All Sega Consoles And Handhelds In Order

Sega, a pioneering company in the video game industry, has a rich history of producing innovative consoles and handheld devices that have left a lasting impact on gamers worldwide. From its early days in the 1980s to its current status as a third-party developer, Sega's hardware offerings have been diverse and often groundbreaking.

Early Consoles (Third Generation)

SG-1000

Released in 1983, the SG-1000 was Sega's first foray into the home console market. It was launched in Japan and was part of the third generation of consoles. Although it did not achieve significant success, it laid the groundwork for Sega's future endeavors. The SG-1000 used ROM cartridges and had several variants, including the SG-1000 II and SG-1000 III.

Master System

The Master System, released in 1985, was initially a variant of the SG-1000 but was later rebranded and released worldwide. It supported both ROM cartridges and Sega Card games. Despite its moderate success in Europe, it failed to gain traction in Japan and North America. The Master System was known for its robust game library and remains a nostalgic favorite among many retro gamers.

Fourth Generation

Genesis / Mega Drive

Launched in 1988, the Genesis (known as the Mega Drive outside North America) was a major success for Sega. It was a 16-bit console that rivaled Nintendo's Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The Genesis had a wide range of games, including popular titles like "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Streets of Rage." It was also the first Sega console to receive third-party variants, such as the Wondermega and X'Eye.

Game Gear

Released in 1990, the Game Gear was Sega's first handheld console. It was similar to the Master System but required a converter to play Master System games. The Game Gear was known for its color screen, a feature that set it apart from its competitors at the time. Despite its innovative design, it was overshadowed by Nintendo's Game Boy.

Sega Nomad

The Sega Nomad, launched in 1995, was a portable version of the Genesis. It allowed players to enjoy Genesis games on the go, with the added feature of connecting to a TV. Although it was convenient, the Nomad was considered a commercial failure, selling only about a million units.

Fifth Generation

Sega Saturn

Released in 1994, the Sega Saturn was Sega's first 32-bit console. It was known for its complex hardware and was initially successful in Japan. However, it struggled in North America and Europe, partly due to poor marketing and the early release of Sony's PlayStation. The Saturn had a dedicated fan base and is remembered for its unique games, such as "Panzer Dragoon" and "Virtua Fighter".

32X

The 32X was an add-on for the Genesis, designed to enhance its capabilities to 32-bit. Released in 1994, it was intended to extend the life of the Genesis but ultimately failed to gain significant traction. The 32X was criticized for its high price and limited game library.

Sixth Generation

Dreamcast

Launched in 1998, the Dreamcast was Sega's last major console. It was innovative, featuring a built-in modem for online gaming and a VMU (Visual Memory Unit) accessory that added extra memory and a secondary screen. Despite its forward-thinking design and loyal fan base, the Dreamcast was a commercial failure, leading Sega to discontinue hardware production and transition to third-party game development.

Educational Consoles

Sega Pico

Released in 1993, the Sega Pico was an educational console aimed at young children. It used ROM cartridges designed like books and was more successful in Japan than in other regions. The Pico was followed by the Advanced Pico Beena in 2005, which was released only in Japan and featured updated hardware.

Advanced Pico Beena

The Advanced Pico Beena was the successor to the Sega Pico, released exclusively in Japan in 2005. It was designed for younger children and used ROM cartridges that resembled storybooks. Although it never gained widespread popularity outside Japan, it remained in production until the last game was released in 2011.

Recent Developments

Sega Genesis Mini and Game Gear Micro

In recent years, Sega has released several retro-style consoles, including the Sega Genesis Mini in 2019 and the Game Gear Micro in 2020. These consoles are miniature versions of their classic counterparts, preloaded with a selection of classic games. They cater to the nostalgia of retro gamers and provide a modern take on Sega's historical hardware.

Conclusion

Sega's journey through the console and handheld market has been marked by both significant successes and notable failures. From the early SG-1000 to the innovative Dreamcast, Sega has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming technology. Although the company no longer produces hardware, its legacy continues to influence the gaming industry, and its classic consoles remain beloved by gamers around the world.