Did The Sega WonderMega Fail? - Rare Sega Hardware - Full Console History!

[@xxcrysad3000xx]

The WonderMega is such a gorgeous system. I've always wanted one but they're extremely rare. Never even seen one in person!

[@darthv72]

The JVC X'eye has, itself, two variants. Early models were composite only via the three RCA jacks on the back. It wasn't until a 2nd revision (released 4 months later) where they added the 9pin Genesis 2 style multi A/V port for 32x and RGB compatibility. Yes, there was supposed to be a retrofit style lid that allowed the 32X to work with the X'eye but it was soon canceled just like the proposed housing for the CDX (multimega) to support the 32x as well. you can use a 32x on both units but unlike the CDX, you have to be very careful inserting and removing discs from the X'eye.

[@iPlaySEGA]

Such a beautiful gaming system. ♥ Even more in the dark!

[@bardthenascarfanaticdragon]

Did it fail? No. Rather, it was a limited edition. I've always wanted one of these, but they're rare and Crazy Expensive. If only I had the money.

[@SharifSourour]

My grandfather was a white Egyptian who was obsessed with English, eventually moving, he became an English teacher in Canada for most of his life and would love to speak the way you sometimes do with an authentic accent though he was not told to teach that way here in North America.

[@retropulse03]

JVC is my favorite electronics company. Call it blind brand loyalty if you wish, but when I see the "JVC" logo, I assume it's going to be a quality product.

[@avalond1193]

That is how Sony was once looked upon

[@Watcher3223]

What if a device has the Victor logo on it?

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

The Sega CD/Mega CD should have been a standalone home console in the first place instead of being an add-on for the Genesis/Mega Drive. Same goes for the Sega 32X.

[@maroon9273]

What should done was released the add on only in Japan and around 93 release it worldwide as a duo console since the sega cd had a lot of software titles during that time.

[@N7uy66u]

I have a JVC X eye and love it. My dad bought the Sega CD but I wanted my own. The X eye at the store was expensive but when I seen one at a rummage sale for $50 I had to buy it! Still runs perfect to this day!

[@ChronikSpartan]

Top Hat Gaming Man once again laying some deep retro knowledge on us!! Love it mate!!!

[@martyschreck2305]

Another great video full of information! The JVC / Victrola / Victor history was unexpected and fascinating! Thank you for all of your hard work!

[@GoreGazzim]

When I 1st found your channel I hated you. I hated the smug comments I hated the attitude and I hated everything you said. I must have been in a bad mood that day, because since I came back to your channel I have loved every video. I think the 1st time i watched you I didnt notice top hat gamer was a gimmick. I get it now. Not only are your videos very interesting but I find you to have a comedic side with great timing.. Please do keep up the good work.

[@ZachAttackIsBack]

A couple years ago I stumbled across a JVC X'Eye at a yard sale for $3. Had never even heard of it before that. It had the JVC controller and everything still worked. I was stoked. Sold it on eBay for a nice profit.

[@brianoconnell6459]

Ironically, the US version dumping the wireless controller may have been a good idea. Line of sight wireless always sucks. It sucked on the CDI, it sucked whenever they tried it with pretty much every console.

[@ValentinesEve1996]

6:47 For some interesting reason, The Wondermega Collection is going to be on the Sega Mega Drive Mini 2 in Japan.

[@irishninjamagic3009]

love the channel ! do you wear other types of hats, or just the top hat?

[@tHeWasTeDYouTh]

that sick Tempest 2000 music playing in the background!!

[@awwrelic]

Even though over the years, I've heard about the JVC X'Eye here in the US, I have only personally seen one, a few years back at a yard sale. The man was asking $250 for it, so I passed. $250 at a yard sale where I couldn't test it? No thank you. I did find a three-button JVC controller at a local thrift awhile back for $1.99, but sadly they never had the complete unit. Oh well, I still own my model 1 Genny with a model 1 Sega CD so I'm covered :)

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

I knew a few places that sold the X'Eye console back in the day, and saw ads for it on TV.

[@SofaKingWeTodEd666]

The wondermega was one of the coolest looking Sega systems in my opinion.

[@vivisect53]

The licenced 3rd party systems always seem to be. Like the Sharp Famicom Twin.

[@matthewlane518]

They had the globtrotters for commercials!!! Thats beyond cool!

[@Skaera75b]

Excellent video, dude, thank you :) I really enjoyed this. I didn't know there were so many variants of the X'Eye!

[@bazdaniels7420]

Great video! I'm amazed how you keep coming out with more to talk about in-depth! How many more can retro-gaming history support?? Only time will tell. Perhaps I'll start rocking a mustache.

[@brianoconnell6459]

I like how they say a benefit is no expensive drawer loader (compared to today where if you suggested a console has a top loader, everyone hisses like a vampire exposed to garlic), and not the CD loading times in general.

[@dearg_doom]

Sega HQ. Early 1990's. Staff: I have an idea for a new console, basically it's a - Boss: Ok, no problem, how much money do you need?

[@AlessandroCussino]

Cheers from Italy. Great video Top Hat Gaming Man !!!

[@jollyawfulgaming7054]

I’m always fascinated by these Sega variants, well researched as always sir

[@SharifSourour]

Those are some pretty unique collectibles Top Hat! Nice work! Your past collecting obsession has given you a lot to cover! Happy you've also seemed to get it under control now. LOL

[@ScottWozniak]

JVC made the best boomboxes / ghetto blasters in the late '70s / early '80s. Wish I still had mine! ❤️

[@Lucasrainford]

I had one, it took 8 feck off batteries which lasted only a few hours and they wasn't cheap. So I wired a 12v car battery to it. I'd be walking carrying the blaster pumping out Sugar Hill Gang and my mate would be walking behind me lugging a holdall with the battery in! tethered to my blaster. Lastest for ages then I'd just recharge it. I know I could've bought rechargables for it but they was mega expensive at the time. Happy days :)

[@CommodoreFan64]

Hell yeah they did, I had one dual tape decks that also had RCA Stereo, and 3.5mm line input jacks I used with my computer builds all throughout the 90's , and it sounded fantastic.

[@brianoconnell6459]

That Mark II controller is sketchy, notice they have two buttons, one for reset, one for TV power. The function button (assuming it allows those two to do what they say they do) is very close to the D pad. One errant thumb or finger combo can pretty much ruin the whole game (I have a handful of those cheap Chinese retro handhelds where you could do that easily).

[@greggv8]

Looks like JVC was taking design tips from the gaming magazines. "We still need to decide on the shape of the console. What do the artists concept drawings look like this month in the gaming magazines?"

[@ressljs]

The early 90's had some interesting looking machines. This and the SuperGrafX looked badass. The Atari Jaguar was pretty cool looking too as long as you didn't attach the CD unit. Modern consoles are so bland. The PS4 is OK with it's wedge design, but other recent systems like Wii U and any Xbox ever, it's like, "Is that the console, or the box it came in?"

[@greggv8]

The Jaguar case molds ended up sold to a medical device manufacturer who made some modifications to use it for a housing for a mouth camera for dentists. The cartridge slot and cartridge cases were used for memory modules to store videos. Being for medical use, the units were white instead of black. A later owner of the modified case molds ran off a few empty cases in white. There are of course some differences but IIRC the Jaguar electronic parts mount inside just fine.

[@bitMasque]

It's a shame you don't credit the background music. I recognized some of the songs, but not all of them, and I'd love to find out what those were. Great video otherwise! As a kid, I owned an X'Eye for some time because the relative who'd given it to me decided to take it back.

[@yaywhewclips242]

i recall, at a huge picnic, a fellow with that VCR camera, when you had to carry THE WHOLE VCR around with you!! 3:27

[@Thewickedjon]

i'd like a more in-depht review of the wondermega, go through the ports, turn it on, let us see the BIOS screen,

[@oliviut]

Was that the Super NES CD-ROM at 5:56?

[@tempestfennac9687]

It looks to be. It's a shame the text is too small to read properly.

[@RastaJediX]

I don't know how epilepsy works, but there's some flashing lights around 8:12. Be warned.

[@TexasHollowEarth]

I didn't own one, but I'm sure going with corded controllers on the X'Eye model was a huge improvement over the wireless type. IR controller tech requiring an uninterrupted line-of-sight was a junk concept. I had tried a couple of IR wireless pads for my NES long ago & experienced many missed inputs due to this major limitation. Also, standard 6-button Genesis pads could be used instead of a proprietary, costly, IR-only pad. Did the previous Japanese model retain the controller ports or was it IR only? Was the 9-pin A/V-Out port on the X'Eye still capable of S-Video or possibly RGB? If so, the only downside would be the requirement of a specific cable (no biggie). Thanks for the video & props on your impressive collection.

[@Enchurito]

The 9pin din can do rgb scart on the USA x'eye

[@TexasHollowEarth]

@@Enchurito - Thanks for answering that. 🖒

[@Enchurito]

@@TexasHollowEarth you're welcome it's what I use to play Sega CD on my pvm monitor

[@Pyponesan]

Hello, i bought a Wondermega M2 in Japan 16 years ago, and i was a little disapointed when i first saw the only one wireless pad. Then i found the select button for the second pas recongnition and the second port is directly on the M2 pad. Eventhen what happen if you loose or broke the pad, or wanted tout use m'y own controller ? It's on the system's back side, there are two standard Megadrive contrôler port. I'm not a fan of wireless pad for the most because of imput issues but i can say that's still the pad i use even now. Just need to remove batery in case, if you don't know when you will use it again, don't let the acid bleed inside.

[@MoteofLobross]

I had the Wondermega's US counterpart, the X-Eye, back in the day. I really miss it. It did have RF out, but it was this weird thing that plugged into the A/V out ports with a third prong that plugged into a headphone jack looking thing.

[@nilus2k]

Does it bug anyone else that his top hat is incorrectly fitted?

[@RetroRumble]

I always do wonder why he sits it on his ears like that. Oh well, he's doing his thing, and doing it well.

[@diegobras]

Nope. I´ve always liked the result

[@ricardolima9411]

A gaming man with a top hat? Subscribed!

[@ShadowArtist]

I have a working model 1 Victor (JVC) Wondermega. I have it hooked up to via S-video to an excellent 2003 21" Toshiba "flat display" CRT ColorStream tv. My Mega Drive games look sharp and crisp. I got a Mega Everdive X7 loaded with games, and several Japanese MD game carts; so then I plugged in a pair of Bose PC speakers to the Wondermega's headphone jack, set the audio to "Game" and I get amazing stereo sound output. Playing Streets of Rage II, Thunder Force IV, Musha Aleste, Shinobi III, Road Blaster, and other awesome Megadrive games with my Ascii SG-6 Fighter Stick; so all togeher it feels like as if I'm playing arcade games. I love the Model 1 Victor Wondermega, it's a great hybrid console.

[@StuffWePlay]

I've only seen one of the Wondermega/X'Eye variants before irl, and what an awesome piece of hardware it is! It's just a shame it was priced way higher than I could ever imagine paying haha

[@Wirraburra07]

Where did you get the photo at 3:07 from?

[@Jikyuu]

Interesting point, HMV in Japan is not allowed to use the iconic dog logo because Victor/JVC still owns its rights here

[@kuricosmos]

Can't tease the Saturn from JVC and not talk about it, so there's my vote :P Loved this video and here's a sub from me ;)

[@mattnordsell9760]

I used to have a JVC X'Eye, it was nice to have that so that I didn't need to have the 2 different power cords for the Sega CD and the Sega genesis. I got it used from a friend of mine in school for only $20

[@MrSEA-ok2ll]

I picked up my JVC X'Eye about 10 years ago as my special link to Sega history. The Sega CD hardware was a vast upgrade from original Megadrive hardware and sadly overlooked and barely used to potential. The same can be said for the 32x, Atari Jaguar and Panasonic 3DO.

[@mechamania]

"This is incredible! A portable television studio. No wonder your president has got to be an actor. He has to look good on television!" -- Doctor Emmett Lathrop Brown (11/5/1955) -- being more prophetic than he or his friend could have possibly known.

[@juiceala]

Also correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the Mega Drive multi-region while the Mega CD was region-locked? How does that work?

[@gunplaojisan7557]

Believe it or not I picked up mine not knowing what the heck it was way back in '99 while I was browsing for the Saturn games at the Mandarake shop near Shibuya station. From memory I paid 9000yen as it didn't have the cardboard box. :)

[@SharifSourour]

Gaming Muso sponsors you!? Just noticed that! LOL He's one of my slightly closer Twitter contacts. Nice!

[@YouTubeMillionaire456]

1:34 Was I the only one that noticed that a Sega CD disc is being put into a PAL Mega CD?

[@seany84uk]

This looks better than the original megadrive / cd combo. Shame sega didnt release this instead of the 32x

[@maroon9273]

Saturn would have more games during its launch especially had it been released during late 95.

[@hyzenthlay7151]

JVC also went on later to make the most common Sega Saturn laser assembly

[@gigteevee6118]

Amazing detailed Sega stuff....WOW!!! Keep 'em coming 😍

[@theobscurestash6537]

Fascinating! I've never heard of this variant, but I'm not surprised given the plethora of alternate hardware designs SEGA had released at the time in a sad attempt to gain back some console market. It's initial "expensive" design looked like a _Dreamcast_ , but I guess a mixing table design seemed more reasonable? Still shit, but very cool, thanks for sharing!

[@skins4thewin]

Ya know, the U.S. version of the X'EYE isn't so bad. It has vastly superior audio and video quality to any of the Genesis models, including the very best out of the box RGB you can get. Seriously, the RGB signal from this thing is simply amazing. Not to mention the build quality of the system as a whole is fantastic. It's a premium priced system with a premium performance and build.

[@donkarnage6032]

I got a JVC X'eye for Christmas in 1995. I had asked for a Genesis and got the X'eye. I just remember being like WTF is this thing? Only got to play it a few times due to issues with my stepmother but years later I found out how much they paid for it (about $500) and that just made it even more puzzling why they bought the X'eye instead of basic Genesis.

[@melloyellofreak]

So who was the guy in the reflection standing behind the lights? Your cameraman maybe? Or was I the only one who noticed him?

[@martinmcfly4658]

Mr. Hat. Do a video about video gaming in New Zealand......

[@tardistime6857]

Will you ever look at the apple pip pin ?

[@TopHatGamingManChannel]

Yes but expect a Playdia first since it is the prequel system

[@maxwelsh6121]

I like my cdx better as its so small and well built . I'd like to see that Casio thing from your introduction be covered, is that a loopy? There's so little about those

[@Gleamoz]

Does the 32X work with the Victor Wondermega???

[@jamesburke2759]

Thanks again top hat man, your wise words are always spoken.

[@zabrakxd2399]

Nintendo went to Sony and I had no idea Sega went to JVC

[@devingiles6597]

Top Hat Gaming Man, can you please do a video on the Dreamcast? It was the last video game console Sega ever developed on before becoming a 3rd party company.

[@theregalbeagle8855]

JVC also published Fatal Fury Special for Sega CD in the US.

[@Real_The_Goof]

The "Multi Mega" was released in the US as the SEGA CDX.

[@1Soniccool]

In the US the WonderMega is called the JVC X'Eye, but everybody knows that

[@davidoswald2155]

It's been a very long time since I had one of those. Wish I still had it tbh. Mine got destroyed in a flood unfortunately.

[@Chikavelli]

Thanks for your works!

[@brianoconnell6459]

Getting a Sega CDX, for parts or repair, just to see if I can fix it.

[@BushidoBrownSama]

did the Wondermega revisions use Sony Video Encoders or something designed by JVC?

[@DarDarBinks1986]

I've only met one person who owned an X'Eye. I don't have one, though. I have a Genesis and 32X but no Sega CD.

[@sega-re-trop-vieux]

The Wondermega model 1 from sega is by far the best Megadrive ever made. The jvc Wondermega is great too and was produced with more units than the Sega Wondermega , that is why the Sega is more expensive than the jvc one

[@matthewlane518]

Hey i noticed a strange frammed picture behind you, thumbs up to cheating!! Lol

[@Vlad-bu3mr]

damn i actually learned stuff from this one, well done Sir well done

[@SharifSourour]

The story of JVC is fascinating!

[@leouploads6432]

Hey, you still have a picture of Billy Mitchel

[@dalewhite5216]

i had one of the jvc combo units like that as a kid

[@tomelliott73]

This video was full of educational content

[@Barcrest]

Even if they had included the 32x in the wondermega it was still outdated. Sega should have released a new console with backwards compatability instead of the addons.

[@AtariBorn]

My Victor Wondermega hasn't failed yet, so...no.

[@TheVileOne]

Never knew about this fascinating

[@hilarioph]

JVC was the partnership with SEGA when SEGA Cd continue their market

[@projectw.a.a.p.f.t.a.d7762]

This is kinda like the Yenko and Baldwin Camaros in gaming.

[@The_Str4nger]

the Multi-Mega's design is better on my opinion. Smaller and it can used as a discman

[@SkyCharger001]

The only good reason to use a wonder-mega would be to save on wall warts.

[@fencefirst2722]

I dont remember this one but i remember the double mega

[@sb6482]

that Sega variant of the first Wondermega that you have is one of the sexiest consoles ive ever seen. you should be able to retire with multiple boxed wondermegas - when did you pick these up and how much were they at the time?

[@TopHatGamingManChannel]

Sadly they are not mine, they belong to Quang of Asobi Tech, the man with the UK's biggest boxed console collection. He has about 300 different boxed consoles.

[@gaeljehnno]

If you have a cp system changer that could be a cool video.

[@arcadeutopia3035]

Bloody interesting

[@ChannelZ3RO]

The question should be, who is AtGames and why were they trusted by SEGA?

[@musclemark2710]

Thank you top hat 🎩

[@sburns015]

I remember the x eye and wanting the cdx

[@SwitchRetroGaming]

Yet again simple use of Google for console gaming history. SEGA also brought their own Wondermega but never mind

[@TexasHollowEarth]

He said it & showed it in the video!

[@SwitchRetroGaming]

Oh so he did, I stand corrected, missed that part,, sorry

[@BubbafromSapperton]

Ya we'll just never-mind what you think, probably wrong anyway...

[@Lightblue2222]

Do they work with 32x?

[@gunplaojisan7557]

No it doesn't as it's missing the required AV port. Instead it has the S-Video port.

[@davidfox8791]

Can you use the 32X On it

[@j.walker6845]

That would be cool if you had an airplane you could test it in

[@natecw4164]

Bless you sir, more please!!

[@psycogamer2803]

It looked very different in the states