SG-1000

All-In-One Sega FPGA console “SuperSega” in development; shows world’s first Dreamcast FPGA footage

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There’s been talk lately of an all-in-one Sega FPGA console in the works called the SuperSega. Lots of people are excited by the reveal of this indie project, while others are skeptical about its chances of fulfilling its promises or even coming out at all. We’ve waited a bit for more concrete info about the SuperSega before reporting, so now we’re ready to talk about it at last.

The SuperSega is an FPGA console currently in development that can play games from every single console Sega has ever released (Except the Game Gear, for some reason, at least for now). We’re talking about SG-1000, Mark III, Master System, Genesis/Mega-Drive, Sega CD, 32X, Saturn, and Dreamcast games. Currently, the only Sega FPGA console ever released commercially was Analogue’s now decommissioned Mega SG, which was designed to play Genesis games, as well as SG-1000, Mark III, Master System, and Game Gear games via separately available cartridge adaptors. The SuperSega, on the other hand, only needs an original 32X unit for 32X cartridges. It has built-in cartridge slots and a disc drive for everything else. 

It sounds impressive so far, but as of this writing, no hardware prototype has yet been produced. Work has been done on the software, and a hardware prototype is planned to be produced this September. The SuperSega team has put together test videos, including one of Dreamcast games running on their targeted hardware. At least this way, we know it’s unlikely to be fake. Stop in past the break to see these videos and to learn more.

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Analogue FPGA Mega Sg Console and 8bitdo M30 Controller Available for Pre-Order

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Analogue, makers of the FPGA based Analogue NT, NT Mini and Super NT consoles have finally gone SEGA with their latest announcement of the Mega Sg. The Mega Sg touts region-free compatibility with SEGA Genesis, Mega Drive and Master System cartridges and comes in four different color sets. (Master System games will work with an included adapter.) In addition the system will also feature an edge connector to allow for compatibility with all SEGA CD and Mega CD add-ons. Just like the other Analogue systems before it, it will feature games running up to 1080p via HDMI only with a wealth of features for any kind of owner. Pre-order prices are set at $189USD and will ship April of 2019 and are available only through Analogue’s store. The Mega Sg will also support several other adapters that provide compatibility with SEGA’s other consoles including the SG-1000 and the Game Gear that will be made available later in 2019.

In addition 8bitdo is launching the M30, a bluetooth controller that comes with a receiver that works on all SEGA Genesis and Mega Drive consoles. These are likely to work like their other bluetooth controllers and receivers which allows for compatibility with a wealth of consoles, mobile devices and more. These are also available for pre-order on Amazon for $24.99USD with discounts offered on those who pre-order with the Mega Sg.

This is exciting for those who are looking for a Mega Drive that supports the most compatibility with a large library of games. Unlike other clone consoles on the market, the FPGA based console is thanks to the work provided by Kevtris who has also supported Analogue’s previous consoles which means the system will receive better support for game compatibility. Unlike other consoles that make use of cheaper hardware or emulation that abuses licensing from homebrew developers the system will allow for updates and support at a faster pace and will be more accurate. You can find more information on the Mega Sg hardware and it’s specifications on their website.

[Source: Analogue]

[Pre-Order: Analogue Mega Sg, 8bitdo M30]

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SEGA News Bits: SEGA Forever Officially Revealed Reaction

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SEGA has officially revealed their SEGA Forever launch, which will offer an array of SEGA titles. While at launch SEGA Forever is sticking with SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive titles, the service makes promises of exploring a ever expanding catalog of retro games from across all SEGA platforms. On this episode of the SEGA News Bits we take a look at all the information we know regarding SEGA Forever’s launch, its promises, our thoughts the project and take a look at all the teased upcoming games in their launch trailer. It seems opinions for SEGA Forever has been mixed since it was shown off officially this morning.

If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a like so it shows up on more like minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that new YouTube algorithm is. Thanks for the support.

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SEGA Forever Officially Revealed and Detailed

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SEGA Forever has officially been revealed, the service has been a mystery to fans since it was leaked a while back as it was being tested. We even did a SEGA News Bits on SEGA Forever (expect a follow up one now that the product has been fully detailed) on what the service could be. But what is it? According to the press release, which you can read in full after the break, SEGA Forever is a mobile name for classic SEGA re-releases on both Android and iPhone. Prior to this, a rumor came around that it was supposed to be ‘a subscription service’, but this press release says you get the option to play either free, ad supported version of the game or unlock it forever (SEGA Forever) for $1.99.

They promise to cover the following SEGA consoles:

  • SG-1000
  • Master System
  • Genesis/Mega Drive
  • Game Gear
  • SEGA Saturn
  • Dreamcast

The service will launch on June 22nd with the following five games, new releases every couple of weeks:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Altered Beast
  • Phantasy Star II
  • Comix Zone
  • Kid Chameleon

The press release also goes into the fact that the games will support leaderboards, cloud saves, offline play, controller support, community news feed, and a ton of languages for menus. So the real question is, what is you opinion on SEGA Forever? Is this what you expected, another re-branding service for retro SEGA re-releases?

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How SEGA recorded authentic sounds for their console based 3DS themes

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Yosuke Okunari, producer behind the M2 3D Classics remakes and the newly announced SEGA themes for 3DS has posted behind the scenes pictures on how they got authentic console sounds for those themes. As seen above where they recorded the sound for the Dreamcast 3DS theme, I guess they start by using a really dirty and used Dreamcast to get the most authentic sound (how long has this console been left out in the sun!).

According to Okunari’s twitter post they went through 20 games for the SG-1000 before they settled at what boot up sound they liked the best, if the picture indicates anything they went with ‘Congo Bongo‘. Seems that SEGA has been very authentic lately with the sound of their 3DS stuff and that’s always nice to see.

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Nintendo 3DS gets SEGA Dreamcast and SG-1000 themes in Japan

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The more SEGA themes Japan gets, the more I want to just import a Japanese 3DS so I can enjoy them. This month’s themes are easily some of the coolest. The Dreamcast theme is based around the system’s own menu, and even plays the mechanical whirring and VMU beeping that fans are familiar with. Less familiar is the theme’s background music, which is lifted from the Japanese-only browser disc Dream Passport.

The SG-1000 theme is pretty cool in its own right. Aside from being based on SEGA’s very first home system, the theme also displays screenshots from a variety of games in the background. The music might be familiar to any hardcore Sonic Team fans with an emulator (or the system and a Japanese television if you’re crazy) since it’s taken from Girl’s Garden, Yuji Naka’s first game. Checkout the theme below!

Both themes are available on the Japanese 3DS’s Theme Shop for 200 yen/$1.50. There is still no word on these themes coming stateside.

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Developer Retrospective: We celebrate the legacy of SEGA AM2

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SEGA AM2 is just one of those developers that always puts a smile on my face whenever I talk about their games. Not only do they have one of the most vast libraries, but they also revolutionized gaming in general multiple times over the past decades. Let’s look at the developer that popularized sprite-scaling in the 80s, gave us modern 3D with their Virtua series and created one of the most expensive games ever as we walk through their legacy.

Don’t forget to join us all month long while we talk more about SEGA AM2 and all their legendary franchises.

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The Weekly Five: SEGA Vintage Collection wish list

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SEGA’s latest wave of Vintage Collection titles have arrived, and they have deservingly been very well received by fans. Initially, the collections were nothing more than single titles released to XBLA and PSN. Nothing more than ports of Genesis and SEGA arcade titles with the same basic menus for each release. Not to say that they weren’t good fun, but there was no real personality to the titles aside from the games themselves. Thankfully, SEGA and developer M2 made the latest Vintage Collections as true “collections” filled with the fun expected from classic SEGA titles. On XBLA, each collection touts three games and features a fully 3D menu with recreations of arcade cabinets and game consoles. Other features include a juke box where every sound and song can be played as well as a bevy of screen settings. This week’s Weekly Five will look ahead to future waves and what we hope to see from future Vintage Collections.

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