Sega Mega Drive Mini 2 review: it's more than a curiosity

With 60 classic games, including Mega-CD titles, Sega Mega Drive Mini 2 impresses.

Sega Mega Drive Mini 2 review; a photo of a close up of a Sega games console controller
(Image: © Future)

Our Verdict

The Sega Mega Drive Mini 2 is a smart, well-modelled little retro console crammed with some of the best games of the late 80s and early 90s. As a footnote to the moment game design met new technology this is an essential buy for any budding game devs; the challenge of getting the most from new tech happens more than ever, so learn from the successes and missteps of the past. Or simply boot up OutRun, Silpheed CD and Rainbow Islands EXTRA and many other hits, and have a great time.

For

  • The 60 games offer good value
  • Lovely recreated model
  • Excellent UI and UX

Against

  • Manuals aren't on console
  • Lacks art and game histories

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The Sega Mega Drive Mini 2, or Sega Genesis Mini 2 for US readers, is the retro console follow-up to the popular Sega Mega Drive Mini, a tiny games machine released in 2019 that soon sold out. This is an Amazon-exclusive games console that Sega has already revealed will be produced in fewer numbers than the previous retro gaming console. So is the hype worthwhile.

In short, yes. Once again game emulation is from the experts at M2 and the 60 games featured here come from the later years of the Mega Drive, including some interesting Mega-CD / Sega CD releases. There are some real gems in here to replay.

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The Verdict
9

out of 10

Sega Mega Drive Mini 2

The Sega Mega Drive Mini 2 is a smart, well-modelled little retro console crammed with some of the best games of the late 80s and early 90s. As a footnote to the moment game design met new technology this is an essential buy for any budding game devs; the challenge of getting the most from new tech happens more than ever, so learn from the successes and missteps of the past. Or simply boot up OutRun, Silpheed CD and Rainbow Islands EXTRA and many other hits, and have a great time.

TOPICS
Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.

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