The Japanese Sega Mega Drive Mini 2

There are a lot of differences in the libraries between the Genesis Mini 2 and the Japanese Mega Drive Mini 2. Is it still worth importing?

Check out my review of the US Genesis Mini 2 here:

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Opening "Sega" jingle is from Astal for the Sega Saturn.

Ending Music during the credits is from Batman for the Sega Genesis.

SLX Logo
By: Jan Neves

Intro by Evan S.

Episode Notes:

1. So far my experience with the Mini 2 has seen only the US version receive a power brick.

2. Astro City Mini controllers and the Retro-bit Sega pads all work with this.

3. Most of the front end options are the same between regions.

4. Though this Japanese version has Lunar and Popful Mail, I consider the US Genesis Mini 2 the better overall value.

5. At some point Sega and other companies need to graduate to 1080p output and USB-C connectors.

6. At some point someone at Sega needs to champion a dedicated retro system that is FPGA based and connects to the internet to buy games. Sega can't compete with Sony and Microsoft, but they sure as hell have the back catalog of console and arcade games to support such a device.

[neilallen]

I had no idea Reiko Kodama passed away. That's so sad. We owe Alis Landale to her.

[IkariMetalSlugger]

Appreciate the mentioning of Rieko Kodama's passing. Played through Phantasy Star 4 again very recently and it's still a blast. RIP to a legendary lady.

[ALittleSnowFairySaga]

Would have gotten this absolutely hands-down, had the English version of both Lunars, Popful Mail, and Snatcher been included.

[stargazerlaurent]

Of all the video game channels, you’re the only one I really relate to. Similar background and era. Everybody thought these games were silly back then but I view them as shared memories. The music, the times, and just everything

[jonathanlisowski]

R.I.P.
Rieko Kodama, thank you for your great contributions to so many of our childhood memories.

God Bless you n your family!

[iansmith]

Rieko Kodama: a legend and an irreplaceable talent. the world of Phantasy Star stands above and beyond as something magical and never to be replicated.

[yafavblerd]

Thank you for recognizing Rieko Kadama (RIP), very cool & sweet of you, and excellent Japan Sega Mini 2 analysis as usual! Fingers crossed Sega attempts a Dreamcast mini in the future 🤞🏿🎮

[UltimateGamerCC]

that's really cool that the Japanese MD Mini 2 was made in memory of someone's passing, especially someone who had a hand in making the MD a place where plenty of quality RPGs were available.

[j-hobby]

Such a kick to the guts on hearing about the passing of Phoenix Rie. Such an immense talent gone far too soon 😥

[mickyball]

R.I.P. Rieko Kodama. My childhood wouldn't have been as enjoyable were it not for her.

[arcadeguy]

Great video as always. I bought both this version & the Genesis mini 2. I’m currently learning Japanese because of this mini console. Also, RIP Rieko Kodama. As others said that was a fantastic tribute to her. 58 is way too young.

[apollolux]

Proper thorough comparison video, thanks. RIP Phoenix Rie, may she rise again from the ashes.

[turboterminator]

Got to love Sega there's magic there that takes us back to our childhoods just played through Castle Of Illusion and Quackshot.I know games have moved on but there's something about the Megadrive/Genesis that you cant get in modern games Soul And Heart!

[Fluoride_Jones]

I'm beginning to think I'll never, ever get to play "Snatcher" for the Sega CD. It's so elusive that it reminds me of Bigfoot, or the Jersey Devil.

[luff]

Thank you for mentioning Rieko Kodama. I didn't even know she died. RIP.

[joshuamackey]

RIP reiko kodama thank u for ur great work in video games and making memories for us and in that u will live forever

[gck]

Rieko Kodama also saved the excellent Switch port of Virtua Racing, she retrieved the original game's source code while entire libraries of game source codes have been misplaced forever. Her contributions to Sega are immeasurable, while her friends and family knew her most, I hope they're aware of all the joy she brought to Sega and gaming fans worldwide

[Zahir]

RIP Rieko Kodama. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and games you had given us.

[BlueEyedVibeChecker]

Bit of trivia for you, Star Cruiser was in fact translated to English for international release, it just never saw an international release. The reviews in European Mega Drive magazines praised it, but the public never saw the game outside of Japan.

[Mazgid]

I live for this "catch you next tiiime"