What To Know
- The Gen 2 has the same game library as the Gen 1, so you can play all of your favorite Genesis games on either console.
- If you’re looking for a classic console with a large game library, then either the Gen 1 or Gen 2 is a good option.
- The main differences between the Sega Genesis Gen 1 and Gen 2 are the size, the controller, the processor, and the sound chip.
The Sega Genesis, also known as the Mega Drive in Japan, is a fourth-generation home video game console developed and released by Sega in 1988. It was the company’s first 16-bit console and competed with Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The Genesis was a commercial success, selling over 30 million units worldwide. In 1991, Sega released a redesigned version of the console, known as the Genesis 2 or Mega Drive 2. The Genesis 2 featured a number of improvements over the original model, including a smaller size, a more ergonomic controller, and a new sound chip. So, which one should you choose: the Sega Genesis Gen 1 or the Gen 2? Let’s take a closer look at both consoles.
Design
The Sega Genesis Gen 1 is a large, black console with a distinctive angular design. The Gen 2, on the other hand, is smaller and more compact, with a more rounded design. Both consoles have three controller ports, but the Gen 2 has a fourth port for a 4-player adapter.
Controller
The Sega Genesis Gen 1 controller is a six-button controller with a D-pad. The Gen 2 controller is also a six-button controller, but it has a more ergonomic design and a slightly different button layout. Both controllers are generally considered to be good, but the Gen 2 controller is often preferred for its more comfortable design.
Graphics
The Sega Genesis Gen 1 and Gen 2 have the same graphics capabilities. Both consoles can display up to 64 colors on screen at once, and they both have a resolution of 320×224 pixels. However, the Gen 2 has a slightly faster processor, which can result in smoother scrolling and animation in some games.
Sound
The Sega Genesis Gen 1 has a Yamaha YM2612 sound chip, which is capable of producing 6-channel FM synthesis. The Gen 2 has a Yamaha YM3438 sound chip, which is capable of producing 8-channel FM synthesis. This means that the Gen 2 has a slightly better sound quality than the Gen 1.
Game Library
The Sega Genesis has a large and impressive game library, with over 1,000 games released for the console. Some of the most popular Genesis games include Sonic the Hedgehog, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and Phantasy Star. The Gen 2 has the same game library as the Gen 1, so you can play all of your favorite Genesis games on either console.
Price
The Sega Genesis Gen 1 and Gen 2 are both relatively affordable consoles. The Gen 1 can be found for around $50, while the Gen 2 can be found for around $75.
Which One Should You Choose?
So, which Sega Genesis console should you choose? If you’re looking for a classic console with a large game library, then either the Gen 1 or Gen 2 is a good option. However, if you’re looking for a console with better sound quality and a more ergonomic controller, then the Gen 2 is the better choice.
Cons of the Sega Genesis Gen 1
- Larger size
- Less ergonomic controller
- Slower processor
- Worse sound quality
Cons of the Sega Genesis Gen 2
- More expensive
- Smaller game library
Alternatives to the Sega Genesis Gen 1 and Gen 2
If you’re not sure whether the Sega Genesis Gen 1 or Gen 2 is right for you, then you may want to consider some of the following alternatives:
- Nintendo Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): The SNES is the Sega Genesis’s main competitor. It has a similar game library and graphics capabilities, but it has a better controller and sound quality.
- TurboGrafx-16: The TurboGrafx-16 is a 16-bit console that was released by NEC in 1987. It has a unique library of games, including Bonk’s Adventure and R-Type.
- Atari Jaguar: The Atari Jaguar is a 64-bit console that was released in 1993. It has powerful graphics and sound capabilities, but it has a small game library.
Questions You May Have
Q: What are the main differences between the Sega Genesis Gen 1 and Gen 2?
A: The main differences between the Sega Genesis Gen 1 and Gen 2 are the size, the controller, the processor, and the sound chip. The Gen 2 is smaller and has a more ergonomic controller. It also has a faster processor and a better sound chip.
Q: Which console has a better game library, the Sega Genesis Gen 1 or Gen 2?
A: Both consoles have the same game library, so you can play all of your favorite Genesis games on either console.
Q: Which console is more affordable, the Sega Genesis Gen 1 or Gen 2?
A: The Sega Genesis Gen 1 is more affordable than the Gen 2. The Gen 1 can be found for around $50, while the Gen 2 can be found for around $75.
