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Sega Genesis

1989–1997 · home console

Specifications

Cpu: Motorola 68000, 16/32-bit, 7.6 MHz (main); Zilog Z80, 3.58 MHz (sound and backward compatibility with Master System titles)
Gpu: Yamaha YM7101 VDP, 64 KB VRAM, 61 simultaneous colors from a 512-color palette
Ram: max: 64 KB main RAM (fixed, no official expansion) · base: 64 KB main RAM, 8 KB Z80 RAM, 64 KB video RAM
Media: ROM cartridge
Output: Composite, RF, and RGB (via EXT port) video out, stereo audio
Release Price: $189

Variants

Models

Genesis Model 21993 cost-reduced redesign: smaller case, no headphone jack, revised audio hardware. Sega CD compatibility requires the matching Model 2 add-on shell.

Genesis Model 31995 budget redesign sold mainly in Brazil by Tectoy; drops the expansion port used by Sega CD and 32X.

Upgrade paths

other

Sega CD / Mega-CD add-on: adds a CD-ROM drive, an additional 68000-family co-processor, extra RAM, and CD-quality audio · Two distinct hardware shapes match the Model 1 and Model 2 Genesis; the add-on plugs into the side (Model 1) or underneath (Model 2) via the cartridge slot and expansion port.

$299 (Model 1), $229 (Model 2)

MODERATE

other

32X add-on: dual Hitachi SH-2 32-bit RISC processors and an additional video layer for a new tier of 3D-capable cartridges · Plugs into the cartridge slot and connects to the Genesis via a ribbon cable through the expansion port; the library was short-lived, effectively superseded within a year by the Saturn.

$159

MODERATE