Sega Genesis

Sega Genesis

Sega Genesis is a fourth generation 16-bit video game console developed and marketed by Sega. It was available for retail on October 29, 1988 in Japan; August 14, 1989 in North America; and November 30, 1990 in Europe. It was called Sega Mega Drive at most parts of the world and it is the successor to the Sega Master System.

Features

Sega Genesis’s CPU consists of 16/32-bit Motorola 68000 which is a 32-bit microprocessor sitting on a 16-bit-wide data bus and built with 16MB memory. Besides that, it is geared with dedicated VDP (Video Display Processor) for background graphic and sprite control which is the improved version of the Sega Master System VDP that produces 256 pixels (32 tiles) or 320 pixels (40 tiles) across and 224 scan lines (28 tiles) or 240 scan lines (30 tiles) down. In term of audio, it is installed with two primary sound chips; the Yamaha YM2612 Frequency Modulation (FM) chip and the Texas Instruments SN76489 Programmable Sound Generator (PSG) chip. Furthermore, its key design feature includes its backward capability with Sega’s previous console, the Sega Master System. In addition, its controller features three main buttons and a "start" button usually used for pausing mid-game and designed in distinctive rounded shape. Also, Sega has released a six-button version controller which is smaller and features three more face buttons, similar to the design of buttons on arcade fighting games; Sega Mega-CD that provides access to CD games as well as allowing the user to play music CDs; Sega 32x that allows players to play technically superior 32-bit games; and other peripherals that add extra functionality.