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Sega Genesis/Mega Drive mini previews
- Thread starter KoolAid
- Start date
I couldn't really notice a huge difference (I can't cancel my Amazon Japan order tho so no change to a Mega SG - maybe resell my limited JP pack?).
I wasn't aware of the six-button control scheme in Shinobi III until I read your post. While I don't think I'd prefer to use a six-button control scheme in Shinobi III, I have to say that its mere existence does make the inclusion of Shinobi III over Revenge of Shinobi an odd choice. While a lot of people are crying foul over the game line-up over personal preference for certain games, I do think Sega should've omitted the games that support a six-button control scheme in favor of more sought-after games that didn't use the extra buttons for unique functions.
Ugh. All this fart sniffing, gate keeping, videogame elitism.
Im still super excited for the mini and like everything on the internet Im guessing the issues are going to be overblown by a small vocal minority.
Yep. Isn't the curation of games exciting for people? How else am I going to play an official port of Darius for Mega Drive/Genesis legally?
From what I understand if you want accurate emulation then you should run BlastEm. I think I heard that in a DFRetro video? Can't remember which one, though... probably the megaSG video.
also: ... Kega doesn't come with Tetris, Darius, and Wily Wars (or anything)
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Correct if I'm wrong, but the only issue with the Genesis so far is the delay in sound? From what I've gathered, the performance of the ports are an enhancement over the originals and have no issue on the hardware. The GameXplain comparison looked great.
I wish they would of added more games honestly. For the price, it is not bad, but another dozen games would have been nice. I think the main reason is the Sega Genesis Collection that came out not too long ago that launched at $30 U.S. and had 53 games. Granted this comes with controllers and a sleek looking mini version of the system, but adding 12 or more games would of made this a must have for almost any gamer. I just think the amount of games is low and there is such a massive library of games that adding another 12 would of been awesome. Still getting it of course because I am big Genesis fan, but just which they added more games.
Lots of games included in this product have never been re-released before. Comparing this unfavorably to the Sega Genesis Collection doesn't make a lot of sense, as Sega has been re-releasing almost every game on that compilation multiple times over the past 10+ years, devaluing most of them in the process.
This is a FAR better lineup of games.
Is there any early word from the community yet on how hackable this thing will be?
There's enough on here that I think I'll buy it anyway, but there's some crucial games to my nostalgia that I'd like to add.
There's enough on here that I think I'll buy it anyway, but there's some crucial games to my nostalgia that I'd like to add.
I get why Shinobi III was picked over it, but I also prefer Revenge. Both really should have been on it. Revenge is a much more integral early Gen game than fuckin' Alex Kidd.
Where can I pre-order the Asian version with 2 controllers included? Play-asia's website shows the picture of the one controller version for the Asian version for $84.99, but it says it includes two controllers, but the price difference makes no sense. I emailed them about it and I'm waiting for a response. I don't want to order it and get screwed getting only one controller.
The Asian versions of Mega Drive Mini and Genesis Mini include 2 controllers.
Which is why I said "early word". Best guesses based on any known details about the hardware or firmware etc by those who know what they're doing.
I'm no expert, but I recall it being fairly common knowledge before the SNES Classic came out that it should be easy to crack, and also that the PlayStation Classic might not be before it released. Curious if there are any similar vibes around this yet or if it's still a total unknown.
The nostalgia is calling!
Truthfully, after previous compilations, the 3DS line, AGES series, etc I'm not overly eager to visit the majority of these games again.
In fact it's only these that I would actually look forward to playing:
Alisia Dragoon
Castle of Illusion
Dynamite Headdy
Monster World IV
Phantasy Star IV
Strider
Thunder Force III
World of Illusion
Which is nowhere near enough to justify a purchase. And yet.....
Truthfully, after previous compilations, the 3DS line, AGES series, etc I'm not overly eager to visit the majority of these games again.
In fact it's only these that I would actually look forward to playing:
Alisia Dragoon
Castle of Illusion
Dynamite Headdy
Monster World IV
Phantasy Star IV
Strider
Thunder Force III
World of Illusion
Which is nowhere near enough to justify a purchase. And yet.....
I'm pretty sure now. I just don't understand why it would be so much cheaper than the other versions?
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According to this website, Mega Drive Mini Asian version comes with a pair of 6-button controllers, whereas Genesis Mini Asian version will have a pair of 3-button controllers instead.
It's the biggest omission for certain regions. It feels like every Mini console is missing a pillar action-platformer: C64 without Bruce Lee, NES without Ninja Gaiden II, TG16 without Legendary Axe, SNES without ActRaiser. Revenge of Shinobi being owned by Sega has way less of an excuse for being absent than the others.
So I just wanted to have a little controller chat, sorry if it's not interesting to anyone but me lol.
In that GameXplain video I posted earlier, it said that if you press the L button on a retrobit Saturn usb controller, it'll jump straight to menu without holding start down.
I'm pretty sure I remember another video saying the same thing happens when you used the mode button on one of the current 8-button Genesis controllers from retrobit.
I hooked each up to my PC to see what button "number" it comes up as in Windows. Both buttons (Left shoulder on Saturn and Mode on Genesis) show up as button 9.
These were both in D-input mode, because that's what they start as when you first plug them in (Oh! something just occured to me. later...).
If the Dualshock 4 will be compatible with this thing since it's also D-input I think (which, I dunno, has any video mentioned if it will work? I can't remember) the first four buttons are laid out "correctly" with L1 and R1 acting as C and Z and then the share button would apparently be the "menu shortcut" button.
The start button on all three controllers is "button 10."
Now... I wonder if on the retrobit controllers there will be issues if you hold the start button too long, because if you hold down the start button on the USB Saturn and Genesis controllers for five seconds, then they switch from D-input to X-input modes. I guess that's why there's a dedicated "shortcut button" but I wonder if they'll make a note specifically for the retrobit controllers in the manual or something to tell people not to hold down start to get back to the menu if you're using those controllers.
In that GameXplain video I posted earlier, it said that if you press the L button on a retrobit Saturn usb controller, it'll jump straight to menu without holding start down.
I'm pretty sure I remember another video saying the same thing happens when you used the mode button on one of the current 8-button Genesis controllers from retrobit.
I hooked each up to my PC to see what button "number" it comes up as in Windows. Both buttons (Left shoulder on Saturn and Mode on Genesis) show up as button 9.
These were both in D-input mode, because that's what they start as when you first plug them in (Oh! something just occured to me. later...).
If the Dualshock 4 will be compatible with this thing since it's also D-input I think (which, I dunno, has any video mentioned if it will work? I can't remember) the first four buttons are laid out "correctly" with L1 and R1 acting as C and Z and then the share button would apparently be the "menu shortcut" button.
The start button on all three controllers is "button 10."
Now... I wonder if on the retrobit controllers there will be issues if you hold the start button too long, because if you hold down the start button on the USB Saturn and Genesis controllers for five seconds, then they switch from D-input to X-input modes. I guess that's why there's a dedicated "shortcut button" but I wonder if they'll make a note specifically for the retrobit controllers in the manual or something to tell people not to hold down start to get back to the menu if you're using those controllers.
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I was planning on getting this eventually, not necessarily at launch, I don't assume we're looking at any NES/SNES Classic scarcity bullshit, right?
Tried to order the Asian version with Alien Soldier from Play-Asia, but I waited too long and it said all of their allocations have been presold. So I ordered the Japanese W version. Hopefully they get more. It really doesn't matter that much since I imagine this will be hackable pretty soon after it comes out, but I feel like a dumb ass for waiting and now I didn't get the best version.
I think international returns are only free if you receive a damaged or wrong item etc, but not if you just changed your mind, in that case you'll need to pay the shipping...
I returned a Nintendo Switch to Amazon JP once because the customs people scratched the screen when inspecting it :/
How did you cancel your Japanese pre-order? Amazon JP doesn't allow it for these normally
Also I see Play Asia lists both Mega Drive Mini AND Genesis Mini both with (Asia) after the name... Does Asia get both variants with the same games?
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I ordered from Play-Asia. The Asian as well as the Japanese W model which I just canceled.
Ah ok.
Also I see Play Asia lists both Mega Drive Mini AND Genesis Mini both with (Asia) after the name... Does Asia get both variants with the same games?
Edit: I think they do both come with the same games. Not US/UK Genesis titles.
Check that list in the link. Version which comes with Alien Soldier.
From the page you linked to:
Edit: just saw your edit... Yeah. I really wish Sega didn't divide the exclusives between regions like that, makes deciding difficult...
It might be there on display, but not necessarily for sale. Maybe purchase online and have it sent to your home address wherever you're heading to?
Yeah, I'm counting on it being easily hacked. I was upset the last few days since I thought I'd missed out on the version which suits me the best. If you want six buttons the Asian version is the cheapest. Mine came to $107.89 total and the Japanese W version would have been $130.89.
I was looking at the list of games that are included with the Genesis (Asian version) on Play-Asia and their list seems to be the same as the US/UK version, so if you really want that Genesis (Asian version) you might want to double check with Play-Asia first to confirm which games come included on it. They're the only online retailer that will ship it outside of Hong Kong.
I think I'll stick with Amazon JP for now because I'm worried about the customs fees when ordering from Play-Asia (customs in my country love to gouge on imports), and with Amazon I'm guaranteed to only pay what's displayed at Checkout.
This is interesting. So there's a decent chance the DS4 might work on these?I hooked each up to my PC to see what button "number" it comes up as in Windows. Both buttons (Left shoulder on Saturn and Mode on Genesis) show up as button 9.
These were both in D-input mode, because that's what they start as when you first plug them in (Oh! something just occured to me. later...).
If the Dualshock 4 will be compatible with this thing since it's also D-input I think (which, I dunno, has any video mentioned if it will work? I can't remember) the first four buttons are laid out "correctly" with L1 and R1 acting as C and Z and then the share button would apparently be the "menu shortcut" button.
The start button on all three controllers is "button 10."
The button layout is absolutely not ideal but so many Mega Drive games had remappable controls that this wouldn't matter too much. I might shelf my plans for buying a 6-button controller and see how many other controller types it works with.
I would love to play Streets of Rage 4 and Sonic Mania Plus on PC with the Genesis Classic Mini 3-button controller, so if any of you plan on getting the North American edition and dumping the default controllers please hit me up.
Oh! Look at that!
I just noticed that both colors of the 6-button (not 8-button) USB controllers are now shipping in the US on Amazon.
I just noticed that both colors of the 6-button (not 8-button) USB controllers are now shipping in the US on Amazon.
One of the Japanese sites tested a bunch of controllers a month or two ago and nothing worked outside of what's officially listed as supported (ie the Retro-bit controllers and certain Buffalo brand controllers and USB hubs).
Hmm, disappointing. Thanks for the reply though, good to have solid info.
Mine delivered today. The plastic is on point, and the best of the mini consoles. The sound, video, and emulation feel are very accurate and you feel immersed in a Genesis experience the whole time.
The menu and options... Leave a lot to be desired. (No rewind = sad face. Not much in the screen options to choose from.) And some classics are missing.
But the most glaring issue of all is yes, the audio lag. It's really bad on something like Strider which has that whip-fast sword attack. The sword is already sheathed by the time you hear a sound effect for it...
It's honestly probably not because of a hardware constraint but just a configuration element that needs tweaking. Here's hoping this thing gets hacked and we can get that problem fixed.
The menu and options... Leave a lot to be desired. (No rewind = sad face. Not much in the screen options to choose from.) And some classics are missing.
But the most glaring issue of all is yes, the audio lag. It's really bad on something like Strider which has that whip-fast sword attack. The sword is already sheathed by the time you hear a sound effect for it...
It's honestly probably not because of a hardware constraint but just a configuration element that needs tweaking. Here's hoping this thing gets hacked and we can get that problem fixed.