Sega has released two mini versions of its Genesis/Mega Drive consoles, leaving some fans wondering which classic hardware the company will make next in minis. Following the Mega Drive in 1994, the Saturn seems like a natural choice. But making the Saturn a mini-console seems like a tall order for Sega.
Sega’s president Yukio Sugino said in an interview, “The development of hardware so far happened when conditions inside and outside happened to coincide.” famitsutranslated by IGN.
“Since the Sega Saturn has surprisingly high performance, it is very difficult (to make a mini version).”
Sugino’s comments cast doubt on the possibility of a Saturn Mini launching any time soon, but he also leaves the door open to the possibility of a Saturn Mini launch, and even a Dreamcast Mini. It was confirmed that “tactical research” was currently being conducted in this area.
“When we reissue classic hardware, we don’t actually say, ‘Well, let’s make another piece of hardware because it’s selling well.’ I would like to consider it when it becomes possible to develop it openly with people who have loved the cast for a long time.That said, I think our team is doing technical research. .”
The Sega Genesis Mini was launched in 2019. IGN’s review returned a 9/10. “The Sega Genesis Mini isn’t perfect, but it’s as close to perfection as any retro all-in-one mini console has ever been.”
The Sega Genesis Mini 2 comes out in 2022 and is equally impressive. IGN’s review called it a “great follow-up to his Genesis Mini in 2019, with plenty of magic from his M2 packed into its tiny frame.”
Nintendo has released the NES Classic and SNES Classic, but has so far resisted the temptation to release the N64 Classic. Sony has released the PlayStation Classic, a miniature reproduction of the original PlayStation console.
IGN’s top 10 Sega Saturn games include Panzer Dragoon Saga, Virtua Fighter 2, and Guardian Heroes.
Wesley is IGN’s UK news editor. Find @wyp100 on Twitter. Wesley can be contacted at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
