Sega Genesis
4th Generation Console
In 1989, Sega Genesis was released in the US. The unit was a powerful machine sporting two processors and a multitude of other co-processors or supporting chips.
The added complexity, coupled with a lack of useful development tools, got the unit off to slow sales. The initial games were not impressive.
However, the Sega Genesis did well, selling over 10 million units before being cancelled. Attributing to the success of the unit was the release of Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic the Hedgehog pushed the graphics, animation and sound of the unit while delivering great speed and an excellent user experience.
As a result of the game?s success, Sega used Sonic as its mascot and icon.
Sega modified the console over the years making minor changes like offering a sleeker design. Moreover, in 1998, Majesco rereleased the Sega Genesis as Genesis 3 for$50.
Date Range: 1988 - 2000
Release Price: US $190
Sega failed to capture any significant market share with the Sega Master System in North America, leaving Nintendo with 93 percent market share.
Sega designed the Genesis to be at least as good as the best computers of the time including the Commodore Amiga, Atari ST and the Apple Macintosh II.
Despite being a better console, Sega failed to garner much market share from Nintendo with the Genesis.
Product Specs:
- 320 x 240 video
- 8-channel sound
- 3.58 Mhz processor
- 512 colours
- 64KB RAM
- 64KB ROM
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