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?

The post Sega Announces the Game Gear Micro appeared first on Retro Ages.

As the 30th anniversary of gaming’s best loved hedgehog quickly approaches, SEGA have unveiled an exclusive commemorative statue. Depicting an action packed scene with Sonic facing off against the evil Dr. Eggman (aka Robotnik) in one of the most icon boss battles of all time.

Fans can pre-order the statue from the official SEGA store for £69.99. With orders expected to be delivered in August 2021.

Some of the key features include:

• Official SEGA product
• Designed by Numskull Designs
• Exclusive statue featuring Sonic and Dr. Eggman in battle
• Depicts a detailed scene in the style of the classic Sonic the Hedgehog games with retro style grass base
• Made from high grade PVC and vinyl
• Measures: 22.86cm (9 inches) x 21.84cm (8.6 inches) x 18.79cm (7.4 inches)

Are you excited for this commemorative statue? Let us know in the comments.

The post SEGA Unveil Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary Statue appeared first on Retro Ages.

Having released on countless systems, the original Sonic the Hedgehog could be one of the most ported games ever released. Perhaps even giving the venerable DOOM a run for its money!

For those of you looking to get a nostalgia hit by replaying the spiky blue blur’s first console outing, we compiled a list of some of the best, and worst, versions of this 16-bit classic for you to play.

The Good

Sonic the Hedgehog

Format: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis | Release: 1991

The classic, and the original. Released on the 23rd June 1991 in North America. This was the title that made Sonic a household name around the world.

Even now, 30 years later, the Mega Drive classic is great to go back to. Sure, there’s some pacing issues, but the foundations of the series for years to come was laid down right here.

Sonic Jam

Format: Sega Saturn | Release: 1997

Sonic Jam for the Sega Saturn was, and perhaps still is, the definitive collection for the classic Sonic the Hedgehog quadrilogy.

Featuring enhanced ports of Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles, Sonic Jam adds the Spin Dash into Sonic the Hedgehog, along with new ‘easy’ modes.

There’s also a fantastic 3D world where you can view a whole range of artwork, videos, adverts and even cheats relating to the classic Sonic series.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Format: iOS and Android | Release: 2013

Playing Sonic on a mobile. You must be mad! Well, the mobile port of Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most feature packed releases of the original game around!

Want the Sonic 2 Spin Dash in Sonic 1? Want to unlock Tails and Knuckles? Want to use your bluetooth controller instead of on-screen controls? You’ve got it all here!

3D Sonic the Hedgehog

Format: Nintendo 3DS | Release: 2015

Released for the Nintendo 3DS, 3D Sonic the Hedgehog puts a new perspective on this beloved classic.

While there’s little in the way of extras, the excellent use of the 3D allow the backgrounds extend out to the horizon. You can also pick this title up as part of the equally excellent Sega 3D Classics.

The Bad

Sega Smash Pack: Volume 1

Format: Sega Dreamcast | Release: 2001

Released almost 10 years after the original, Sega Smash Pack Volume 1 contains the original Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as 11 other classic Sega titles.

It’s just a shame the version of Sonic in this bundle contains poor audio and slow down that wasn’t present in the Mega Drive original. Perhaps there was a reason that there was never a Smash Pack Volume 2 released for the Dreamcast?

Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis

Format: Nintendo Game Boy Advance | Release: 2006

Sonic Genesis was part of Sonic’s 15th Anniversary, having the misfortune of sharing a release date with the infamous ‘Sonic 06’. However, sharing a release date with what is considered one of the worst Sonic titles isn’t there only thing these two have in common.

Releasing with a myriad of technical issues, from a cropped view of Sonic’s world, terrible performance and shockingly poor audio, this is on version you’d be best steering clear of.

The Ugly

Sonic Jam

Format: Game.Com | Release: 1998

Certainly not to be confused with the excellent Sonic Jam on the Sega Saturn. The Game.Com version barely counts as a playable game.

This game is such a train wreck that they actually forgot to include Sonic the Hedgehog in the compilation. Instead you have a barely functional stage from each of Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. Avoid!

The Winner

The iOS and Android version is easily the best way to play the classic Sonic the Hedgehog.

With new features such as the ability to play as Tails and Knuckles, the inclusion of the Spin Dash, the ability to switch between the US/EU version and the enhanced Japanese version and true widescreen support. It’s really no contest.

What’s more you can even play for free if you can put up with the ads, or £1.99 to play ad-free.

Then again, this port was created by the talented Christan Whitehead. The same Christan Whitehead behind the amazing Sonic Mania.

The post Sonic the Hedgehog: 30 Years Later – The Best Way to Play appeared first on Retro Ages.