New mid-range Genesis/Mega-Drive flashcart, the Mega Everdrive Core, launches from Everdrive creator Krikzz

The ever-so-busy creator of the Everdrive line of flash cartridges for various retro systems, Krikzz, has debuted his newest edition to the Mega Everdrive lineup for Genesis/Mega-Drive hardware: The Mega Everdrive Core. This new mid-range flash cartridge, in terms of functionality, sits between his most feature rich option: the Mega Everdrive Pro, and the next best option: the Mega Everdrive X5. (Not to mention a much bigger step up from the next newest edition to the Mega Everdrive family, the OpenED)

Like any flash cartridge, this allows you to run digitized Genesis game roms on original Genesis consoles, as well as certain clones. The Mega Everdrive Core can also run Master System and 32X game roms on Genesis systems as well. (Provided you’re using a system compatible with Master System games in the former case or have an original 32X equipped in the latter case.) It also has support for the Genesis version of Virtua Racing too, unlike the OpenED. The most important difference between this and the Pro model is that it cannot run Sega CD games, the modern classic Genesis RPG Pier Solar (2010), or games patched with MSU-MD support.

After the break, you can expect a handy chart detailing the differences between the Core and the Pro and X5 models, as well as a link to order directly from Krikzz’s Everdrive store.

New Genesis/Mega-Drive shooter ZPF now available for pre-order

Remember the new hit indie Genesis/Mega-Drive shooter ZPF, which succeeded in its Kickstarter campaign to fund development in July of last year? The game is still in development as of this writing, but pre-orders have now opened up to the public on Backerkit (In December 2024, but hey, they’re still available right now, at least). Even if you didn’t back the Kickstarter, you now have a chance to get your order in and be assured to receive your copy of the game as soon as it’s available. If you did back the Kickstarter, you can take this opportunity to order any items that weren’t included with your pledge that you may want.

From Backerkit, you can order new exclusive Complete-In-Box packages, collector’s edition sets, and other goods such as an artbook or a vinyl or CD soundtrack. You can also order copies of the developer’s previous game Tanzer or the other recent new indie Genesis game Rocket Panda, if you feel like having an extra game with ZPF. These two games are available for $45 USD, while ZPF is available as a $50 cartridge-only package, a $60 CIB set, and a $150 collector’s edition complete with unique cartridge design.

For a link to the pre-order page, and details on other goods you can pre-order, have a look after the break.

SONIC WEEKLY: Dave Schilling joins for Episode 99!

 

Writer/producer/star Dave Schilling joins Team Sonic Weekly to discuss what makes Sonic so long-lasting for generations, and why “Team Sonic” works as a concept.

Listen above or on any podcast service of choice – search SONIC WEEKLY.

Limited Run Games opens up pre-orders for new English printings of Earnest Evans and Annet Returns for the first time until March 9th

Here’s a retro reprint that you do not see often. Limited Run Games have opened up pre-orders for the first ever English versions of Earnest Evans and Annet Returns for Sega CD. Both games released exclusively in Japan on that platform (Though a Genesis version of Earnest Evans had been made exclusively for North America) and have had their animated cutscenes finally dubbed in English for the first time, exclusively in this release. LRG has also begun pre-orders for reprints of the Genesis cartridge version of Earnest Evans at the same time. Each of these games can be purchased separately or altogether in a special collector’s edition bundle. Pre-orders are currently open right now until March 9th, 2025.

For a brief synopsis on each game, pre-order links, and a bit of a warning for buyers, check in after the break for more.

Samoa Joe Stars in New Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Story Trailer

Ahoy SEGAbits visitors! SEGA has launched a new story trailer for the highly anticipated Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii featuring Pirate King Raymond Law, played by AEW professional wrestler Samoa Joe.

In the trailer, the Pirate King gives viewers a glimpse into the adventure that awaits Majima and crew, and hints at stories untold – and adventures that will unfold.

Check out the rest of the amazing English VO cast’s performance when the VO patch drops at launch. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii releases February 21st, 2025 and is available to pre-order for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows and PC (Steam).

Fans who pre-order the game can add Ichiban Kasuga and Nancy to their crew plus the ability to have Majima change into two of Ichiban Kasuga’s iconic outfits.

Pre-Order on Amazon

Standard Edition: PlayStation 4 | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X

Collector’s Edition: PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X

Windows & PC: Steam

SONIC WEEKLY: Listener Mailbag – This or That?

This week, Team Sonic Weekly digs into the listener mailbag to prompt a discussion about which Sonic pixel art sprites each host prefers, which leads into a chat about Genesis and Dreamcast box art styles. We also check the latest new news and also the latest old news!

Check out the video above, or download SONIC WEEKLY on your podcast service of choice.

The Crewmate from Among Us Joins Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble as DLC & New Features Via Free 2.10 Update

Just when you thought the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was going to appear in a Super Monkey Ball game, SEGA surprisingly announced that the Crewmate from Among Us is now available as a paid DLC character ($4.99) for Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble through the Nintendo eShop with bananas turning into pizza slices as players channel their inner Imposter in various stages and game modes.

Plus, a free new 2.10 update for the game is now live, adding a new stage for the “BA-BOOM!” battle mode, new customization options, and more, all at no added cost! The update includes:

• BA-BOOM Battle Mode Receives a New Stage – Players can continue the explosive game of tag through a new stage, Scattered Stones.
• Battle Season Looping System – Online seasonal rewards will now repeat, starting from the game’s launch, so those who missed out on any items have another chance to pick them up!
• Additional Customization – Fes, Tee, Val, Easel, and Dr. Badboon’s monkey ball and effects can now be adjusted.

Check out Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble now available on Nintendo Switch!

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O Now Available on Steam with Launch Discount & New Trailer

The moment you’ve all been waiting for! Today SEGA of America kicks off the return of the VIRTUA FIGHTER franchise with the release of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., available for purchase now on Steam with a special launch discount of 20% off for a limited time (see Steam product page for details). This release marks the first time the franchise has come to the platform.

Based on Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown™, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. features rollback netcode and the first new balance adjustments in over 13 years, giving players the definitive fighting experience. Combined with support of up to 60fps/4K resolution, players can enjoy smoother gameplay in their quest to become the best fighter in the world.

Check out the next section of the article covering details on Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. – 30th Anniversary Edition and Virtua Fighter Open Championship

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s New Trailer Unleashes Naval Combat Chaos

SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s latest trailer for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (launching February 21 on PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and PC) unveils the game’s jaw-dropping naval combat—a feature fans have craved since Assassin’s Creed Black Flag. Command customizable ships, unleash cannon barrages, and dive into chaotic boarding battles as the Yakuza series swaps street brawls for high-seas warfare. With upgradable weapons, tactical skirmishes, and physics-driven chaos, the trailer teases a pirate fantasy that blends the franchise’s signature absurdity with the strategic depth!

SEGA Legend Takenobu Mitsuyoshi Returns with ‘Burning Soul’ for Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.

With just days to go before the release of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. on Steam, the official Virtua Fighter YouTube channel has dropped an exciting new video featuring Takenobu Mitsuyoshi, the famous “voice of SEGA.” In the video, Mitsuyoshi introduces “Burning Soul”, the game’s latest opening theme—a English remake of Ai Ha Tsuienai from Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown.

This updated anthem reflects Virtua Fighter’s mission to build a global community by uniting fans worldwide. Mitsuyoshi and his sound team have infused the song with a high-energy rock vibe, featuring powerful guitar riffs and a touch of jazz fusion to give it a fresh and distinctive twist.

Burning Soul is part of the Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. 30th Anniversary Edition Soundtrack Collection, which will also include 220 unreleased tracks spanning the series’ history. Don’t miss your chance to own this celebration of Virtua Fighter’s legacy when Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. launches on Steam on January 28, 2025. Pre-order now to get 20% off for a limited time!

What do you think of Takenobu Mitsuyoshi’s latest work? Let us know in the comments below!

Sonic 4 is Speeding into Theaters in 2027


The fourth ‘Sonic the Hedgehog‘ movie is set to arrive in theaters on March 19, 2027.

Paramount Pictures announced plans for a fourth installment in the popular video game franchise even before the third movie hit theaters. This decision has proven wise, as ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ has become the highest-grossing film in the series, earning over $422 million worldwide.

The first ‘Sonic‘ movie in 2020 was a surprise hit, grossing over $319 million globally. The 2022 sequel, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2,‘ surpassed its predecessor, earning over $405 million worldwide.

The ‘Sonic‘ franchise has now collectively grossed over $1 billion at the box office worldwide. Considering how each of the movies have gotten better critical and audience scores, it should be interesting what the studio can manage for a fourth film! Especially after that end credit teaser in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’.

[via: Variety]

Shinobi arcade game ported to SNK’s Neo-Geo; Golden Axe arcade port coming soon

Mock cover art by Pedro Soares https://x.com/peachflavor3d/status/1876277610961043787

The Sega arcade classic Shinobi (1988) has just been unofficially ported to the Genes- sorry, I meant the Dreamca- wait! No! It’s been ported to SNK’s Neo-Geo system. That sounds like a first.

Yes. Hobbyist developer h0ffman has just brought Shinobi to the Neo-Geo system by seemingly disassembling the original arcade ROM to make their own source code and then converting it to run on Neo-Geo hardware just to see if they could. They first got the game running from a physical CD on a Neo-Geo CD console and have since released versions that run on that as well as the Neo-Geo AES and Neo-Geo MVS. What’s more, they’re also currently doing the same with Golden Axe (1989), though they have not yet finished that port as of this writing. For now, you can download Shinobi and try it on your favorite Neo-Geo emulator or any Neo-Geo hardware you may own.

For download links, sneak on in past the break.