Genesis

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Platform - GEN.png
Genesis
Genesis.jpg
Released: 1988-10-29
Discontinued: 1997-??-??
Developer: Sega
Type: Hardware

The Genesis (or Mega Drive セガメガドライブ Sega Mega Doraibu in most other regions) is a fourth-generation video game console system developed and produced by Sega. It was first released in Japan in 1988, then in North America in 1989. The system is referred to as the Mega Drive in most regions. Two addons were released for the Genesis; The 32X and the Sega CD. Unfortunately, both addons were designed very poorly, as each one required their own power supply and video cord, and both ended up flopping in the video game market. There are even a few games which utilize both the 32X and the Sega CD. The Genesis uses Z80 and 68000, which made it easy for Amiga developers to convert games to the Genesis.

Mega Drive.jpg

Games

Models

Music and Sound

The Sega Genesis uses the YM2612 as well as the SN76496 from the Sega Master System. The YM2612 contained 6 channels; 6 FM channels as well as a optional DAC channel for digitized sound (using this disables FM channel 6), which was mostly used for percussion samples. The SN76496 contained three square channels as well as a noise channel which could alternate between white and pink noise. In total, the Sega Genesis contained 10 channels which was 2 more than the SNES's SPC-700. Sound drivers could be programmed in either with either the Zilog Z80 (similar to the Master System) or Motorola 68000 (similar to the Amiga).

Links