Sega Genesis

The Sega Genesis hit the market in August of 1989. Its first pack-in game was Altered Beast. The model number of this first Genesis is 1601, and it does NOT boot with the "Produced By or Under License by Sega of America..."

The next model of Sega Genesis to be made available was the 1602, which included the first licensing message.

Two other models of Sega Genesis exist. They are most commonly referred to as the "Model 2" Genesis and the "Model 3" Genesis. They are smaller in size, and have fewer ports - most notably, the Genesis Model 3 has no CD port.

The Sega Genesis probably took on more forms than any other gaming console in history. In addition to the five models mentioned above, the Sega Genesis took on the following forms:

• As a "module" for the LaserActive CLD-A100 system (Pioneer, module was called Sega PAC-S10).
• As the Genesis Nomad - a portable 6-button Sega Genesis
• In the CDX - a combo system consisting of the Sega Genesis and the Sega CD.
• Re-branded as the JVC X'Eye System. Although much larger than the CDX, this was the first example of the Sega Genesis taking a "unified" form.
• The Terra Drive - This was a Computer / Genesis combination. This was only released in Japan.

Additionally, the Sega Genesis was the base unit for several systems:

• Power Base Converter (this allowed the Genesis to play Sega Master System Games)
• Sega CD (1993)
• Sega 32X (1994)