Mega SD Review - A Sega CD Optical Drive Emulator & ROM Cart!!!

The Mega SD is a Genesis / Mega Drive ROM cart that plays Genesis, SMS, 32x AND Sega CD games, from all regions, all on one cartridge! This device doesn't need any original Sega CD hardware at all - Simply plug it into your Genesis!!! Purchase your Mega SD here: bit.ly/terraonionmegasd
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[@matt4193]

Can't believe this is a real thing. Astounding.

[@Dangerous2099]

I don’t understand what it is.... Is it all MS/Megadrive/Mega CD/32X roms on a cartridge?

[@matt4193]

@@Dangerous2099 Think of it as a supercharged Everdrive (MegaDrive / Master System) with the Sega CD hardware built-in.

[@AlessandroSchiassi]

@@Dangerous2099 It's a cartridge that, once inserted in a MegaDrive, lets you play with iso (loaded on an SD card) of SegaCD, 32X, Master System, and MegaDrive, of course.

[@woodenpints]

Man, my 32x died back in the day, after all that money, and the second one i got in a garage sale died too. Was hoping this would emulate it without the hardware, dammit.

[@plowking813]

wish we had this in the 90s

[@emmettturner9452]

I’m very happy to see that Terra Onion buried the hatchet with the community members who were always just trying to help... especially Bob. Turned me from a hater to a fan instantly. Bravo, Terra Onion!

[@quizzley7]

So this makes Sega CD games playable on the Nomad? That's incredible!!

[@SmokeMonster]

Awesome, I've been waiting for this video :D

[@BladeBlur]

To the upload second it seems lol

[@aleemabdul2232]

@@HydraSpectre1138 eh it's not so bad. There aren't that many Sega CD games it's not like the snes.

[@aleemabdul2232]

@@HydraSpectre1138 eh? I love the Sega CD. I just meant there are about 200 unique games not counting region. Sorting it is a lot easier than the 800 odd nes games. Plus they are a hefty 700 meg each. Gonna need a big SD card. P.s you forgot terminator and final fight CD :p

[@aleemabdul2232]

@@HydraSpectre1138 totally agree with you! Gonna make my own rompack for this, let me know if you want it

[@aleemabdul2232]

@@gameplayfirst6548 I do too. Which is why I said I'll make my own set. I just said having a smokemonster Rom pack for it is redundant. Sorting everything into genres as well as alphabetical is pointless for the mega SD given the size of the files. Having just all jp all USA and all pal is good enough

[@The321asdfff]

Amazing ode!! I’ve got mine ordered this week. Can’t wait. Thnx terraonion.

[@marceloramos2939]

Just curious about Enhanced Mega Drive games with CD audio and Mega-CD / Sega CD hardware.

[@leagueinfinity5632]

Outrun yeah he should have demonstrates that

Great video, very informative. Thank you for putting this together. Got my Mega SD pre-ordered. Can't wait to get my hands on it :)

[@TheGameBeaters]

Great video. Thank you for making this and sharing your experiences and information. Definitely want one of these.

[@TheGameBeaters]

BlackGift hey. Fancy meeting you here! How are ya?

[@Dave_K.]

Very nice review for a very nice product. Thanks a lot.👍 I loved Lords of Thunder music choice during the menu presentation.😉

[@Sayajiin2]

What a great video!! All you need to know is there! Love it! 😊

[@DracIsBack]

Nice! I love stuff like this! They are so convenient! I have an Atari 7800 Cuttle Cart for this purpose. I will always take playing games on real hardware vs. some modern thing like the NES classic or Atari Flashback because it never look or plays quite right. You pay a lot initially for the unit (they aren't cheap), but the experience is usually terrific and pays for itself with fun over time! :-)

[@webfatigue]

I'm waiting for mine to be delivered; nice review btw.

[@miasuke]

Loved this video and the information about the Mega SD. I don't know if Bob will read this, but I have some considerations: 1. The Mega CD / Sega CD is not just a CD reader to allow games for the Mega Drive / Sega Genesis be stored in CD format like what happens with the PC Engine / Turbo Grafx 16, just asking CD Cards for redirect to load the data from the CD reader to the RAM memory at the CD Card. The Mega CD / Sega CD have some extra hardware to upgrade the base Mega Drive / Sega Genesis, like offer faster CPU (base SMD / SG have 7.6Mhz, while the MCD/SCD have 12.5Mhz), support to use sound samples, and other features... So, the Mega SD just have extra components into the cartridge's PCB to do the job who is possible only with the Mega CD / Sega CD hardware present into the system, and let the CD games be played into the base Sega console throught the cartridge slot. I always thought about this, and always wished a Flash Card who can transfer data from disc images throught the cartridge slot to the Mega CD / Sega CD memory, but I don't know how the Mega CD / Sega CD hardware works to let something like this be possible. Maybe using a modified BIOS... This extra components to let the Mega CD able to run Mega CD / Sega CD game is what makes the product a little expensive if compared with the Krikzz's Flash Cards, who lacks this kind of components. If a Flash Card could offer support to load ISO images from the Flash Card just asking for the Mega CD / Sega CD be present could just be the sollution for a cheaper product for those who already have this add-on. 2. At 18:24, you said you love to see a jack to put 3D glasses. It's something I wish Krikzz could do for his Master Everdrive, offering a version without this jack to be used in the original Master System console and the original Power Base Converter, and a "3D Version" to be used with the Master System Model 2, and the Master System Converter II, who don't have the Card Slot. Maybe someone can put some light to Krikzz to this idea... 3. At 19:41, you cited about the difference between the SOFT and HARD at the "Game Load Reset Type", and you cited X-Men. But it's not just for X-Men, but for many other games who store some kind of information while the console is turned on. On example is the Sonic games, where the cheat codes are stored into the memory once they are activated, just waiting for the special commands to be enabled (example: You do the Stage Select code in Sonic 1 and press reset. You don't need to re-enter the code again. Just press A+Start at the title screen). And not just Sonic games, but other games as well, like Rocket Knight Adventures, who have a code to turn your gameplay at the current stage into the gameplay at the demoplay. So, set the "Game Load Reset Type" to SOFT to make the reset function works like you are pressing the Reset Button into the console, and set the option to HARD to make the reset function works like you are turning off and turning on the console.

[@ButcherGrindslam]

Does Mega SD support EEPROM saves like X7?

[@BryanTruong]

Great informative video, loved all the Sega commercials too

[@RetroRGB]

Thanks! I had a lot of fun adding those!

[@RetroGamingDev]

Great review, really indepth! I saw this thing was curious how good it was. Looks pretty nice, though it is a bit spendy.

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

If I was less poor, I'd probably buy this, it's awesome. But I'll have to stick to emulation for now 😄 Great video, it was really interesting!

[@Dessan01]

pixel girl I was thinking I’d probably have to wait a while, then I won a $4.50 poker tournament on poker stars for $350, cashed most of it out and got my pre order right in :D

[@maxrichards5925]

Thankfully if you’re able to save up for it there’s a better cart from Krizz called the mega everdrive pro, which is a lot smaller & does more than the Mega SD, but it’s currently at $259 which I’m not sure if it’s less than the Mega SD or not

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

@@Dessan01 😂 I am supremely jealous. Merry Christmas!

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

@@maxrichards5925 that is pretty cool but honestly I’m happy enough with emulation, just bought myself a Mega Drive Mini and apparently the thing can smoothly emulate up to PlayStation/N64 😂 if I ever wanted to go with real hardware I think I’d buy myself one of those Mister FPGA based devices, those look awesome and I’d be able to simulate a bunch of 80s/90s non-PC home computers too. Merry Christmas!

[@maxrichards5925]

@@DissociatedWomenIncorporated Oh I agree, but I just haven’t used emulation because of sound, it’s too different for me to enjoy it. Now having owned a Sega CD, I’d say having to replace the battery and sometimes the laser is inconvenient. Now I have a Sega Saturn and it’s no different, but emulation for the Saturn is still in its infancy. I guess as long as you don’t mind the sound emulation is good. Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@AaronNanto]

Thanks for the amazing review 👍 for the price though it’s just too much for me. I hope to preserve my SEGA CD (as well as TGCD, NGCD and Saturn games) using the upcoming Polymega which my beta unit is about to ship!

[@nimaiiikun]

wow awesome. Aaaand you got a new sub!

[@centriumble4113]

Question: Can you leave an unplugged/unpowered Sega CD plugged into a Genesis expansion port for decoration or does that interfere with the Mega SD? From the video it looks like you can't leave it plugged in even unpowered.

[@skunch]

the whole time the sonic CD intro was going on, I kept think of michael scott yelling PARKOUR

[@RetroTuna]

Looks great and i think i like the unfiltered sound a little better on the megadrive but the FM is better on the master system, its pretty amazing its a cartridge and the menu font is loads better than SS3SD i so want them to change the font on there.

[@ps3inquisition441]

Great video. I went with X7 because I have a working model 2 Sega CD (and a non working model 1). I also regularly play Slam City for some reason, and the CD/32X version looks so much better.

[@DarDarBinks1986]

I fucking want this now. I don't even need a Sega CD or Power Base Converter when there's one flash cartridge/FPGA that does it all. Space is limited with my setup so the Mega SD will go a long way toward saving space. And this is coming from someone who really prefers to use original hardware whenever possible.

[@steveothehulk]

Can you reset to the menu using the analogue mega sg? I think you press down and select to go back to the menus then just tells the cart does that take you to the main menu of the mega sd?

[@Oysterblade84]

I'm curious to know how an ISO Mega-CD rom booted from a cartridge played on a Mega Drive can handle CD audio sound with no active disc drive? PSG/FM & PCM I can understand but how is the CDDA handled? Is there a built in core that emulates the sound or is it FPGA based? Aside from that, I think it's good that it can play Mega-CD/Sega-CD games as original CD based add-ons will one day cease and nobody will bother making new ones as they are very expensive to build with all those moving parts. It was just a matter of time until technology found a way to replicate Mega-CD software. Great video well done!

[@catvideojogos]

Amazing video , got another subs

[@TheA_Gamer554]

instant like, this product looks amazing and a real alternative for the sd2snes on a mega drive

[@TheA_Gamer554]

@Duribethin I mean, yeah, but i was thinking of an everdrive wich as much features as the sd2snes but for genesis

[@Dessan01]

This thing looks amazing, already have my pre order in and my rom files ready to go :d I’m already the proud owner of a mega sg and this flash cart looks like the perfect partner for it. Once I’ve made sure everything is in full working order I’ll sell my Megaeverdrive x5 and recoup some of the money - with the Mega sg jailbreak that thing is semi unnecessary anyway.

[@OSSOYT]

That looks mega awesome

[@ChadZeluff]

Have your opinions of TerraOnion, as a company, changed? Weren’t there major issues with their TurboGrafx offering?

[@Jono1874]

@Freddy Lejuez fascinating

[@Dant2142]

@@gameplayfirst6548 You're right, but unfortunately there's a lot of Sega CD rips floating around that are Bin/CUE with MP3 music. Its a shame.

[@hacked2123]

Nice about the FM audio! Was gonna ask

[@videogameobsession]

Can this also play Sega SG-1000 or Sega Game Gear? I know about the patching of GG roms to run in SMS mode, but it's not always free of glitching.

[@greedostick]

Can't wait to get one of these and play some Misadventures of Flink again.

[@henriquebeira]

Thanks!

[@zombee38]

Great video!

[@Owazrim]

An everdrive that supported the Master System 3D glasses would be so awesome. If they added that option I would probably pick up my first SD solution.

[@lukasperuzovic1429]

Keep in mind you need analog video output, as the 3D glasses only work on CRT screens.

[@Owazrim]

@@lukasperuzovic1429 I recently did a SMS stream that included 3D and Light Phaser games. I had to order an RCA to coaxial adapter since my CRT is rather old. An odd thing did happen though and Outrun 3D had an issue when I entered a tunnel and the screen would go to static and then back to the game when I made it through.

[@Commander64]

This is amazing, I'm replacing my everdrive with this immediately!

[@Talkurt88]

What about some sort of decoupling switch for the CD bus on the CDX and X-eye consoles?

[@MrRobarino]

Because that easier said then done. Obviously you have never tried to dismantle either of those consoles, especially the CDX. Plus at this point, what would the benefit even be? Just pick up a cheap used Genesis/Megadrive console and use that instead of hacking up a CDX or X-Eye, which are both rare and collectible.

[@IceDelight]

Great vid. What's the TV screen at the bottom right of the menus for? Can you load images for each game selected?

[@marcioafterburner7858]

O seu vídeo foi muito significativo e muito bem elaborado para mim meus parabéns pela a sua postagem amigo retro gamer

[@vadergamer453]

Were does he get all those wonderful toys??

[@amso7169]

They aren’t toys... they are games.

[@Nukle0n]

I wonder if you could mod those units with the integrated Sega CDs to have a switch maybe that would disconnect the internal Sega CD? to me that just sounds like finding those bus lines and adding a switch to them that would let you disconnect it.

[@nyastclair8174]

I think the audio is clearer on the Mega SD. I'm impressed

[@kenmys]

Seems like I am retiring my original hardware to the closet one by one now. Not complaining, but with the Analogue SG and now this, my console lineup doesn't look so retro anymore. It does simplify things tremendously though with HDMI consoles, and gives me real estate on my shelf back!

[@edwin8808]

perfection cannot be measured! :P

[@jevansturner]

I understood that reference.

[@frankstrasser6108]

Great vid as usual very thorough. It’s cool of terra onion to let you have one early for review and that they put the past behind of the ssds3 and made this great product I can’t make fun of them anymore haha looks like a great solution for people. Wonder if there’s a way to disable the bus with a switch to leave the Sega cd connected and use the cdx/wondermega xeye?

[@retrobert4190]

Worse, they make fun of people who have fetishes...

[@emmettturner9452]

Very glad they’ve pulled this 180° flip. I was kind of confused when MobiusStripTech was hinting that this was all behind them a couple months ago but now I see that they truly have made-up. :) Doubt they’ll ever make up with DarkSoft after all that drama but, well, my own position was that I wouldn’t buy their stuff until they apologized to the people who were just trying to help and it seems that they’ve admitted fault and done exactly that, even including these pillars of the community in their development process. Bravo, Terra Onion. You turned me from a hater to a fan, instantly. :)

[@maxmatson1578]

nice "rust in peace" shark fin in the back!🎸💀👌👍

[@RetroRGB]

Thank you!

[@AlTheHoly]

Should the Sega CD multidisc games be easy to get running? I've got Night Trap's 2 discs in one folder listed in the order (Iso, track2, cue) by disc, but I get nothing but the CD player screen and cannot boot the game. Do I need specific BIOS files? I am using the US 2.00W BIOS for my MegaSD. What am I doing wrong?

[@RetroRGB]

The files need to be labeled exactly the same....so GameDisc1, GameDisc2. Also, yes, no games with run without a BIOS file installed.

[@shivasthong4924]

I want to know more about the Cheat system, can I edit in both columns like say if I had a PAR code, or does it only allow me to edit GG?

[@mr_boo_berry]

Seems like it. Also the Mega SD will support RAM (Pro Action Replay) cheat codes, and not just ROM (Game Genie) cheat codes like the Everdrives do!

[@lain328]

I personally fixed my Sega CD model 1, the biggest issues are mainly the capacitors on a main board leaking and you'll need to open up the sensor switches for the tray and clean them off with a fiberglass pin as they tend to get corroded over time.

[@kennylauderdale_en]

Can you clear something up for me. How exactly is the FPGA mimicking the SEGA CD? I thought the genesis hardware required extra things in the SEGA CD for things like sprite rotation that a genesis can't do on it's own.

[@alexromero5054]

the fpga inside the cart has an entire sega cd core (extra motorola 68000 processor + extra segacd vdp amont other things)

[@RetroRGB]

The FPGA is mimicking the chips that were on the Sega CD. Said differently, imaging the Sega CD and all its hardware is jammed into this cart.

[@kennylauderdale_en]

@@RetroRGB Ah, so it's a SEGA CD FPGA shrunken down into the size of a cart. That makes a bit more sense. Thanks for getting back to me. If you ever get your hands on a working domsday duplicator or some VHS related stuff let me know. My channel is almost exclusively laserdisc & VHS reviews. Love what you do.

[@giliusthunderhead3344]

UFFFFF!!! Need this!!!

[@RetroTechSelect]

Impressive!

[@ChaseMC215]

Me: But it wouldn't play 32X games right? RetroRGB: One cartrage that plays every Genesis, 32X, Sega CD, and Master System games Me: I'll Have Your Entire Stock!!!

[@ChaseMC215]

@@skins4thewin Then buy the Sega CDX, which is just the Sega Genesis and Sega CD combined into what looks like something that belongs to Sony, then you can con ect youe 32X into it, because there is less plugs going into the wall

[@Dant2142]

@@ChaseMC215 You can't play CDs off of the Mega SD on a CDX.

[@ChaseMC215]

@@Dant2142 I mean the 32X situation

[@SuperHamsterGaming]

This means Sega CD games on a Nomad. In SMS mode the Genesis is using it's z80 to run the game, so it's likely that's the reason there's no menu.

[@AlexvrbX]

That doesn't make any sense, man. Most Genesis games also use the Z80 for something. They probably just didn't bother.

[@Oysterblade84]

@Super Hamster Gaming It's something to do with the Master System compatibility mode of the Mega Drive/Genesis. The in-game menu boots in the Mega Drive/Genesis mode so it cannot switch back and forth between modes in the middle of an SMS game. The in-game menu has to be implemented in SMS mode, in other words another in-game menu on top of the MD/Genesis one.

[@boogiemanspud]

It's great that the sd card is "tough" to get. I use tweezers. You'll never know fear until you plug your mega everdrive in and get the no sd card error and look all over your house in your carpet for 5 minutes to find the missing card. I feel the "easy access" sd cards are a design flaw, this is the correct way to build a flash cart.

[@bajanking1]

Will this work with the Sega Nomad because the 32X accessory isn't capable

[@loubilly]

I wish I could give this video two thumbs up

[@electrikoptik]

I created a second account just so I can like this video two times!!

[@mirabilis]

👍👍

[@mattnova18]

Like unlike then like again!

[@overstand87]

Can you play gamegear roms on this??

[@74Vidgamer]

The dust on those consoles though, you're killing me Smalls!!! = )

[@RetroRGB]

Funny how much the lighting really highlighted the dust! Oh well, guess my camera equipment was worth the money :)

[@mspeter97]

The fact that this beast can run Sega CD games without any extra hardware is just amazing. 32x is still complicated to do without dedicated hardware and cables but man, this will save a lot of space

[@20sBurning]

Great review, as always! So now the real question is…. TerraOnion MegaSD or the Mega Everdrive Pro?

[@RetroRGB]

They're honestly both excellent. Here's the MEDPro review...and please search RetroRGB.com for both, as they both have had some awesome updates since these videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYuwqIyMftiod6c

[@njevansYT]

Question. When wanting to use 32X games, do you actually need to connect the 32X to anything? Or do you just plug it into the top of the system? Reason I am asking is I have a Mega SG and curious if I plug a 32X into the top of that and then the MegaSD cartridge on top of that will it all work? Obviously with the Mega SG there is no way to actually hook up the 32X, so just curious if it just needs to be there for a connection, or if it needs to be powered and wired properly too.

[@RetroRGB]

This is all shown in the video: Needs to be wired and powered.

[@njevansYT]

@@RetroRGB ahh sorry, I missed that there in the middle of your video. As an owner of the Mega SG this sort of sucks as that means there is a good chunk of games I can't experience now. Was on the fence about buying this product, but this might push me away from it.

[@victorromero1568]

What file formats should the Sega CD games be to play?

[@decoryah8442]

How would that possible expansion slot adapter work actually? If you have MegaSD plugged into adapter does it play all type of games through that? Would be nice to have 32X plugged in permanently and be able to play every type of games without the need to take it off and plug it in back and forth depending on which games you would want to play.

[@emmettturner9452]

The expansion bus ROM addressing does not go high enough to play most games. I think they said the limit was 256k, which is pretty small. It’s enough for Sega CD because it pages in and out of that memory address range and the games are segmented with each level/menu loading separately. The MegaSD menu obviously fits within the memory limit and will work. There are probably a bunch of simple homebrew ROMs and tools and stuff that will run that way, but your “8 Mega Power!” games and such will not.

[@justa]

I’d just love to know where he got that romset, all neat and organized. 🤤

[@jazza5564]

Hey Bob - any comments on SD access noise, as like some SSDS3 users have experienced? Also, did you find that every CD title you tested ran at the correct speed? Awesome video!

[@RetroRGB]

I didn't really hear any, even when setting the audio levels of this video with headphones.

[@Coffeemessaging]

That After Burner 32X soundtrack is so good.

[@RetroRGB]

We have Ace to thank for that rip! He got it directly from his After Burner II arcade board, just for this video.

[@TheMapeha]

Yamaha sound or cheap sound is the question. MD/Gen1 with Yamaha brings the ultimate sound. 32X requires 32X hardware. For me that's perfect. I have only MD1-Yamaha + 32X :)

[@brianwalker7771]

Can this speed up load times for games that have obvious issues? MORTAL KOMBAT is one that the load times on the Sega CD can get horrid at times. Especially the Shang Tsung fight can be brutal loading for every morph. I understand why small amount of ram and a 1x CD ROM drive had obvious limitations.

[@darthv72]

What is that spacer (with back support) you use on the 32x attached to genesis 3??? That looks custom. Where you get it?

[@RetroRGB]

Please check the links in the main post: www.retrorgb.com/mega-sd-full-review.html

[@nickshannon7309]

This looks awesome I have the va4 sega genesis model 2 that has the Sony encoder and the best version Yamaha sound chip can't wait to check this out

[@mr_boo_berry]

The VA4 model 2 Genesis doesn't have an actual Yamaha chip, it has a GOAC (Genesis-on-a-chip) YM3438 instead.

[@nickshannon7309]

@@mr_boo_berrythanks for the correction I thought it was a different version of the Yamaha chip

[@MobiusStripTech]

You can make it awesome with a triple bypass though

[@BUDA20]

many TVs had Bass filters (but I think Genesis in particular needs someone to make a good filter for all the cracking and lack of bass, or emulators...)

[@videogameobsession]

There is something kind of ironic, in that it uses a Genssis/MD Virtua Racing cartridge shell, the one single game that it isn't able to play. :P Perhaps they can get the SVP chip working on it some day. IIRC, it was recently made to work for the MiSTer Genesis FPGA core.

[@RetroRGB]

As long as the FPGA is powerful enough, they should be able to implement it in a future update. I imagine it's a low priority at the moment though.

[@ToddsNerdCave]

Implementing the SVP is on our radar.

[@mr_boo_berry]

They already said in Discord they're considering it. They're also interested in potentially licensing the SVP core the MiSTer uses.

[@emmettturner9452]

Todd's Nerd Cave Combined with the MSU-1-like expansion, this could make for some awesome homebrew: Massive ROM size, CD-quality audio, and the extra horsepower of the SVP!

[@kitsophrenik]

so you still need a sega cd unit attached to play seda cd games? or does it work without it connected at all? i confused

[@RetroRGB]

Watch the video

[@lovelorn88nick]

Yeah @kitsophrenik all you need is the Mega SD. The mega SD is a flash cart which allows you to play CD games WITHOUT using a CD attachment

[@stefanbe5138]

I had to buy it, now I need to live on macaroni and cheese for the next week :-)

[@kjmullinz]

Bob, what program did you use to auto sort your SEGA CD game folders by letter? ...Im already prepping my 400gb sd card. :) Awesome video btw!

[@kjmullinz]

@Duribethin thanks for the reply. Will this program work for EXFAT format? ... It's a 400gb sd card.

[@Septer_Sever]

I don't really need a flash cart. I would just like to have an actual ODE that hooks into the Sega CD hardware. It would be a lot cheaper if it just emulated the disc drive. Nonetheless, I think I HAVE to buy one.

[@TVsBen]

Bob I'm not clear from the video: does the Mega SD emulate a RAM cartridge or just the internal memory? RAM cart is a must have for Shining Force CD so you can make book 3 a sequel to your book 1 and 2 saves. I want this thing so badly lol but that save thing would be a pain if there's no RAM cart emulation. The internal storage isn't big enough for even two saves, let alone 4 too play all the books as sequels

[@AlexvrbX]

I have a real Sega CD so I don't feel a pressing need, but I agree - if you're expected to replace a Sega CD with this... RAM cart emulation is a must. Well, either that or larger "internal" storage if it's possible. Not sure. With that being said if you DO own a Sega CD, there are new-gen RAM carts that have a crapload more storage. Can't remember who makes em, but they're awesome.

[@TVsBen]

@@AlexvrbX Terraonion replied to this question on Twitter and said that yes, it emulates both. Which is great.

[@AlexvrbX]

@@TVsBen Good. What size for each? Turns out you can have a larger-than-original RAM cart that works fine. For example the Ultra CD Backup RAM Cart has a little over 8000 blocks. Not sure if the same could be done for internal RAM.

[@TVsBen]

@@AlexvrbX they didn't say but you can have separate backup carts per game. I am guessing it's the original Sega size but that won't matter if each game gets its own.

[@AlexvrbX]

@@TVsBen Oh. Yeah there weren't any multi-disc Sega CD games so if that's how they're handling it, that pretty much solves that problem. Although it does make me sad because then I can't look at all my saved games via the Sega CD memory manager. LOL. #oldgamers

[@vitaflo]

Yes to a 3.5mm jack for SMS 3D glass support! I had asked db electronics if he was ever going to add one to his FM Power Base but alas that isn't going to happen either.

[@jonnymj]

Been waiting for a review to see if I was going to jump on one! Thanks! I am wondering if there might be the possibility of higher quality FMV for custom roms, kind of like Road Blaster being played on the SNES. Or no because it runs ISO's?

[@RetroRGB]

Video performance would be the same as an original Sega CD, or Sega CD + 32x.

[@emmettturner9452]

RetroRGB Yeah, but can the MSU-1-like audio feature be used for expanded ROM space or is it for audio only? If it truly works like MSU-1 then FMV quality will still be limited by the Genesis hardware but at least it won’t be limited by storage space.

[@stefanurquelle7736]

Listing my Sega CD Model 2, Sega CD Games and Mega Everdrive today to pre-order this!

[@emmettturner9452]

Watch out for a suddenly-flooded market! You might not get what it’s worth. :(

[@JUSXTREME96]

@@emmettturner9452 That goes for every system, and so i will quit being a reseller. I only started for more money, as i always hoped to have a game store and sell games. But in the last few months it sucked hard. I sat on systems for months, lots of lowball offers. I'm a collector first just so people don't get the wrong idea. I don't even buy the games at insane low prices or harass people for them. Just when I find decent deals, I sell extras.

[@emmettturner9452]

JUSXTREME96 I kinda thought Mega Sg caused a spike in Sega CD sales and prices but this suddenly changes things.

[@JUSXTREME96]

@@emmettturner9452 I think just the retro market is stabilizing. Common Games such as Marios, Contras, etc. are not overpriced like before. It is good for collectors like me though that I would now be able to get the games for decent prices, but it sucks when some of the games i bought were when they were a bit higher priced like 2-3 years ago.

[@stefanurquelle7736]

@@emmettturner9452 Luckily I got my Sega CD collection for free.

[@im_an_alvani]

Big question: will this support dumps with multiple bins and a single cue file or do we have to combine bins into a single file? Little question: for playing Mega Drive games on a Mega SG with the Mega SD does the region of the Mega SG have to be set to Japan?

[@mr_boo_berry]

I assume you're using the Redump set of Sega CD rips? If so I was told on Discord it works perfectly for those Redump rips with multiple .bin files as long as there's a .cue file present.

[@RetroRGB]

I don't have any multiple bin games to test. Sorry! Also, the Mega SD makes games region free, so you don't need to change region in the Mega Sg.

[@im_an_alvani]

Mr. Boo Berry That’s the one, although there is a curated set that has single pairings and is pretty nice. Fusion364 didn’t have any problems with multiple bins so I anticipate that this should be fine.

[@im_an_alvani]

RetroRGB that’s great news, exciting times to be living in. Sega has a huge library that was all over the map hardware-wise so I’m glad to see some consolidation (over HDMI no less).

[@Gucek001]

great hardware and great review. I really look forward to buy it, but unfortunately it will take a while for its price to drop ~30% ..when it will be "affordable" to me..

[@Sashko_Dee]

Nice Rust in Peace guitar.

[@RetroRGB]

Thank you!

[@christopherkelly8707]

Would this work on a Clone Console? I have the RetroFreak and would love to be able to add some sega-cd and sega 32x compatibility to it!

[@Fattydeposit]

The only clone this will work with is the Mega SG

[@christopherkelly8707]

@@Fattydeposit damn. I really wanted to upgrade my retrofreak

[@mightymeowmixcat2370]

Looks cool and if I ever purchase a Flash Cart for my Genesis, this will probably be my choice. However, in Canadian currency it'll cost over 350$ (which I should rather keep for more important things). If they're able to reduce the price below the 300$ mark, I might check that out. Also, what are the differences of MD/32X compatibility between the Mega Everdrive X7 and the Mega SD? I would like to know.

[@MobiusStripTech]

Everything the everdrive x7 can do, this can do and more. It has no features that this doesn't include and/or surpass.

[@captainnintendo]

I won't lie, this is one tempting flashcart I'd love to own. Should a 32X version that doesn't require the add on hardware ever become available, that would probably be the point where I'll definitely get one

[@RetroRGB]

Well, keep in mind a 32x core built in would add quite a bit of cost. My guess would be at least $100 more.

[@captainnintendo]

@@RetroRGB For such a complete solution to absolutely every Mega Drive need without the hassle, as THE end all be all flashcart for the system... I think I could accept that price tag. Expensive as it might be. I mean.. It would still be cheaper than the Neo Geo one.

[@daverhodus]

@@RetroRGB It would be worth the price for me.

[@garfieldepicmoments]

Idk what you were talking about, the master system FM sounded completely different from the Mega SD FM in your comparison

[@emmettturner9452]

He said it was because he had to use an old recording made with different equipment due to someone else having his original system. I do feel it makes the comparison rather useless.

[@RetroRGB]

The old recording equipment only effected the amount of analog hiss you hear, nothing else. I'd definitely call their FM sound implementation "close enough" as its a bonus feature that wasn't the focus of the cart. I'll someday go back and re-do a comparison of all FM sound options, all using the right equipment.

[@emmettturner9452]

RetroRGB Thanks.

[@Dex99SS]

That's generally how a good SD slot should be. You can get it to engage the spring mechanism via the very tip of the fingernail at best. So as to not just have the thing pop out undesirably. Not really much different than any camera, music device, laptop, etc that I've ever had.

[@rogem127]

I bought this for a PAL Mega Drive 2 (European version of the Genesis 2) a while ago. Apparently Terraonion is now using an Intel FPGA for the MegaSD which differs from the previous revision and it didn't play well with their old firmware. So it seems like they made a new firmware to fix exactly that. But at least in my case the new firmware didn't help either and actually made matters worse as it caused the Terraonion main menu to freeze almost instantly before even starting up any games. After directly requesting a rollback firmware from them and installing it, the Terraonion menu now works but all the MD games I've tried so far freeze within just a couple of minutes of playtime usually. My attempts at getting in touch with them and receiving help have not been very successful either and it remains doubtful whether I can get a full refund from the online store where I bought it (always check with the store first whether you can give it back if it doesn't work!). Just thought I'd let anybody know who has a PAL MD2 and is thinking about getting one of these. I'd try the Terraonion Discord first and ask Terraonion if they can guarantee proper operation for your specific MD2 hardware revision. From what I've read other users on their Discord server have similar issues. Terraonion aren't exactly transparent about compatibility as their website/wiki doesn't state anything about which revisions of the MD2 do not work with the MegaSD. It says "supports Megadrive / Genesis" on their product information page. So they are claiming full compatibility with all existing MD/Genesis hardware revisions without giving any indication that compatibility might be limited. They must already have noticed that several customers have these kind of problems but can't seem to be bothered to put up a disclaimer on the product page warning about the issue. So far my impression of their customer support has been poor. They do not seem to care much if at all whether their product works for all their customers. Yes, I'm aware that the product works flawlessly for some people. Well, it doesn't work at all for others (like me).

[@cappa310]

Does it play Game gear and SG-1000 games ?

[@414every1]

Will this also run closed-source locked software just like the SSD3? If so, into the trash it goes.

[@MizfitZer0]

brbrbsa why?

[@414every1]

@@MizfitZer0 Several reasons: I want to know what is running on my device; I want the community to be able to check for fixes, patches and bugs and if Terraonion ever goes out of buisness, I still want to be able to update the cart.

[@tomferrier6143]

And yet you buy Sega hardware that isn't open source? That makes little sense.

[@me2olive]

It seems like the "emulate seek time" option should really be a per-game setting rather than a global one, so it can be used solely with the games that require it.

[@ToddsNerdCave]

Actually, we have certain games black listed in firmware that will auto toggle that option off and on. All the Wolfteam games need it on where as Final Fight CD needs it off. So regardless what that option is set to, games that absolutely require it set one way or the other will automatically change it as needed and then change it back once the game is exited. To be honest, 99.99% of the time you will never need to change it. We left it in for possible future use (i.e. homebrew and new releases).

[@me2olive]

@@ToddsNerdCave Oh, that's great then!

[@dreamcastfan]

This thing is so cool but I’d really like a version that also does 32X games without needing a 32X connected. Sure the extra video connections would be a pain, but it could be a good way of adding HDMI output. I’d buy an “Elite” Mega SD in a heartbeat. What’s the Mr that has SVP support now? It would be great if they could at it to the Mega SD, especially if it allowed overclocking like Super FX overclocking on the SD2SNES. Has anyone had any problems with the save states? The save states on my ancient Mega Everdrive barely work, so I can’t use it to save my progress when I need to stop playing.

[@Quiquelin]

The sound FM in Master System... Is it real or just an emulation? Thanks in advance.

[@RetroRGB]

It's an FPGA recreation of the original FM sound chip. So, "hardware emulation".

[@phanboyiv]

Nice. I kinda want to see Sonic CD running on a Nomad. :D

[@mr_boo_berry]

Watch the Terraonion Direct video. Near the middle of the video they do exactly that, stick a Mega SD into a Nomad and have it play Sonic CD.

[@MobiusStripTech]

Once the triple bypass custom is ready, I will be doing just that. I have snippets of the audio currently but no video.