The Sega Genesis Mini 2 - REVIEW

Episode 358 - Sega recently released the Genesis Mini 2 and Mega Drive Mini 2 in their respective regions. 61 games are on this thing so let's see how it is.
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[@starpier]

Just a little note for the not-american viewers. The european version comes without the AC adapter, and you will probably think "who cares, everybody has a spare one at home somewhere". Well, the thing is, this time it requires at 5V/2A adapter instead of the most common 5V/1A used by the first mini. Bottom line, in Europe we have to shell out additional cash, 10€ at least, for buying the adapter. On top of 110€ of console is not so great.

[@RUOK2000]

Nice

[@BB-pn2qv]

Wow, wtf…

[@YourTaciturnFriend]

I noticed "5V/2A" on the box. Thankfully I had a tablet adaptor rated at 2A -- I think you'll be okay with newer phone and tablet adaptors. Still sucks to not include one of course. I'm curious about reports that this device runs - but runs slower - with less than 2 amps.

[@QF_Dan72]

oh wow

[@DukeDudeston]

Haven't most people got a 5V/2A adapter already? It's not unusual. I have a few laying around. I also have a wall socket which can output that easily. It's how I have been powering my Raspberry Pi's for the past few years.

[@mrnicktoyou]

I want a Sega Arcade Mini with arcade perfect versions of Daytona USA, Virtua Racing, Rad Mobile, etc, etc. All their amazing arcade games of the 80's and 90's.

[@GameSack]

Same, but that might be a while until such emulation in these things becomes affordable for them to make.

[@AFourEyedGeek]

I agree, but what kind of controller would you like for those games: a full on wheel, an analogue joystick on a gamepad, or something else?

[@VirajKathwadia]

Who knows maybe in future we will have those games featured in a blast city mini. (We have rad mobile in the Astro City Mini already).

[@jeremysart]

Would love to see that in an A1U sized cab with swappable wheel and gun attachments!

[@BoozeAholic]

Yes please.

[@VenomSnakeMGS]

Really want to see a Saturn mini. Doubt that will happen though.

[@Sinistar1983]

Unfortunately segas rushed job on the saturn made it ridiculously complex and hard to emulate. Otherwise I whole heartedly agree.

[@QF_Dan72]

Part of me wish Sega collab with Arcade1UP to make a mini arcade that have some of the famous arcade games

[@12ealDealOfficial]

You can have a Saturn mini if you buy an XSX. Emulation on it is awesome and everything is uncensored with original audio. You can play games from any region, fan translations, hacks, and homebrews too, no modding or workarounds required. Every console up until and including GameCube and PS2, with excellent upscaling and backwards compatibility options for the vast majority of Xbox games.

[@orangeTadpole]

And a Master System mini

[@DenkyManner]

@@Sinistar1983 Saturn emulation has come a long way in the past few years. A mini could well happen though I'd not expect it to be released outside Japan. And Dreamcast Mini could appear first.

[@garou1911]

Love the credit scene of the stop-motion filming process. I love the stop motion stuff you do Joe, and all the clear effort that goes into the editing and production. I hope Game Sack never changes

[@BowersGameCorner]

I’m 36 years old and I can honestly that was the most comprehensive, well made, and informative review I’ve ever seen in my life. Kudos. Subbed

[@lordsosa9383]

dude i dont care how old you are say ur age again and i will drop you on the spot im a real tough guy by the way

[@Oysterblade84]

Alien Soldier was also released in PAL regions, it wasn't just Japan and I like that Sonic CD can also run at 50fps. Nice review.

[@GameSack]

50fps inside 60fps. Not 50fps native. So, not good.

[@Oysterblade84]

@@GameSack Fair point but It's good for me and it's good for the European/UK release. Not sure why the U.S. version has it though.

[@sjake8308]

Wasn't Alien Soldier released in the US on the Sega Channel?

[@bdel80]

OG Cartridge is expensivel

[@Epsilonsama]

Nah it's that weird 50 out of 60 fps that SUUUCKS. I realized right away that the EU option was literally the EU ISO running slower.

[@newestport7338]

Insane how you got this out so quickly but it’s still as quality as ever

[@QF_Dan72]

he was planning to wait till the weekend as well

[@JR-mr1tw]

That's because game sack is part of big sega, watch out sheeple.

[@greenkoopa]

It came out 10/23

[@greenkoopa]

@@JR-mr1tw uh oh this guy took the glasses off 😬🤯🤯

[@Mahoujanai]

I'm kinda shocked you just brushed Super Locomotive aside :( it was a really crazy bonus for them to include it cause it was an arcade board that only had 30 pcbs produced. It used rydeen as the main theme and the game is incredibly addictive, but really hard when you get into it.

[@AB0BA_69]

I get your point, but just because something is rare does not mean it's relevant in modern times (or even good, tbh).'😅

[@Mahoujanai]

@@AB0BA_69 Oh it's a fun game, I really enjoyed it...just incredibly hard.

[@michaelwalsh3474]

I know it's not much, but I do appreciate the channel and your hard work that goes into each video. ☺️

[@melancholas]

I always give a thumb up to everyone who gives a coin to the Witcher 😁👍

[@GameSack]

Thank you Michael! :)

[@bland9876]

Was this video live streamed at some point?

[@melancholas]

@@bland9876 If you are serious asking, because of the donation, it is possible to donate for a KZbin video, when it has the option, it is that heart with a $ symbol next to thumbs up icon. You can choose the amount you want to donate and then edit the text. I like this feature, because this way I can give special kudos to a creator. Keep in mind that this option does not exist for smaller channels. I am not sure exactly, but you have to reach a specific goal as creator, maybe a specific amount of subscribers.

[@bland9876]

@@melancholas yep that's what I was talking about. I've only ever seen it during a live stream so I am really confused.

[@waderoberts3701]

11:30 I remember taking six button controllers back to the store because I thought they were broken when I bought Golden Axe II eleven years ago.* *At first I thought I bought it twelve years ago, then ten years ago, remembered I kept the receipt, and it turns out I bought it eleven years ago. Complete in box for $3.99.

[@EhHold]

I think it’s the best thing Sega put out since the Dreamcast. Sure it’s not perfect but having Shadow Dancer, Revenge of Shinobi, Gain Ground, Ranger X, Golden Axe 2, and the ability to play the Japanese versions are awesome! The Working Designs/Victor Ireland thing definitely pissed me off though.

[@DietBajaBlast]

i just ordered it, what do you suggest i get for a 2nd controller?

[@TengoReuma]

The best thing Sega put out ? WTF xD its a freaking emulator with roms, graphical glitches and a wrong shell for US/EU Sega couldnt care less. You can buy the og one for the price with a chinese flashcart an play everything or even better emulate those roms acuratedly with every emulator available on pc and what not, is a cashgrab they didnt even put the effort to make ti a replica for the western versions of the console.

[@EhHold]

@@DietBajaBlast Retro-Bit wireless 2.4 Gz are awesome

[@DietBajaBlast]

@@EhHold Thanks. You really kicked some ass back in PS IV.

[@francescosmith7859]

@@DietBajaBlast I like the 6 button controllers that are sold by retro bit. They're even making the Big 6 controller which is a 6 button controller but fit into the original big shell controller though that's delayed.

[@SuperTrainStationH]

Super Locomotive is the first legitimate home release of a virtually EXTINCT arcade game that happens to be one of the earliest train related video games, if not the first such game whatsoever. I’m all for game history not being buried in the realm of access via piracy-only.

[@TimDavis77]

A shame they still haven’t addressed the audio delay. Good review as always.

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

Better than control delay

[@squishsquishimafish6348]

Nothing says "The ending of a Game Sack video" better than Joe giving a thumbs up with with an awkward smile.

[@Amiculi]

It's the little things that count.

[@Godsgood111]

@@Amiculi my brain can count.... Sometimes

[@chadballew]

I'm loving mine, but I totally understand the shortcomings/warts...but I am 100% happy with it.

[@tturnerist]

Joe does the best hardware reviews! Some of his sketches are funny. They'll probably do a Genesis mini 3 that can fit on a keychain, if the money's right.

[@CONSOLETRUTH2]

Well, there WAS a Genesis 3.......a mini SEGA CDX xould be cool.

[@brettdulaney299]

I agree love how he goes through everything and gives us his sarcasm and opinions on everything

[@MarcBarkyMarta]

Complain about Super Locomotive, but I think that was quite beloved by Japanese arcade patrons. Considering how popular trains are there, it doesnt surprise me. It was never ported home at the time, as I dont think many machines could handle the two viewports with the track map and side-scrolling action. The glory days of the game had long passed by the time it could be ported to the MD/GEN, so I think thats it's a neat inclusion. Sega's 8-bit arcade catalogue is largely (and in my eyes, unjustly) forgotten hy the company, so I'm happy to see this and Spatter.

[@shiningwizard327]

I like it. Didn't even notice any of the issues like the sound lag. Plays fine to me.

[@johndiggle4229]

You notice now.

[@crusherbad64]

I just got mine yesterday. I didn't get a chance to play it yet but just the size of the unit itself is tiny! Honestly if Sega wanted to do another one, maybe make a one based on the Genesis 3 and focus more on just Sega CD and 32x.

[@lordsosa9383]

come at me bro

[@killernp1317]

This!

[@hcbs1986]

@@lordsosa9383💀⁉️⁉️

[@RUOK2000]

On the old MD collections they would throw in a few Master System/Game Gear versions of games, sometimes as secrets/unlocks. I'd like to see some of that from future consoles, adds a bit of old school mystery to the thing. Thanks for the overview Joe

[@patrickhewitt7899]

Nope they got yo sell those garbage game gear mini 🤣🤣🤣🤣.

[@chipchippie]

I just got a used copy of that for a couple of bucks. I can't wait to play the first fantasy Star.

[@wedgeservo1381]

Lots of fond (really!) memories of playing Sewer Shark with my dad. But we got into a lot of stuff no one liked, mainly cuz we spent money on it... a few underrated gems we discovered were XCOM on the Playstation and the Kings Field series. XCOM developed a huge cult following eventually but back in the day no one had heard of it (even on the PC) and Kings Field gave my dad, my grandma, and I countless hours of exploratory fun ❤

[@torikazuki8701]

My Younger Brother was and is a huge King's Field fan, both when they came out & occasionally still plays them to this day. I respect them, but personally the slow speed always drove me bonkers. :-)

[@Voultar]

I think the Mini 2 is pretty cool! I just wish that Lunar got a release on this thang.

[@retrospiel]

We have to thank Victor Ireland for this.

[@Mr_Wheez]

I watched a few reviews so far and could not wait for Game Sack's take on it, since this channel is the official SEGA authority and Joe a tough reviewer. Am I right Evercade?

[@greenkoopa]

For Sega specifically I like Sega Lord X, for general retro gaming stuff I touch the Game Sack

[@teen_laqueefa]

@@greenkoopa he WILL catch you next time 🎶Batman song🎶do do do do do ....do do

[@Swordslinger-hb1ns]

I’m still buying it to complement my Genesis mini 1. I still love Sega despite not being in the console market anymore.

[@OmniNexuz]

If they do make a Model 3 I'd hope they'd find a way to get SNATCHER on it.....That and also some 32X Games so that way they can say they covered Genesis/Mega Drive Games, CD, and the 32X with these minis! 😮

[@SteveBrandon]

If Sega makes a Sega Genesis Mini Model 3 (which I doubt will happen but we can dream), I hope it looks like the Nomad rather than the actual third-party Genesis Model 3 from Majesco which is kind of blah looking. And it should also have an LCD screen and a Li-On battery so you can also use it as a handheld away from the TV screen, like the original Genesis Nomad. I want SNATCHER as well and, if Sega's licensing from Konami anyway, obviously they need to put Rocket Knight Adventure and Sparkster RKA 2 onto there as well. If possible, I'd love to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist (and maybe Turtle Fighters), Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster's Hidden Treasure and Animaniacs, but those would be less likely due to being third party games with outside licenses.

[@OmniNexuz]

@@SteveBrandon Well they were able to get Disney Games for the First Mini so I don't see 3rd Party Games being entirely an Impossibility, but yeah I agree that if they did make a Model 3 they should have it based on the SEGA Nomad. Making it have a Built-In Screen and having it work as a Portable with HDMI out & Controller Ports is a fantastic idea since I too prefer the design of the Nomad over the Model 3 from Majesco and the Portability Factor would make it more justifiable to pick up than say another "Standard" Mini Console. That and also I like the Idea of having a Nomad several decades later that could actually play SEGA CD & 32X Games considering the original couldn't! 😆

[@SteveBrandon]

@@OmniNexuz The Disney games on the Genesis Mini were first-party Sega so they only had to pay one outside company (Disney) for licensing, not two. It's probably the main reason Sega left out Aladdin and the Lion King on either Mini, because they'd have to pay both Disney and Virgin. (Come to think of it, another reason why Sega left out Lion King in particular is that they might have also had to pay even more licensing fees for the Elton John songs.)

[@OmniNexuz]

@@SteveBrandon Actually I was specifically thinking even more of the SEGA Developed Disney made Games & Companies already previously on the Current Minis rather than the one's like Aladdin or Lion King. More like The Donald Duck 'Quackshot' Game by SEGA or the Traveller's Tales/Sony Imagesoft 'Mickey Mania' given how the the Genesis Mini 2 has both accredited Games to both Companies with Games like Sonic 3D Blast & Sewer Shark 🤔

[@SteveBrandon]

@@OmniNexuz Quackshot, yes. I think the "Sony" part would complicate Mickey Mania getting re-licensed on the Mini 3 although, if it was possible, I hope it would be the Sega CD version.

[@bigbabatunde1218]

Alien Soldier was released on cartridge outside of Japan in the UK, and presumably Europe. Remember seeing it second hand years ago and could have bought it if I was interested, but didn't.

[@Aqua_Xenossia]

I’d almost forgotten that Super Locomotive’s soundtrack is basically YMO’s “Rydeen” on loop, nice to see they were able to keep that in, even if the game itself isn’t exactly filled with thrills.

[@stephenpalmer9375]

I appreciate this review as Joe, even as a self confessed SEGA fanboy, has been way more honest than a lot of other reviewers have been. Every other review has been utterly glowing about this. He basically says 'it's ok, with some flaws, and potentially an opportunity missed'. I pre-ordered and have it anyway - but it's good to see someone with integrity in the retrogaming community who isn't just shilling something they got for free.

[@AverageDaveVideos]

Agreed, this is the first review that isn't glowing that I have seen. I was interested in this thing as I never have had a mini console or much of the Sega library growing up. I would like to have it to experience these games, but it's a bit on the steep side price wise

[@UJCammy]

I agree too, I'm glad to finally see a review that's both in-depth and honest about stuff like the sound lag. I was actually shocked how hard it was to find a review that mentioned that in particular since it was a known problem with the first Genesis Mini. A lot of the other reviews I'd seen for the Mini 2 just felt disingenuous by skipping over things like sound issues, the Space Harrier flicker, etc.

[@stephenpalmer9375]

@@darthkai8242 try Slopes Games Room for one. Though he’s one of the worst SEGA shills

[@THENAMEISQUICKMAN]

Apparantly thinking something is better than others think is shilling now.

[@zanegandini5350]

Retro Core also gave a pretty fair review of it, though he was mainly covering the system and its features more than reviewing the game library on it.

[@UToobin75]

Nice overview. One thing I wish reviewers would cover every time one of these mini consoles are released however, is how many times some of the titles have been regurgitated over the years. By my count, about 1/3rd of the titles included in the Mini 2 have previously been made available in one form or another on physical media -- 15 in previous compilations, Splatterhouse 2 as an unlockable in Splatterhouse (2010), and Truxton and Night Trap on physical media via Retro-Bit and Limited Run respectively.

[@lordsosa9383]

blah blah blah blah boom plow i just smacked you in the mouth come at me bro

[@ArtofWEZ]

Night Striker is one of the reasons why I got this collection, it's my fav game in that style. The non saturn version doesn't seem to have correct pixel scaling yeah.

[@aaliguy9986]

I'm impressed how thorough your review was and how you managed to try out all these games with all the different modes in such a short time! Amazing job!

[@stationary-plane-dweller]

He's putting in that work.

[@bezoticallyyours83]

Well thanks for the comprehensive review. Aside from missing out on a few games like EWJ2, Splatterhouse 2, and Toejam and Earl 2 I don't regret not picking it up. Also, nice "tower of power" nod at the end. 😊

[@AaronC143]

I got mine yesterday, I love it. I played it for the remainder of my Thursday. I even have the Genesis Mini 1. So I have them both. If they do a Genesis Mini 3, it'll probably have Sega 32X games included. Afterburner 2 and Super Hang-On are my favorites on it and are the reason why I bought it. Gotta have my Afterburner and Hang-On.

[@roberto1519]

I wonder if SEGA will make a Mini Saturn as it's 30th anniversary on late 2024 is on its way, if that is even possible in a very low powered device like this. They didn't even consider the SMS, so the chances are thin, but still, it may happen.

[@Martynde]

I do love GameSack's outro music. Feels very nostalgic to TV shows from the 80s and 90s.

[@crayfishroll]

I just got mine last night and just a note the retrobit wireless 8 button genesis arcade pad does work on the mini 2 with the provided USB adapter.

[@infinity2z3r07]

The actual Sega CD edge connector door made me chuckle

[@adamlapinski7590]

Strange they managed to include that but not a LED which I would think is more important.

[@jamesbarker5535]

@@adamlapinski7590 from what people have been saying, it is due to the fact the mini 2 was intended as a Japanese release only - the Japanese Mega Drive 2 didn't have an LED light. Once they decided to release it to the US and EU markets they just rebranded the Japanese version and changed the colour of the switches.

[@adamlapinski7590]

@@jamesbarker5535 Thanks so much for that explanation James.

[@derekdash2179]

Did anyone notice Joe said “hidden gem” without putting on his metal Jesus costume?

[@deathofkings5633]

If we got a bunch of Sega cd and 32x games I’d definitely be interested in a Genesis mini 3 I also would like Spellcaster to be on it.

[@badcp455]

Absolutely, with the canceled 32X Konami and Capcom titles like Castlevania and Alien VS Predator.

[@tonybarnes2920]

Would've been cool if they got our unfinished/unreleased Super Strike Trilogy CD, which a compilation/director's cut of Desert, Jungle and Urban Strike. But I'm happy to have at least one of my games included in this compilation. I'm off to Amazon to order! Oh and I know you were trying to be funny, but I also worked on Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia! ROFL!

[@flmalegre]

Holy shit, it's Tony! The Strike series was my childhood, and Strider rocked my socks. You're a king, Agent Ego 👑

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

The most obscure game it has is ATOMIC RUNNER which I wish it didnt have because thats my "Super-weird old school game" I already have on cartridge

[@Sinn0100]

I know I'm a little late but... thank you for creating the Strike series. I would love to see a revival or at least a release on modern consoles.

[@ArgusArray]

I love the stop motion "making-of" during the end credits.

[@sjake8308]

I was actually momentarily excited that the ending skit was going to be one of Joe's stop motion efforts and I was kind of disappointed when it wasn't! XD

[@rars0n]

This is by far the most in-depth video I've seen of the Genesis Mini 2.

[@gabejva6071]

Now they need to release a Nomad with all the mini 1 & 2 games plus Lunar, Snatcher, and more.

[@PicardRiker08]

The amount of time you spent recording, writing, and editing this video, is staggering. Very few creators put as much effort into their videos as you do, Mister Sack.

[@billford171]

Really hope they release a mini version of their most neglected console: Sega Master System. Think they own the rights to most the library, and hardware can handle it for sure. Action Fighter, The Ninja, Choplifter, Rambo II(Secret Command), Alien Syndrome, Fantasy Zone, Out Run, Phantasy Star, Wonder Boy III, Space Harrier, Zillion, Shinobi....so many incredible games that they own and should actually do something with.

[@Curlyheart]

SG-1000: am I a joke to you?

[@xDmindless]

Really appreciate your audiophile analysis of the two console versions. Would have never picked up on the lag, great job!

[@jonathanlisowski5618]

Love the thoroughness of this review, you're the first to mention Bare Knuckle 3 being censored that I've heard (Wow, that 😞 sucks!). The fact that it's got the Game Sack humor makes this all the more worthwhile.

[@realamericannegro977]

The japanese verison of streets of rage 3 is censored in this collection?

[@techmark3665]

@@realamericannegro977 Yes - even more than the American version

[@realamericannegro977]

@@techmark3665 luckily I have the english patch on the wii. Society be tripping.

[@realamericannegro977]

@@retrorevivalsuperturbo9428 much better than whatever is going on in sor 4

[@cd4playa1245]

To be fair in today’s political climate the leftist libtards would absolutely lose their shit over Ash in Bare Knuckle 3. I’m so done with this cancel culture bull crap.

[@MichaelAarons1701]

I was hoping you’d address whether _Sonic CD_ utilized the original compressed versions of the animated cutscenes or used non-compressed versions from later ports.

[@Karnage233]

Of course it uses the original compressed versions, it’s simply the MegaCD original release and they wouldn’t have gone through the effort of adding dedicated uncompressed video playback just for Sonic CD

[@moverofobjects]

Gain Ground is an amazing game! Quite addicting with iconic music.

[@figment1988]

I play this one on the Astro City Mini and on the Switch which has the 3 player and 2 player mode. The switch version even uses the original arcade bezel which was donated by Galloping Ghost Arcade.

[@GameSack]

The music is definitely amazing

[@bartdierickx4630]

Strange, I remember the PAL version of Alien Soldier for sale in europe...

[@billcook4768]

I think if we judge the Mini 2 for what it is rather than for what it could have been, it’s awesome.

[@ShadowEl]

$100 + international shipping for a collection that is robust but lacks killer apps, and only includes one controller? I don't know if I'd call that "awesome"...

[@janet.snakehole]

@@ShadowEl ok. but if it were cheaper would you at least admit it's pretty cool then? :D

[@jbbrolic]

@@janet.snakehole with the variety of ways to emulate not just Genesis and Sega CD but 32x (which has far superior versions of some mini games like Virtua Racer) "if it was cheaper" isn't really a thing. There are better options if price isn't a consideration (and this is an expensive option for a not fantastic library of games.)

[@TheRavenArchon]

So I note in the comments section that a lot of people are hoping for a mini 3, and I just thought I'd point out that Madlittlepixel did a video called Segas next mini console, on how the JP version of the mini 2 actually came with a digital voting card (link and unique password) for a questionnaire that included a question about what console SEGA should make mini next. The options included a genesis 3, but also the Master System, Dreamcast, and Saturn, among a few other less interesting ones. Personally hoping for a Dreamcast Mini, but just the idea that SEGA is at least considering doing more mini consoles is hype as far as I'm concerned.

[@braddahl2098]

Just imagine how small the Genesis mini 3 would be.

[@losoraith]

It’s a shame the Lunar games are not on it. Would have picked one up if the mini 2 had them.

[@gtbeakerman]

There is a hidden method to enable Deflicker in Space Harrier I and II. At the main title screen of each game, highlight Options, and hold Right on the controller, and then press Start or A button.

[@Fluoride_Jones]

+gtbeakerman Thanks for the tip!

[@ghost085]

Why wouldn't they leave it enabled by default? Are there any drawbacks?

[@clanpsi]

This is brings nostalgia to the next level. $130 was what I paid for the Genesis originally. -_- That being said, if it had Lunar 1 & 2, I'd have bought it in a heartbeat.

[@SPac316]

I like that Crusader of Centy, Shining Force CD and Thunder Force 4/Lightening Force is on it and makes it worth the purchase alone. Those three games are still very expensive in the after market. But I wish that they could have included MUSHA, that game is ridiculously expensive now if you want the authentic cart.

[@tumblingt]

Great to see some sack on a weekday

[@cartmann94]

If they make A Genesis mini 3, they have to add all those Working Designs games and Snatcher in English. Also, base it on the CDX, as the Genesis 3 was made by Majesco.

[@Diablokiller999]

Like the Mega Drive 2 Mini so far, great collection of games overall and nice emulation. Sad that the hardware shortage made the pricing a bit off but hey, enough Games for a Mega Drive 3 Mini or Nomad Mini still there :D

[@dodgykebaab]

Damn it joe! Alien solder DID release outside of America. I’m in the UK and I had it! So I’m pretty sure the rest of Europe got it too

[@QF_Dan72]

US didn't really get it because you have to buy it from Sega Channel, he probably forgot about PAL

[@dwood78part23]

Didn't expect a new video from Game Sack on a late Tuesday night. Am watching it nonetheless. Hope everyone enjoyed Halloween.

[@JonReid01]

I am waiting until Sunday

[@Unquestionable]

Got my console something like half a week earlier than shipping estimates and while only really picked it up for a modern way to play Shining Force CD have been finding it fun to just mess around with the various titles. Has a weird mix of new and nostalgia for me, having mostly grown up on the SNES and only messing with the Genesis at friend's places.

[@sewart]

Appreciate you mentioning Canada, but they did open up pre-orders to us lesser-North-Americans a few weeks back. No hoops to jump through :)

[@RocKnight11]

It's nice to see the peasant-class get a bone thrown to them.

[@georgeweeman9057]

Not only should there be a Genesis Mini 3, but it should also include some 32x games like Virtua Fighter, Virtua Racing, and After Burner! (I know Virtua Racing,Virtua Fighter, and After Burner had Genesis Releases, but everyone knows that the 32X's versions were far superior).

[@quajay187]

A real untapped market IMO for all these mini consoles in the future would be to make 'Redux' version's of them, with fixed, enhanced, modded, translated and just overall improved versions of original game releases. Official mods and fixes of course....not third party romhacks. The nostalgia factor of these mini's with the same exact stock roms is starting to run thin.

[@DeformedConscience]

People are steadily buying this for nearly $200 on eBay when it is still available on Amazon directly from Sega for $100. 🤔

[@TransKingFormers]

Great review like always and i wished they would of included rocket knight adventures and its sequel sparkster

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

They better be working on a Saturn mini. Japan loves the Saturn almost as much as I do.

[@sloppynyuszi]

For Space Harrier 2 wouldn’t it have been easier to emulate the Mega CD tech to include the scaling?

[@rael_gc]

I disagree about the CRT filter: it'll compensate for the modern too bright LED TVs, and the slight blur will work to produce a better dithering, crucial in a lot of Sega Genesis games.

[@12ealDealOfficial]

Once I got a Series X, these things became an amusing novelty at best. The censorship on certain titles and lack of key titles supersedes the clean presentation these officially licensed products provide. But I am always thankful for any kind of hardware release because it means Joe is going to talk about it on Gamesack.

[@matiasolivares5749]

This has the same value as "Did you know you can use a Raspberry Pie"

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

Love how it's got the option to model the sound of each version, just like MiSTer does. Although having a mister I have no reason to get this really other than for looks and stuff which I don't think I'm going to do that

[@JomasterTheSecond]

I like how Joe implies that PAL territories aren't real life.

[@frogz]

what is pal? real games play in 60 hz

[@niklinders1579]

I live there and can confirm Joe is right

[@-Down-D-Stairs-]

Because it isn't real

[@zoiks6631]

I’m not your guy, PAL!

[@starpier]

PAL standard has the best color fidelity though. NTSC is also known as "never the same color". Of course this is a valid topic if you are playing on a CRT TV.

[@waderoberts3701]

It's a little disappointing there's no Sonic 3/Knuckles on here. I can't imagine there being a Genesis Mini 3 since the model 3 Genesis was a cheap aftermarket KB Toys deal with no addon capability IIRC. But I can totally imagine Nintendo making an NES Classic 2 shaped like the top loader and an SNES Classic 2 shaped like the mini SNES if they like money enough.

[@BenjiMordino]

I always preferred the sleek aesthetic of the megadrive 2. Internal qualities aside like sound and whatnot, I just think it looks cooler.

[@RigbyIsTheMan]

I agree, more compact too

[@dtester]

I probably would have liked it better if they kept the big circle from the original design on it ^_^

[@flink1231]

Thanks for the episode, as usual gamesack goes above and beyond to cover the mini in a very comprehensive manner

[@ImSumGuy]

I'm surprised you've never played The Ooze before this, as it was a notable addition to Sonic Mega Collection +. I thought it was an interesting concept, though I'd always gravitate to the other games

[@ostiariusalpha]

It is interesting for a bit, but it sure ain't Carrion, if you know what I mean.

[@bezoticallyyours83]

I tried it on Sega's Radica Red plug and play. It wasn't my cup of tea.

[@Sam-gy7nv]

I appreciate the time that goes into the stop motion stuff. It looks great and I always get a kick out them.

[@moonbilal707]

Great review on Genesis Mini 2. Thanks for telling us about not having both Lunar and Popful Mail on the International version. Sega should have just paid the fee to Victor Ireland, even if he asked for royalty. There is no excuse for "semiconductor or chip shortage," licensing negotiations that slowed down during the pandemic, and announcing the International version last minute when they focus more on the Japanese market. Sega should have delayed the release to 2023 because there were some problems for M2 and maybe other developers during the development of MD Mini 2. Puyo Puyo Sun supposed to have single-player/story modes and needed three more months when they had one month left to finish the full game, but Yosuke Okunari (producer of MD Mini 2) wanted the device to be released in October 2022. So M2 decided to have VS mode only and called the game "VS Puyo Puyo Sun." I don't know who to blame, but it should have been better with Mini 2 if they have taken the time for improvements. If Yosuke Okunari wants to develop Saturn Mini or Dreamcast Mini, then Sega should take more effort into research, takes more development time, maybe localize some games for fans overseas, and focus both on the Japanese and International markets.

[@cd4playa1245]

It would be cool if they did release puyo puyo sun on a physical cartridge in the future but who knows.

[@seanhealey5931]

Never get tired of Brimaxian's intro theme. 👍

[@johns6265]

Whilst I appreciate the clear effort to create a collection with some new things we probably haven't seen before, certain parts of the Megadrive back catalogue have been re-released and re-released again and again since the days of the PS2 and I've reached a point where I just can't face the prospect of a collection with the inferior Megadrive ports of games like Outrun and Afterburner getting wheeled out again. A few failed projects that weren't commercially viable for release are bonus content at best.

[@sjake8308]

Yes, there's generally not much reason for anybody to play the 16-bit console ports of old arcade games these days (with a few notable exceptions). This is especially true for the ports of the Super Scaler games, which ran on much more powerful hardware than the humble Mega Drive.

[@GiordanDiodato]

pretty sure Shining Force CD and Crusader of Centy haven't seen a rerelease at all

[@jbbrolic]

Yeah. Especially in cases with actually quite good 32x ports (Virtua Racer, Space Harrier.)

[@thereminslilly8782]

Unfortunate about the Working Designs stuff, but it's good to hear something specific about why those games weren't on here. Interesting for Ireland comment on it in some capacity.

[@thevoicefromyournightmares]

Was able to get this one in a physical store in Japan 1 day after the release. Was sold out everywhere but in this little store where no one would even think they'd sell it, since they only focus on pre-owned games. Not really sad for it not having some of games that are on the EU and American versions, instead happy for those that it has got instead. Also, thanks for another great episode.

[@JBird401]

I prefer the game selection on the model 1 but glad i picked up a mini 2.

[@wizzel22]

Of all the reviews on the Mini 2 on YT, yours and Sega Lord X's are the best. It shows who the real Sega Expert is. Way to go, Joe! 👍

[@RallyLancer95]

25:23 I like to think that somewhere Mark is looking up with his coffee mug in hand

[@templetonpeck1084]

The audio delay alone is a dealbreaker for me.

[@DevilSurvivor69]

Just a note for anyone in Canada wanting one; you need a US address to ship to by van use any payment method with Canadian address. I have lots of family there so I used a address from one of them. If that's not an option for you, sometimes you can have it shipped to a post office near the border if you're close.

[@smvanderlouw]

Shining Force CD 🤯😁🥳

[@turbinegraphics16]

The end music is from a c64 game called Thing on a spring and it sounds very interesting when its remixed for different sound chips.

[@hamzasaheb8642]

"Smaller is better"

[@naesspillihp1370]

What a nice surprise in the middle of the week. Thanks Joe

[@rustymixer2886]

My Japan version came with a survey about which Sega mini should be next, Genesis mini 3 an option 😆

[@mgshock]

What were the other options?

[@rustymixer2886]

@@mgshock Genesis mini 3 mini, Saturn mini, Dreamcast mini or Mark III (master system) mini from my Google translator from what I recall

[@rustymixer2886]

@@mgshock I selected Saturn mini

[@mgshock]

@@rustymixer2886 Oh, that would be nice. Probably be screwed on RPG's in any western release because of Working Designs/Gaijinworks wanting too much money for their ports.

[@mgshock]

@@rustymixer2886 I'd almost go with the Dreamcast, but so many of its best titles already have HD ports elsewhere.

[@adamw9764]

I like the mini 2, neat little machine. I am hoping that Sega makes a mini 3 based on the other genesis designs. Great video!

[@AirknightTails]

Thanks for telling us about the Audio Delay. As someone who has to deal with Capture Delay with my HD PVR 2. The Audio Delay would probably drive me nuts over time. So I'll sadly pass

[@jzubrodikal98]

That After Burner Murel you have in the background is amazing! 😍💙

[@arthur78]

Thanks for pointing out the flaws of this system unlike other KZbinrs who ignored them or didn't notice them in order to get their review out first *cough*MVG*cough*

[@strawberrymanga9]

So it only comes with one controller? Where can we get an extra controller for it?

[@carlosaugustodinizgarcia3526]

Imagine if it the mini 2 had the Working Design games AND a Sega translated version of Shin Megami Tensei CD.Oh man... Great video. Despite all the setbacks the Mini 2 have a great selection of games. I think Sega may well release a Sega Genesis mini 3 with Sonic 3 & Knuckles (beta soundtrack),Knuckles Chaotix,Turles in Time, Snatcher, Virtua Fighter 32X,Super Tempo,Kolibri, Phantasy Star III,Ys III,Virtua Racing 32 X,Space Harrrier 32X,Splatterhouse 3,Streets of Rage 1,a Mortal Kombat game ,Quackshot,Doom 32 X (with the option of playing with the PC soundtrack) and why not various Master System games like Shinobi and Phantasy Star with both PSG and FM soundtracks?