Sega Announces the Game Gear Micro

As part of their 60th anniversary celebrations, Sega have unveiled a new range of ‘micro’ consoles for release in Japan – the Sega Game Gear Micro.

When Sega calls their ‘micro’ consoles, they really mean it. Measuring a paltry 8cm x 4.3cm x 2cm, this console is going to be tiny – especially when compared to the colossal 1990 original.

So since this micro console is pulling double duty to celebrate not only Sega’s 60th anniversary, but also it’s own 30th birthday, what can we expect from the diminutive console?

Available in a choice of four colours, with each containing four unique Game Gear titles. Ranging from classics such as Sonic the Hedgehog to some more obscure titles such as Baku Baku Animal and Nazo Puyo.

Black Console

1. Sonic the Hedgehog
2. Puyo Puyo 2
3. Outrun
4. Royal Stone

Sporting the same colouring as the original Game Gear, the black console comes with a variety of genres including platforming, racing and puzzle. The headline title is Sonic’s 8-bit debut, Sonic the Hedgehog. This title offers a slower platforming experience than the Mega Drive version, with emphasis on exploration.
Also included is the arcade racer Outrun, bean dropping puzzler Puyo Puyo 2 and strategy title Royal Stone.

Blue Console

1. Sonic and Tails
2. Gunstar Heroes
3. Baku Baku Animal
4. Sylvan Tale

The blue Game Gear micro comes complete with my favourite of all the 8-bit Sonic titles – Sonic and Tails (known as Sonic Chaos in the west), as well as an admiral port of the Treasure classic Gunstar Heroes.
Finishing off the quartet is puzzler Baku Baku Animal and action RPG Sylvan Tale.

Yellow Console

1. Shining Force Gaiden
2. Shining Force Gaiden 2
3. Shining Force Gaiden Final Conflict
4. Nazo Puyo Arle no Roux

The yellow edition contains a number of strategy role playing titles with a total of three Shining Force titles and Nazo Puyo Arle no Roux which combines Puyo Puyo and some light exploration elements.

Red Console

1. Last Bible
2. Last Bible Special
3. The GG Shinobi
4. Columns

The final Game Gear micro console comes in a striking red colour, unfortunately this isn’t the often coveted Coca-Cola design though.
This console includes Last Bible and Last Bible Special, part of the Megami Tensei series, the excellent GG Shinobi and puzzle title Columns.

It appears Sega has chose a varied selection of titles for these micro consoles, although the ￥5,000 price tag (around £38/US$46) per console makes these a little too rich for many gamers. For those interested the console will be available through Amazon in Japan.

If you’re determined to collect this micro consoles, you may also want to look at the four console bundle for an eye watering ￥20,379 (~£150/US$190) that also includes a ‘Big Window’ magnifier. This bulbous add-on clips to the front of the console and attempts to make the tiny screen a little more usable.

So what are your thoughts on these micro consoles? A great way to celebrate 30 years since the release of the original Game Gear, or an overpriced and impractical collectors item?