System Name: Sega Genesis (known as the Mega Drive outside North America)
Manufacturer: Sega
Released in 1988 in Japan (as the Mega Drive) and 1989 in North America (as the Genesis).
The Sega Genesis was Sega’s breakout hit in the console market, bringing fast, arcade-style gaming into homes with a powerful 16-bit processor. It famously introduced iconic franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and Golden Axe. Known for its edgy marketing and competition with Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the Genesis helped Sega carve out a huge share of the gaming market during the early 1990s. Its strong library, including titles from Electronic Arts and Capcom, made it a must-have system of its time.
Approximately
The Genesis/Mega Drive was Sega’s most successful console, accounting for about 35% of Sega’s total gaming income across all their years making hardware. It established Sega as a major player and set the stage for their future (even if later consoles couldn’t quite replicate its success).
The price of a used Genesis today can vary based on condition, whether it’s a complete in-box (CIB) unit, and the inclusion of games or accessories. On average:
Loose (just the console): Around $50 – $120, depending on the model (original, Model 2, or Model 3) and condition.
Complete in Box (CIB): Around $150 – $300, depending on the specific version and packaging.