MICRO MACHINES
SEGA UNVEILS ITS LATEST RETRO CONSOLE PROJECT
In news that was more than a little bit of a surprise, Sega has chosen to celebrate its 60th anniversary by announcing a whole range of retro mini consoles – and in the process, became the first major manufacturer to create a mini console based on classic handheld hardware. The Game Gear Micro is a tiny recreation of Sega’s first handheld console, released to commemorate the system’s 30th anniversary. Four models are being created, with each utilising a different colour scheme based on ones used by the original Nineties models. The differences are more than cosmetic, as each different coloured system also comes with its own unique line-up of games.
In keeping with the Japanese trend for keychain-sized gadgets, the tiny unit is less than 40% of the size of the original console, just 3.15 inches wide with a 1.15-inch screen. Unlike the Mega Drive Mini, which was an accurate scale recreation of the original console, the Game Gear Micro does make some alterations – most notably larger buttons, in order to help with playability. Power can be supplied via two AAA batteries, for three to four hours of play time, or via Micro USB cable. As with Sega’s Mega Drive Mini, M2 is handling the emulation and has provided options including save states. However, none of the systems include multiplayer capabilities, and other common features such as television output will not be included.
Each model comes with just four built-in games, and as usual there is no official way to expand the » selection. The black model is tailored towards big names and comes with Sonic The Hedgehog, Out Run, Puyo Puyo 2 and the tactical RPG Royal Stone, a Japan-only sequel to Crystal Warriors. The blue model is aimed at more hardcore Sega fans and includes
Sonic & Tails, better known here as Sonic Chaos, M2’s excellent Gunstar Heroes conversion, block puzzler Baku Baku Animal and the action-rpg Sylvan Tale. The yellow model is geared towards Shining
Force fans, featuring Shining Force Gaiden, Shining Force Gaiden II and Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict, as well as the mission-based Puyo Puyo variant Nazo Puyo. The red model is intended to represent Atlus, purchased by Sega in 2013, and includes the Megami Tensei Gaiden games Last Bible and Last Bible Special, as well as The GG Shinobi and Columns. Notably, Sega has chosen not to license any third-party games for these systems.
The Game Gear Micro has so far only been announced for release in Japan, where it will be released on 6 October 2020. Each model is individually priced at ¥4,980 (approximately £36), with a bundle package of all four also available.
The release is quite limited, with the consoles only available via Amazon, Rakuten and the Sega Store, with individual outlets offering special bundle packs for four console sets, including pin badges and a decorative Game Gear Micro with smoke coloured casing respectively.
While we do like the concept of the Game Gear Micro, we’d be surprised to see the system released in this fashion beyond the shores of Japan, as initial fan reactions were critical of the high price and low quantity of games. However, if this release is as limited as Sega has suggested, the device may well be prized by collectors in years to come. We’ll keep track of any developments, and aim to bring you a closer look at the system in due course.