the 2015 model versus what’s on this 2016 model, however I’m not going to parse them on the lists. That’s as a result of most vital is what unique Sega video games have been dropped and which have been added.
Lost from the 2015 model are: Ecco, Ecco Jr, Streets of Rage, Streets of Rage 2, Streets of Rage 3, and Virtua Fighter 2. New additions for 2016 are: Eternal Champions, Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star III, Sonic 3D Blast, and Sword of Vermillion. Virtua Fighter 2 was changed with one of many “other” non-Sega video games. It’s with the additions of the Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star III, and Sword of Vermillion role-playing video games that the largest change reveals itself: save sport help. Otherwise, the {hardware} itself is just about similar.
Console
The console itself is sort of small and light-weight, measuring roughly 5.5 x 4 x 5 inches (13.8 x 10 x 12.7 cm). At the highest of the console is a cartridge slot and an influence indicator LED, which is flanked by ON/OFF and MENU buttons, the latter of which may be pressed to reset the console with out powering it off. On the entrance of the console is the infrared sensor, which is flanked by two ports for plugging in wired controllers.
The rear of the console has separate AUDIO (white) and VIDEO (yellow) composite connections, which works with the included, however comparatively quick, composite cables, or, you’ll be able to in fact use your individual. Finally, there’s a 9V DC jack to be used with the included energy provide.
Here’s a fast unboxing:
Controls
Both controllers, which mimic, however don’t instantly replicate, the confirmed design of the unique Sega Six Button Control Pad, are functionally the identical, simply with the addition of a MENU button above START, and comprise a change to designate one or the opposite as participant one (P1) or two (P2). As with the Atari Flashback sequence, these controllers use like-it-or-hate-it infrared wi-fi know-how, which requires normal line of sight with the sensor on the entrance of the console to work correctly. Each controller requires three AAA batteries, which aren’t included.
Of course, you can too plug in nearly any unique wired Sega Genesis controller on to the console, together with lots of the third get together replacements. AtGames themselves makes wired variations of their infrared controllers, that are out there from the aforementioned AtGames Flashback Zone, and in addition work on unique consoles.
The controller is nearly the identical measurement because the console.
Games
The menu system is easy. Move up and down or left and proper to maneuver between the video games and pages of video games. Once you choose a sport by urgent START, it begins up the identical because it does on a normal Sega Genesis.
Of the 80 included video games, as talked about, 39 are originals from again within the platform’s prime, whereas the opposite 41 are later, extra generic Genesis-like releases which can be usually decrease high quality clones of widespread titles. However you select to have a look at the choice, it’s nonetheless worth, notably since you’ll be able to simply increase what’s included with particular person cartridges. Here’s a sampling of some of the built-in video games to offer you an thought of how they appear and sound:
Eternal Champions
Sonic 3D Blast
Wall Breaking
The RPG Games
Saving and loading works the identical for Phantasy Star II, Phantasy Star III, and Sword of Vermillion because it does for those who had been utilizing the unique cartridges on an unique console. Here’s a pattern of a kind of video games:
Phantasy Star III
Cartridge and Flashcart Compatibility
I had no situation with a random sampling of cartridges I attempted. Just plug the cartridge in with the console off, flip the console on, and the sport begins up instantly, bypassing the inner menu system. Pressing the MENU button resets the console, restarting the cartridge.
I additionally examined with the 2 flash carts I’ve, EverDrive MD and Mega Driver Flash Cartridge (a clone model of the EverDrive MD). I had no points working video games with the EverDrive MD, with most traditional video games working simply fantastic, however the Mega Driver Flash Cartridge didn’t work (notice that AtGames sells their very own SD card cartridge answer to run ROMs on the AtGames Flashback Zone, however I didn’t have one readily available for testing).
Here’s a pattern of an actual cartridge:
Taz Mania
Here’s a pattern from the EverDrive MD:
Galaxy Force II
Flashcart or unique cartridge, it’s vital to needless to say not each sport will work. You’re most likely taking a look at better than 95% compatibility right here, one thing akin to the extent of the Sega Genesis 3, which was launched by Majesco with Sega’s blessing in 1998, however given the big measurement of the Genesis library (700+ titles), that also leaves variety of incompatible titles, together with some excessive profile releases, like Virtua Racing, which has particular {hardware} on its cartridge, or sure trendy homebrews, like Star Odyssey (it needs to be famous that neither of these video games work on my Sega Nomad handheld both!). As anticipated, unique add-ons just like the Sega CD, 32X, or Power Base Converter don’t work both.
Audio/Video
You can choose for your self from the included movies, however, for probably the most half, there are some minor shade and sound variations versus what you’d get from an actual Sega Genesis console. Worst might be the sound simulation, as some notes sound nearly “sour.” With that mentioned, every thing continues to be completely playable, and, except you’re searching for particular variations, you possible received’t be too bothered by any of the drop-off in relative audio-video high quality.
The composite connection is simply concerning the poorest connection out there, but in addition probably the most universally appropriate, particularly with the kind of older CRT TVs the Sega Genesis video games had been initially supposed for. It’s greatest to make use of this console with a kind of older TVs as video high quality will range dramatically on trendy shows, though continues to be usable, even when a few of the menu textual content and different text-based objects aren’t as clear as they could possibly be. Naturally, when utilizing this console on a contemporary show, you’ll need to ensure the video games show of their unique 4:3 format somewhat than 16:9 (widescreen), though that’s extra of a pet peeve of mine than a strict requirement.
Conclusion
This is anticipated to be the ultimate launch of the Classic Game Console earlier than AtGames strikes to a brand new {hardware} structure, so there may be an additional layer of collectibility to this yr’s iteration on prime of the twenty fifth anniversary ingredient. On a associated notice, since that is additionally anticipated to be the final such model to work with legacy composite AV connections, if that is the kind of product you want to make use of with a CRT tv for added authenticity, that is positively the model to get.
In phrases of worth, it’s somewhat excessive, even for those who low cost the 41 “other” video games from the 80 complete, figuring out to lower than $1 per unique title at retail. Save help for the three included RPGs can be welcome.
Pluses:
- Includes two wi-fi controllers
- Legacy controller ports
- Cartridge port
- Works with most flash carts
- Value-packed sport choice
- Save sport help for the three included RPGs
- Composite AV for legacy shows
Minuses:
- Wireless controllers use infrared know-how
- Poor audio high quality
- Not optimized for contemporary shows
Thanks to AtGames for offering the overview unit.
UPDATE: Thanks to “onmode-ky” for declaring the sport break up is now 41/39 somewhat than the same old 40/40. I edited this overview accordingly.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I counsel AtGames as an Independent Contractor. Opinions expressed on this overview are solely my very own, with no exterior approval.
