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In the late 80's, Sega was struggling. Apart from Brazil, the Master System had obtained at best only a 5% market share which was at least a far cry better than the impact of their previous computer and console systems (The SG1000 I, II and III and the SC-3000). The Master System itself had already overseen two iterations with a third later produced for Brazil due to their long-term support of the machine.
With Hiroshi Yamauchi dismissing Sega as no threat, instead focussing on NEC's PC-Engine with it's outrageously huge research-and-development budget, it seemed Sega's 16bit console would get lost in the dust. However the talents of Sega's own significantly lesser R&D made sure that Sega were simply underestimated. Sega's main rise to fame, and profit, during the Eighties was simple - Arcades. With outstanding classics such as Hang On, Space Harrier and OutRun under their belts, it was the decision of Hayao Nakayama (Head of Sega at the time) that their next console would be focussed on being the first proper arcade console. Despite works with Hideki Sato in simply modifying the System-16 hardware, the end result was a much needed step-down in hardware power. The Mega Drive was a labour of love, however, and Sato made sure it came with some thought of the future. It had the capability to work on PC-style peripherals such as mouse and keyboard as well as the slot underneath for a conceptual CD drive addition. The Mega Drive was also the first console to come complete with the ability to use a modem, and also had a unique downloads service through the later launched Sega Channel cartridge. It was also a console with such a huge amount and strange range of official peripherals and remakes, making for a fantastic library of items for you to look up and peruse. Specifications CPU: 68000 7.670442 MHz, Z80 3.579540 MHz (sound) Sound: YM-2612 7.670442 MHz, SN76496 5.162798 MHz Screen: 256 x 224 @ 60.00 Hz, 320 x 224 @ 60.00 Hz Colors: Palette 512; 64 max on screen Published: 29 October 1988 by Sega Others: RAM: 64k (Plus 64k Sound RAM), Max 80 sprites; 20 max per scanline |
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