HD Sega Genesis / Mega SG Review - Rerez

Is Analogue's Mega SG with 8BitDo's M30 controller the best way to play classic Sega games?
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Special thanks to Analogue for sending these in!
www.analogue.co/mega-sg/
Also a Special thanks to 8BitDo for sending in their M30 controller!
www.8bitdo.com/m30/
(No income is generated for Rerez by any clicks or sales from these links.)
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#MegaSG #Analogue #Sega #SegaGenesis #SegaCD #MasterSystem #GameHardware #VideoGame #Review #Rerez

[@rerez]

So what does everyone think, is this something you'd want to add to your collection?

[@aqua4089]

If I had money and sega Genesis games, I'd definitely get it, they games look INCREDIBLY good.

[@kstaggs87]

Maybe if I was still into collecting. Don’t have the time, room or extra money for carts anymore. It’s easier to just build a raspberry pi and load up an SD card with games and use it whenever I need my retro fix.

[@lotsoflogos]

It's overpriced, isn't it?

[@ozzydio7233]

I would only buy it if i hadn't a fra.meister, because the Genesis/Megadrive has a RGB output which is good enough for me.

[@ItsSoDane]

I preordered it and it came to $212.43 with shipping to Illinois so if you have the money it's worth it. I'm really wanting to stream my copy of Rise of the Dragon on Sega CD. 😁

[@Yukatoshi]

I just got notifications for 3 different channels reviewing this thing lol. Was there a review embargo or something that expired at a set date and time?!

[@FrameRater]

MetalJesusRocks, ModernVintageGamer, Game Sack, Rerez, probably more I ain't subscribed to. How on Earth did this manage to happen?

[@WhiteboyUltima]

Yes.

[@Yukatoshi]

@@FrameRater I'm guessing there was an embargo time and date that was set before reviews could go live.

[@Yukatoshi]

@@WhiteboyUltima Ah. Makes sense then! :D

[@Yukatoshi]

@@FrameRater BTW, nice channel bro.

[@Aliens2Exist]

This is probably the most positive review I've ever seen on this channel. Not a single flaw.

[@madden8021]

Now this is better than what Sega is cooking for their Sega Mini Console *Not made by ATgames.* Analogue had beat them to the punch.

[@azogdefiler25]

Unfortunately not. It is very expensive and loses in this.

[@unclegoose3864]

@@azogdefiler25 I would say the price is worth it given how much of a high quality product it is.

[@devilmikey00]

Kind of apples and oranges in terms of what that is going to be. If it's anything like Nintendo's offerings it's just going to be an emulator box with some built-in games. Not really aimed at the same kind of audience that would consider something like this.

[@gamerincorporated154]

I mean, that's cute. But I'll keep my Sega Genesis. As long as I can see and hear it, I'm fine with it

[@ClownNaround]

Idk, the 2018 at games genesis is pretty damn good, even better than the official sega genesis mini in my opinion. It’s difficult to find a 2018 model at games but if you find one you should definitely pick it up

[@JohnRiggs]

Thank you for testing Virtua Racing. That's always a go-to 'if this works, most other games won't have a problem.

[@jamessilva1259]

The Mega SG not compatible with the Light Gun isn't Analogues fault. The fault is at the LCD screen, not the console. You can plug in a regular SNES or Sega Genesis on modern TV's and you will suffer the same failure. If you use the Light Gun on anything other then the CRT. The Light gun will be unable to read the sudden brightness change in time from the screen and fail. That is why Sensor Bars were made by the newer consoles. it was to fix that problem. In short, 1 MS of input lag is enough to make the light gun unable to capture the sudden flash on a modern LCD Screen. That's why Hyperkin's hyper blaster HD. I mods the Duck hunt game to literally Delay the flash from the trigger, so the sensor on the light gun can capture on the LCD screen. Unfortunately, it will only work with Duck hunt, and even then, it has bugs.

[@nathanmead140]

That's what they should make for this

[@jamessilva1259]

@@nathanmead140 make what? A CRT? That would be both expensive and defeat the purpose for HDMI plug in.

[@fubrokonway8529]

@@jamessilva1259no, make their own light guns

[@jamessilva1259]

@@fubrokonway8529 Uhh, why? It still will not work for the modern day LCD screens. You should just wiki Light Guns for the Sega Genesis, so you will understand how they work, and why they cannot function with out CRT's.

[@Thastormable]

@@jamessilva1259 i think the original person who was saying that is what they should make was talking about a sensor bar. Not a crt.

[@justanotheryoutubechannel]

So the question is, can the M30 with a dongle connect to a Cool Baby?

[@sbeveloaf1120]

Satan : so I just wanna say I'm a huge fan

[@justanotheryoutubechannel]

A year later, I’ve actually got an M30. I’m considering getting a Cool Baby now to test it…

[@ZebulonYT.]

@@justanotheryoutubechannel ok do it

[@Yapmanpac]

I gotta admit, I might actually order this thing.

[@nthgth]

@Don Johnson it's meant for people who already have Genesis collections, including CD if they were into it, still in their possession from the '90s.

[@VOAN]

That's odd, the M30 bluetooth version controller used USB-Type C for charging, why would the M30 2.4ghz used microUSB to charge? Oh well at least now we could distinguish the difference between the two now.

[@rerez]

I think they used Micro USB on the 2.4ghz wireless controller because the Mega SG is bundled with that same kind of charger.

[@KingLoof]

@@rerez i put peanut butter on the inside of my dogs ear and mashed it up against my arm

[@kei_nishimaru]

Finally, a clone machine that does Sega CD things. I actually might get it.

[@josephfrye7342]

yeah :)

[@xerzy]

Wow. This is impressive. This would have made people go crazy if released in 1989, and it makes me feel amazed now. It could actually surpass its retro gaming purposes and make it an interesting indie platform, at least if there's a cheap way to get Mega CD quality games running. Didn't know about Analogue until now - thank you guys, you're awesome!

[@BakiX]

Sega Really should have endorsed this thing and made it an official product. They could have actually started making re-releases of all their old games in compilation carts to be sold directly from their website too akin to something like Limited run. It coulda been a whole thing lol.

[@Artista_Frustrado]

hopefully they also make their own Sega CD add-on eventually, but yeah this looks like a must-have for Genesis collectors

[@wahdangun]

Yeah but they should bring in sega 32x add-on first,

[@Artista_Frustrado]

@@wahdangun oh right the add-on is for the MegaDrive & Game Gear yer right

[@fortitude9932]

@@wahdangun awesome

[@cobaltis]

@@wahdangun And the power base converter! Oh wait...

[@michaelsebastian8548]

I just gotta say the quality of your productions is amazing. Love the channel! You need more recognition, and wont be surprised to see your pass 1 millions subs by this time next year!

[@BioCybergoth]

+1000 I'm still waiting for Pewds to suggest Rerez, Hot Take and Modern Vintage Gamer, that will be a huge boost for them and easily make the site better for everyone playing both modern and vintage games.

[@bigshambowski]

Just once, I wanna see one of these clone systems that's an all-in-one unit. Genesis, 32X, and Sega CD without the need to hunt down the add-ons.

[@TooBokoo]

Certainly possible, but you'd be paying $500+ for it. Knowing that, no company would likely even bother producing one.

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

I'd rather component up individually with new individual remakes

[@waltercomunello121]

Now, THIS looks cool as hell. Seems like a real hardware reproduction and improvement instead of a laggy and inherently incomplete software emulation. And I love it.

[@Trimint123]

Note: The Bluetooth version of 8bitdo's M30 is also compatible with PC, Phones, and Nintendo Switch. Just keep in mind about that when there's a shoulder buttons and 2 more buttons for function for modern console. Also, seeing that you had Sonic & Knuckles without the door that close the lock-on slot to prevent dusk is bothers me...

[@autumn7]

oh no... I DIDN'T NOTICE

[@HolyFlare484]

Plays Nintendo Switch with the Sega controllet

[@Orange37408]

It also works on PS4

[@icee1683]

@@Orange37408 I don't think it does

[@bigboy0494]

Received mine today I love it so far

[@JoeyJ0J0]

I may get this, I loved the Genesis growing up and this looks to be the perfect way to play it

[@Erin1313]

Having the Master System support gets me excited as I always notice it is the more 'neglected' Sega console when these sorts of devices are made. But as it was the one I grew up playing having it included and work well really makes me want to look into it more.

[@Aladayle]

If you're willing to learn a new language, Brazil still makes Master System Games

[@VintageGamerLtd]

Great video! I'm finally sold on Analogue!

[@WickedGamerCollector]

Rezez review, wanted to see you video. Ow yeah Sega T-Shirt ... details for the review :P

[@BrianV]

I will probably be ordering this. Sega Genesis was my first video game console and there are so many games I'd like to play again. Can't wait to get one.

[@RetroTiburon]

Can't wait for mine to arrive!

[@mjbreese]

Just got the email from Analogue saying that mine is shipping today. Can't Wait!!!!!

[@thehumbleone1983]

UltraCore is awesome I wish it got a physical cartridge release as I definitely would buy a copy

[@DoubleJump]

One day I'll get one of these systems. They make amazing stuff.

[@Kutuztuk]

@Rerez - at 12:37 minutes you called it the "Sega SG" 😉 Little blooper! Loved the review!

[@Rebel_Railroad_Productions]

I love the Sega Genesis. It's my Number 1 All-Time Favorite console. I have to get me one of these.

[@Songam1]

I don’t know if anyone has pointed this out but the audio comparison is kinda botched. The model 2 uses a slightly different model of the same synthesizer chip than the model 1. (The mega Sg has both chips as a setting) so what the sound comparison is really comparing is the original genesis’s sound chip against the model 2 sound chip.

[@MattMerkle]

The Model 1 isn't really anywhere near the improvement the Mega SG is in audio quality though, and unless you do mods to the console, you have to deal with a noisy headphone jack to get stereo. The Mega SG also doesn't really have a "1/2" switch, it's a full-fledged tunable audio page that lets you do all sorts of great things to the audio to make it better than either original console.

[@lPsychoMax]

Hooo boy, I really wish I bough that sonic and knuckles cart I saw in a charity store a few months ago now. I didn't get it because I don't own a genesis and thought I'd never play one; UNTIL TODAY!

[@billford171]

had to breakdown and order one. While waiting plugged in my original genesis with the 8bitdo controllers and wow. just work and work well. Graphics were obviously horrible (original cable connector on channel 3) but gameplay was dead on. Needless to say I am so freakin excited to get this console.

[@nthgth]

So is it as good as you hoped?

[@billford171]

@@nthgth Better. I don't know how it is possible, but I am doing better on some of my classic games than I did when I was a child. Now I am hoping they reopen preorders for the Pocket so I can grab one of those.

[@nthgth]

@@billford171 Good to know and thanks for the reply

[@stefhannington2218]

Wow, I shall be grabbing one of these.

[@fenixlolnope361]

Genesis 2 has crappy sound though. Try it with a Genesis 1.

[@megalon84]

That really depends on the exact model of Genesis 2. Some have good sound.

[@joshi_6887]

@@megalon84 only if they are VA3

[@megalon84]

@@joshi_6887 VA3 and VA4. I have a VA4: the Majesco (MK-1451) with the GOAC YM3438 and it sounds great.

[@joshi_6887]

@@megalon84 yeah the va3 and 4 with no tmss are good

[@NateyCat]

Great review!

[@Imgema]

6:29 look at the sky gradient and then how it looks on the analog. It's completely wrong. Same with Sonic 2 title screen. Dithering is supposed to be smoothed out, not have the pixels visible like that!

[@autobotstarscream765]

He said he set the graphics that way on purpose because he wanted to see the individual pixels.

[@OdionProductions]

Did they ever release any other adapters for this? I was looking forward to the Game Gear adapter

[@realthemariogamer]

I love the fact that your wearing a sega shirt while covering sega stuff.

[@MrGamer1992]

Another thing about the difference between the Bluetooth and the 2.4Ghz controller is that the Bluetooth has a bigger latency than the 2.4Ghz. I think the 2.4Ghz version has a 5 ms latency and the bluetooth has 25 ms. I could be wrong on the numbers but overall, 2.4Ghz version is better in terms of faster response for those who who are curious

[@videogameobsession]

Audio quality side by side tests should have been done with a Model 1 Genesis unit. The Model 2 Genesis has a scaled down Yamaha FM chip and doesn't sound as good as the first model. I'd say the Sg sounds very nice, but it has room for improvement so it can sound exactly like the Model 1 Genesis.

[@vice86]

yeah, I want to hear it compared to model 1..regardless, the MSG still sounds great to me.

[@videogameobsession]

It sounds good, but not the same as the original. I heard that Kevin is doing a complete audio overhaul on it. So hopefully he can get it a perfect match since this is the goal of the Analogue systems.

[@nathanmead140]

I like it

[@skins4thewin]

Ok buddy, you flexed your knowledge muscle a bit more in this vid. I was quite impressed that you know about and have Monster World 4 too, aka probably my favorite game for the system. A hidden gem if there ever was one.

[@nekonomicon2983]

The thought of playing games that never came to America ....is especially exciting.

[@Dannyjeon1]

Great review

[@aidanvelvin3496]

Love the 8bitdo controllers. I have a SN30 pro. Essentially an updated SNES controller

[@HaydenX]

It's great that you showed Popful Mail...an excellent action-RPG sidescroller. That said, people ought to be aware that said game currently sits around the $200 mark on a good day.

[@joaquimc9059]

Not crapping on this guys review since I Pre-Ordered the Mega SG Day one but comparing Mega SG HDMI to Model 2 Composite is unfair. Had he compared Mega SG HDMI to First Model 1 RGB to CRT it would have been hard to tell the difference.

[@romerolemstra8747]

I agree or he would have gotten those component cables from hd Retrovision

[@paulymc]

Exactly. I've searched and can't find a comparison video of RGB to a CRT to this device to LCD. Surely that is the logical test of this device. I'm actually very suspicious that most reviewers chose to compare to composite - it's like Analogue asked them to.........

[@StephanS]

This is just awesome and brilliant. Finally a good neo-retro console on the market. The downside isn't even the price, it's the shipping costs that are enormous. Still try to get my hands on it.

[@If_Only_I_Knew_Why]

Been waiting for something like this for YEARS! Kiss my grits AtGames

[@devilmikey00]

I really do hope one say analogue goes back and re-releases a cheaper nt mini more in line with these consoles than the ultra-premium thing that was the nt mini.

[@rubygraves978]

Instant remaster. Impressive. ^^

[@chrislaws4785]

They've actually changed the controller that comes with this system. It now comes with the M30 that connects via Bluetooth, just FYI.

[@michaelwhetter7229]

Love your reviews

[@gamebuyer22]

Mine arrives tomorrow. I agree the raw image is the best.

[@Demonstryke13]

This looks really great!!!

[@Nobutehuhh]

This is awesome! Do you think someone will ever make something like this for the PS1?

[@MrTechnoSqueek]

no shit the music wasn't good you were using a model 2 genesis.

[@digimaks]

Exactly! Model 2 Genesis for some ridiculous reason had inferior sound hardware. Also it sounds as if he is recording from the back audio output, which is MONO, instead of front headphone jack which was stereo.

[@Nitrobotti]

He knows this! It's pretty obvious that he intentionally chose the model 2 to make the mega sg sound so much better in comparison.

[@catssucksatsmash8017]

Actually if you run that audio by a real model 1 genesis and then check all the stats it’s the real sound

[@megalon84]

@@digimaks Not all Genesis model 2s are bad -- a few are actually great. Google "GUIDE: Telling apart good Genesis 1s and Genesis 2s from bad ones."

[@justanotheryoutubechannel]

@@digimaks Only the model one has Mono on the rear jack, model 2 and 3 I think was Stereo

[@konnimusic]

seeing these old genesis games in such a high graphics quality and smooth 60fps is so oddly satisfying to watch

[@miaouew]

I would absolutely kill for a Neo Geo and library to go with it. Loved those games as a kid...so many quarters. I am a huge fan of cartridge and console systems, not too happy that almost everything is digital or disc these days

[@orengoreng4538]

I need to get this!

[@williamnixon3994]

I just had a thought on how to run lightgun games on modern screens: Turn on the pixels, one at a time, individually, like on a CRT, or better yet have an internal script that functions like a timer to tell the game "Hey, this pointer is at pixel XY on the screen!" So it can go "Oh, then the player hits their target!"

[@ams5616]

the fedex guy was just here andgave me my mega sg, nice

[@themblan]

Great review, bruh 👍

[@MadChristoph]

I have Sonic's UGS on the Xbox 360, it's pretty good. The audio, the quality, and you can save your game and change the aspect ratio, you can even turn smoothing on

[@louiseogden1296]

Wow. I'm sticking with my Megadrive Mini since I don't have any original cartridges (I was old enough to know about the Megadrive at the time, but I had an Amiga instead), but those comparisons are amazing.

[@apackofhoboes]

When that Game Gear adapter comes out, I'll have to get one.

[@AirknightTails]

While I won't be getting the Mega SG anytime soon due to the price. I AM Interested in the Bluetooth 8BitDo Genesis Controller as it would be a fun idea to play Genesis games on RetroArch using said Controller

[@AirknightTails]

Nothing's wrong with the price. It's just out of my range right now

[@nthgth]

@@AirknightTails same. It's a little up there. Reasonable yes, but still more than I can justify for now (especially since I still have a CRT and my original Genesis anyway)

[@BlueHero-zf2vz]

You covered the sega cd attachment to the console but does it work eith 32x? Cause i got 32x an genesis an they run great an look great (genesis games theough 32x an hyperlink/hyperkin hdmi converter) so does this console operate with the 32x? (Btw with 32x my genesis with 32x on hyperkin/hyperlink hdmi display in 720p vs the dreamcast with same brand hdmi converter displays at 640p)

[@ToxcynArcade]

This is a MUST HAVE for genesis/megadrive fans. The Sega CD compatibility alone makes it worth the buy. The Master System adapter included is a major bonus.

[@johneygd]

A very cool feature would be to activate the dithering filter to to rid off those dithering & grainy artifacts from many genesis & sega cd games, sothat those games will look better then ever before.

[@ThunderDragonRandy]

**Looks at subscription feed** OMG! Rerez and Game Sack uploaded their own reviews of this system AT THE SAME TIME! :O Huge coincidence.

[@Chaos89P]

I'm about to watch what Game Sack says next. Hopefully Dave doesn't steal Joe's Snatcher again. But the burning question is "Are they gonna play *GREENDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOG!* on it?"

[@jcawthon99]

Got to give props to analog love my super nt!! Hope the come out with an fpga n64 one day

[@RetroFan1992]

I’m impressed!

[@yangxiaolong8657]

Original Genesis can do RGB over scart, which technically comes close to the output of the mega sg. Where it may lose quality is your TV's upscaler, but if its upscaled via an external box, it will look just as good

[@autofox1744]

So, given this thing has an FPGA, is it possible that this thing may eventually support playing 32X games without the other console attached? Or, perhaps they might make an adapter? Similarly, do you think they might make a Sega CD clone peripheral that would match the styling of this thing?

[@QuackersCo]

7:30 Finally getting the EQ set up on the system.

[@matthewlomax2742]

Such original naming for the D.A.C... which is probably one of the main components in the hdmi to composit converter

[@thefifthdoctor6780]

Already got it 👊

[@marbles8641]

Did you notice any different or lag between the two controllers? I just got the Analogue Mega SG and not sure which controller to purchase. I've heard the blutooth might have more lag on an original Genesis, but it's more of the dongle and connection issues I am not as found of. I know I love 8bitdo's controllers, so just trying to get the best bang for my buck!

[@d3structi]

Beautiful. Time to scrounge up the cash for this and that flashcart for any games that won't work anymore.

[@Trialwolf]

Do have a question about the adapter: Some Master System games included FM sound (The hardware was only released in Japan but many North American carts included the FM Sound). Does the Adapter or Mega SG itself include the ability to play the FM versions of the audio or is it not currently possible?

[@stuartcole4845]

Yes

[@jasonhowe1697]

I would pose a question to analogue what if they could create their own add-ons and support hdmi pass thru and powering options off the base

[@wonderfulwardy]

Alot of KZbinrs are reviewing this console right now, but I simply had to watch your opinion on it first. Game Sack will be next. Great Review as always Shane. :)

[@michaelcowman-strifemalice9251]

Wow, this is Certainly a winner!

[@JunkerDC]

it would be cool if they had a small Sega cd to go underneath

[@stevejohnson130]

That would increase the cost of the product.

[@JunkerDC]

well yea but I was just saying it would be cool

[@TheRealOolong]

I finally got my hands on one when they went back in stock. Wish I could get the Super NT to go beside it 😢

[@remka2000]

Not sure now but the Super NT was back in stock a couple of weeks ago (received mine without issue).

[@LucarioBlade]

non-related, but how do you change the splash screen on the super nt?

[@Makoto03]

This sounds even better than official Genesis mini that Sega just announced.

[@fortitude9932]

No it doesn't it costs 3 or 4 x the amount and can't be hacked to play 32x games

[@NostalgicPixel]

I recommend for an audio comparison using a model 1 Genesis. I think you might find there is a difference there. Also nice deeper dive in the controllers but you forgot an important difference and that is input lag of the bluetooth over the 2.4GHz. I think your audience looking to drop amount $200 on a Genesis clone might look at spending that money on an upscaler and RGB cables. They might already have an upscaler but this is just a simpler option. For me I'm waiting on the GameGear adaptor as this seems like a good solution for playing Game Gear games on the TV short of Software emulation.

[@muddfoot69]

Will multi carts work? Sorry if you mentioned, didn’t catch it

[@biggiecheese2544]

This system sounds really awesome honestly. Analogue makes really good products and I want to buy their stuff. The only thing this system is missing is 32x support. Then, it'll be the perfect genesis

[@PrinceMarcusWilliam]

It also doesn't make sandwiches...

[@biggiecheese2544]

@@PrinceMarcusWilliam You're gonna need a copy of Sonic 2 to do that for you

[@KanokYT]

New sub and wanted to say, I am loving your videos. Also, seeing the Sega CD run flawlessly on this cloned system is nothing short of astonishing. Thanks for the review and now I have to start looking at the Super NT as well.

[@MarceloOmegaAGDM]

If no one said anything... The reason the sound sounds weird is because the best audio gen is a specific model 1. some model 1 and Model 2 use cheaper hardware so they sound crapier.

[@joedaylight]

I believe its the launch model 1 that has the best audio and not the later model 1's

[@DefinitelyFakeGrantOBrien]

This is better than anything else. I need it.

[@DontPaniku]

The reason to get the blue tooth version of the controller adapter is that you’ll be able to use any of the 8bitdo controllers with it.

[@RetroTechSelect]

That composite footage is very fugly :) Love this thing, for sure. So glad we have a better clone than what AtGames kept shoveling at us.

[@princeofpop8]

I should consider getting this console, because I wanna play “Moonwalker” sooo bad so I have to get that game.

[@iNAZUMA_AiDAN_H]

It's a shame it's not compatable with the 32X because of the S-Video output adapter and the 32 bit adapter. maybe one day they'll make another model to allow 32X games.

[@jdmweeb8663]

They should work on a N64 version!

[@stevejohnson130]

Logically, Sega Saturn would be next.

[@redenginner]

steve Johnson I can see a N64 version of this running into the issue that it would need alot of custom hardware. FPGA boards sadly do not have 3d rendering hardware built in.

[@DrMurdercock]

they make hdmi k7ts forn64

[@codycox2272]

@@redenginner and you can use cheat codes

[@pixelplayer140]

Update: They aren’t doing a N64 or sega Saturn one but they are doing one called Duo and it will be for turbografx 16 games. And it will have 2 slots one for the card based ones and another for the disc based ones. And it will come out this year.

[@alwaysxnever]

Damn. I wish I would have known about this when it dropped. I am guessing it's only going to be available aftermarket.

[@josephcruz7233]

So with the everdrive, even tho it uses sd card to play games, the console still gives it the improvements in graphics and sound??