The Sega Genesis Mini 2 - Review 

I am a sixth grade teacher and have had the genesis mini in my classroom all year. When this one came I put it in there and the kid's favourite game is actually clay fighter. They love it the most popular characters are the blob and helga

In Space Harrier 1 & 2, there's a hidden code to minimize the flickering sprites. Highlight options on the title screen, hold the right on the d-pad, and push start. There's an additional setting that appears called "deflicker" which you can change it up to either "On1" or "On2" that helps minimize those flickering sprites.

How times have changed. In the 90s Night Trap was a game corrupting kid's minds, now it’s a game to play with your kids.

I'm buying it purely for final fight cd and silpheed. I never owned a mega cd/sega cd and I'm also a sucker for any retro gaming product that's made with love and dedication. The fact that yuzo koshiro did the menu music and M2 are in charge of the emulation are the icing on the cake.

The darn thing is almost worth the cost of admission just for Crusader of Centy. And it's a FANTASTIC game, too!

I have one of these and I love it. Just wish it had 32X games, Popful mail, Snatcher and Lunar.

You legit make the best retro gaming video content on RU-vid.

I kind of wish the mini came with a tiny cartridge in the console. I don't know how cost efficient it would be to make, but having the 'label' on the cartridge be an lcd screen that changes to the original game's artwork with each title you select would be a cool little feature.

REDUCE FLICKER WITH SPACE HARRIER / II: "Enter the Options, while pressing right. There is an option to reduce flicker".

I love that this one contains so many games that are hard to get. Feels like a great companion to my mega sg and carts

I love how detailed this review is on the games as well as the technical details on the key parts of the console. Good job!

I’m so glad I got the Mini 2, but I wish they would’ve included Sub-Terrania, Dune, General Chaos, both Lunar games, Popful Mail, Rocket Knight Adventures, The Immortal, and the sequels to Desert Strike, Jungle and Urban. I had never played Midnight Resistance before the Mini 2 and what a game! Same with Atomic Runner, Rolling Thunder 2, Ranger-X and Herzog Zwei. All really good, surprising games I hadn’t played before. Crusader of Centy too! An amazing collection overall.

As always, you and Game Sack deliver quality reviews on these topics. I grew up with the second model of the Mega Drive and still own the one from my childhood. If there were more JRPGs and Action Adventure games, then that to me would have made it a winner. My brother and I will still buy it if it is available.

Honestly after playing through Space Harrier on the Master System back in the day, this Genesis mini version would have had an amazing reception, flicker and all. If M2 wants to flex their programming chops on Megadrive and/or 32x versions of Sega's superscalars in the future I'm all for it.

I put this console on my Christmas wish list, hopefully my mom gets it for me. That awesome feeling I got when I got my first Sega Genesis on Christmas in 1995 is still the greatest moment in my childhood. Would definitely love to have that feeling again

Shared it to the Saturn Junkyard as we are big fans of your work there

M2 did a fantastic job with emulation and presentation of the front end. As far as the console itself I think the impact would have been greater if, back with the Genesis Mini 1, Sega had held back on the non-functioning Sega CD add-on and had released now a 'Sega CD Mini' (with a couple of Genesis games from this collection). Not to make the Sega CD Mini an actual add-on that requires interconnectivity, but merely a stackable shell like the one for the Sega Genesis Mini, just actually working and focused on the original add on. It would have extended the interest on the Genesis Mini 1, even though it wouldn't have been needed to play, but more importantly it would have felt like a move forward. Sega keeps focusing on the Sega Genesis era of collections rather than making use of their extensive library. Some titles may have licensing issues, but as shown on the Genesis 2 many can be worked out. And that approach would have given the idea that maybe a 'Saturn Mini' could come (or not) at some point.

I plan on getting one of these to compliment my Genesis Model 1 Mini.

The Genesis was my favorite console back in the "day". I was a huge sports gaming fan and the Super Nintendo was good but not great when it came to the EA Sports games. NHL Hockey was a group favorite. We'd set up tourneys, championship games. It was a blast! It also had some great side scrolling adventures. Besides the obviously huge Sonic I mean. I loved the Streets of Rage series. Space Harrier was a unique non traditional adventure shooter. This system brings back so many memories. I also was one of the few who also got the Sega 💿CD💿. My buddy got the 32x. Yeesh. LOL! But the Genesis holds some extremely wonderful memories for me. I know that 99% of people out there weren't huge fans of the PGA Golf games on the Genesis. However a friend of a friend had stopped over one day and saw us playing. He sat down and got in a game with us. He loved it. Later he stopped by on a whim and asked if we could "jam out" a game. I loved PGA Tour Golf⛳ so I said sure. What followed began a new friendship that was brought on by a Golf game. ⛳ He'd stop over after work. I was a 3rd shifter, so my days were open. We also set up games on the weekends. We became great buddies, oddly to the ire of our other "mutual" friend. But what happened after, was like NOTHING I had thought about. He was driving to a job site and had gotten into an accident. Now this is a blur but later on he either had a seizure while driving after the initial accident or, I can't remember exactly what happened. His wife hated gaming and thought we kept him from going home. The reality was she was so controlling he I think needed an escape. That's what he had said. But my friend, who wasn't even over 30 years old, died. He was a great guy, and a awesome Dad, and family man. Since we found out late what happened, I never got to go to the funeral. But that system, that Golfing game, brought two unlikely people together for a great friendship. The Genesis for some was a gaming system. For me it's a LOT MORE! I am thankful I was able to get to know him for the year plus we played Games. Those memories are beyond special and so is the Genesis. Thanks for sharing this new system review. Take care and Happy Belated Thanksgiving.

Sega have taken this Mini thing to another level, it is a shame they made it exclusive to amazon and it's limited. It's a lovely unit and I appreciate the optional extras! I loved the attention to detail that went into this mini with the box arts and spine arts and a little description and release date along with the genre telling us what the game is we are about to get into. I love the game library on this system as it is imo more for the experienced Sega fan. And yes like you I think Clay Fighter is an Abomination. That being said, this mini is certainly worth having. I kind of wished we gor more CD titles but I'm happy with what they have come up with. Thanks for the review my man!

Ended up getting one for Christmas and I absolutely love it. Currently making my way through book 2 of Shining Force CD. Fingers crossed Sega releases a mini Saturn next!

Fun fact: for Streets of Rage 3, it has its EU variant. Switch it to an EU language like German, and you get the ease of the JP version, but in English.

Another great review. I appreciate how in-depth you make your videos. Your passion really shines through and is contagious. Peace

I'm not really a gamer, but I watch SLX channel all of the time, that's how you know it's a good channel with great material. 👍

I received my Sega MegaDrive Mini 2 today. With the variation of different games, it's one of the best mini consoles out there👍

Ranger X looks like a winner, glad they included this game!

Atomic Runner has a dope soundtrack that sounds really close to FM/sample drum tunes of arcade games of the era. Gives it a robust character.

You should make a video of Genesis, Sega CD, and 32x games that could be on a hypothetical third (and final) Sega Genesis Mini.

Historically, I've never been much of a Sega gamer, but I've been subscribed to your channel for a while now, and I love the passion you put into your videos. Your previews for the Mini 2 were instrumental in shaping my decision to purchase one. Almost everything on the machine is brand new to me, yet still evokes a pleasant feeling of nostalgia. Thank you for doing what you do.

Ecco the Dolphin 1 for the Sega CD also has additional levels not included in the Genesis version

I think the addition of crusader of centy alone makes it worth it. Having a legit way to own it makes me happy. Cause there is no way I could dish out the money for a physical cart.

I would get this mainly for a legal way to play the games you mentioned, but $100 for just a few games in another thing sitting around that I barely touch... I'd love to see this stuff done digitally, but whatever. That being said, if Sega had managed to get more of the Sega CD RPGs and strat games and also charged 150, I would have bought it.

Great review, my lord. I just got mine and am thoroughly enjoying it. However, I trust wholeheartedly in the Hakchi2 CE developers and am eagerly awaiting any word from them.

I really wish they had added the 32X version of Virtua Racer!

After months of watching your Sega Genesis Mini 2 discussion videos in anticipation; your Sega Genesis Mini 2 review is finally here!

Everything from the music to the graphics to the information/narration on your videos are always excellent! Rock on!

Agree with your conclusion, could have been much better with a bigger sega cd library and better bonus content, however it is good for what it is as it's quite limited in the sense that for every 10 Genesis Minis, only 1 Genesis Mini 2 was produced. I look forward to the next mini they put out.

Good review! I preordered this mostly because I’m a sucker for these mini consoles. I think it’s fun, but considering what I paid for it, I agree that I would have preferred they put more time into making it the best it could be. As it stands now, it’s a fun addition to my collection that will get some playtime for sure, but definitely leaves you wanting more.

What’s this? The perfect new video for my lunch break after working over 5 hours straight? Love to see it!

Not including Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles in the Sega Genesis Mini II is a crime!

I was sold on the mini when I seen Final Fight and OutRun 😊 would’ve been cool if they would’ve put NBA Jams

There is a hidden method to enable Deflicker in Space Harrier I and II. At the main title screen of each game, highlight Options, and hold Right on the controller, and then press Start or A button. Then scroll down and select Deflicker mode.

thank you very much for always making such impeccable videos, always respecting the legacy of Sega. Greetings from Venezuela 🇻🇪

Extra props for using the Shadow Dancer end music credits in the start of the video!! 👍🏾👍🏾

Glad i scooped one up. I been having fun with it. I already own a ton of Genesis games and a crt tv but these mini consoles are too cool to pass on

I completely agree with your final synopsis. The library is such a mixed bag, and the bonus content is abysmal.

I've seen more than enough Mini 2 review vids now... but still gotta watch just because it's SLX and will probably be the best of the lot

Great video SLX. I've been watching all your videos. And I must say that u do a fantastic job. Spot on brother ❤️

Here's hoping they do the dreamcast mini next. Saw they were asking people in japan who bought the mini 2 what they should do next and that was one of the options to vote on

I bought on the day of release and even picked up a Megadrive Mini to complete the collection. Very happy with my purchases, but always good to get the thoughts of Lord X.

Just got my Genesis mini last night. I'm looking it so far! Pretty good game selection too!

Wow, thank you man. This really has made my mind up. A very informative and great video.

Thank you Sega Lord X! This is the review I've been waiting for. If only there'll be a Master System Mini too 🙏

It has Silpheed, Final Fight, Street Fighter, a new Space Harrier, and a 6-button controller. Good enough for me!

I'm really looking forward to my SGM2 thanks for the great video.

Space Harrier 2 on the Mega Drive Mini 2 has a special hidden deflicker setting to activate this, hold RIGHT on d-pad while selecting the OPTIONS on the main menu to unlock it. Fantasy Zone on the Mega Drive Mini 2 has a near Arcade mode included. To activate this, hold A + C boot into arcade mode, then use A or C to add credits or B to enter into the service/DIP screen.

Sega really crapped the bed with the game library.

To be fair, the first MD mini console had the same plastic mold between the different versions, the only differences were in the colors and writings. In this case, if they wanted to make the models regionally accurate they had to not only change the outside plastic but also modify the PCB to include a push button instead of a horizontal switch. Considering the current semiconductors crisis, I do not blame SEGA to not go through this process. I am instead 100% with you about the Mega CD games selection, which could have and should have been better, especially for the asking price. Still a valid mini console, all considered. Of course this is a product aimed to hardcore SEGA fans, as was the first Mini as well.

Omitting Lunar: The Silver Star and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue was the deal breaker for me. I would buy this product as is at maybe $70 considering the shipping cost, but not at $100 without either of those two titles. I proudly own Lunar and Lunar 2 for the PSX, but I've never played the SEGA CD originals because I just didn't own a SEGA CD. Including even just one of the two would have greatly increased my interest in this mini console.

Finally I was waiting for this video to be uploaded!

Oh man I wish I ordered one now. Great job now I really want one.

Way to go SLX, fingers crossed about the giveaway, would love to review this since in no way, shape or form can I get a copy, awesome review as always SLX, and keep them coming, we love ur videos.

God bless you lord. I'm really enjoying the mega drive 2. Great variety of game genres here and obscure choices some are wierd but fun some are just wierd. I'm glad we have the CD titles as Sewer shark and Night trap are games I've never played but when I was in the 90s aged 13 I really wanted them.Thanks again.

Great video and review. Fantasy Zone was ported to the Megadrive, under Super Fantasy Zone. This came out in Europe and Japan. I thought it also had a Genesis release, but I cooks be wrong. Love your channel, such great content and high standards.

Thank you for checking the Retro-bit controller with Mini 2! I've been curios about that.

the sprite scaling addition to space harrier 1 and 2 is interesting.

As a collector who still has an original Genesis model 1 & 2, along with a great pc for emulation, these mini consoles are useless to me. What they are useful for however are great gifts for the less computer inclined like my relatives who would appreciate the nostalgia

no lunar and potful mail is a deal breaker for me, sega dropped the ball on this one.

You can turn off the flickering on Space Harrier 2 by holding right on the d pad and pressing A on option in the main menu

I was 9 years old, the Genesis had just come out in limited areas like big cities, it didn't release nationwide for a bit longer. I saved every penny, mowed lawns, did anything I could to earn enough for a Genesis. After 10 months of hard work I had enough to work out a deal... $550 for a slightly used launch edition console, 2 controllers, and 3 games. The base console was $400 with one controller, new, for a year or 2. I still have it and it still works. I play genesis multicart games from Amazon and whatnot because I lost all the games years ago.

At Gamescom I spoke with the Sega Community manager. He confirmed that they really tried to get Lunar but Victor Ireland wanted more money.

I had no idea the difference in sound between the Genesis models! Interesting stuff.

A fair and honest review. As an owner of the original mini I would have given this a miss had it not been for it's ability to emulate the Mega CD - the 6 button pad was also an added bonus. This system is likely to get hacked, so the opportunity to add the Mega CD games that really should have been on there is a good reason to get hold of one. Obviously any additional roms we might be able to add need to be legally obtained of course! As per your review, there are some really great games on the system, a few of which are extremely hard to get hold of and as a consequence expensive! Although your list was obviously not exhaustive and only served as an example, I would also give a shout out to Thunderforce IV. Probably THE best SHMUP of that console generation.

Thanks for the perspective on this, nice video! I've been curious about Warsong and the retro store here has never gotten it in. I'd love to get that Fantasy Zone game too but probably won't afford this just for those two games.

Night Trap is pretty rough to see and try to play because of its really low resolution. Outrun and Afterburner are outclassed by the 3DS Sega 3D Classics versions (the 3d classics versions are the best versions of the titles released.) Populous has over 900 levels and will test you incredibly for strategy and land manipulation... it is the grandfather of Black & White 1 & 2 :) Silpheed was an amazing game to show off to friends with the original Sega CD. The Kris Kross, INXS, and Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch "games" were interesting Make Your Own Music Videos apps I wish would be updated. The Retrobit 6 button, HORI dogbone PS4, HORI Wired Switch with Turbo, PS4 Dual Shock, Mayflash Fightstick 101 work with the Genesis Mini 2. Warsong/Langrissor 1 & 2 are amazing on Switch. The unreleased and little known titles are welcome bonuses to study. The system's credits at the end have a " In memory of Rieko Kodama" who was an amazing artist, designer and producer at Sega of Japan for over 30 years on MANY games us Sega gamers respect highly. She passed away earlier this year and I am glad they put this in the system.

I personally am really happy with the mini 2, but, I wish it had included all the titles from the mini1 as well. The shipping thing didn't bug me to much, was 30$ 🤷‍♂️

The game choices could have been more unique, a good chunk have been on multiple collections

I hope Sega does a Dreamcast Mini eventually and load it with great Capcom games like Marvel V Capcom, Power Stone 1 and 2, Resident Evil 2. just to name a few.

My Dad & I went from Playing Football (2600) on my 7800; My First System, Still have it til this day on my desk; Until the day he finally came home with the First Model Genesis, Came with Sonic 1 & a Mail-In card for a FREE COPY OF SONIC 2! For Christmas "I" got After Burner II, He Loved that arcade came and couldn't believe how great that game looked

Great review, the last 2 min of this vid are perfect 👍🏼

0:56 Did we just learn a little bit about the ever elusive Sega Lord X ??? hmmm Keep up the amazing videos !!!

they sent me 2 by mistake. Both addressed to me. I was only charged for one. So the fact i was gonna keep it sealed, it works out, because now i got one that I was able to open

I'm curious if this system is underclocked like the Genesis Mini 1? It just seems like the Genesis Mini 2 is a novelty at best. There are so many other ways to play all of these games now, that it just doesn't seem worth taking the plunge. Not to mention if you already own a Genesis Mini 1, you can easily mod it to play these and any other games of your choice. It would be nice for Sega to give more attention to like the Saturn or Dreamcast for a change. You rarely see Sega even acknowledge those systems compared to all the Genesis re-releases.

A couple of 32X games would've been nice.

Just got mine this week. Have played it every night. I wish the price had been lower.

My Mega Drive Mini 2 Japanese version arrived today. I have been testing it out and I love it! I will say that Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers sounds best with the model 1. The model 2 just sounds too thin by comparison, but the model 1 not only has a thicker sound, but it sounds good as well. It got me pumped up to play it.

This is the most comprehensive and informed review i've seen on the Mini 2. I'm still on the fence. They missed out on some CLASSIC Sega CD experiences...

$100 is short money for a great deal of retro fun. It isn't perfect, but I think it's well worth the money from what you've shown here. I am very nostalgic for this era, and many of these games I could not afford back then.

I got mine and it's a cool collectors item. My biggest issue is Lunar, Snatcher, Quackshot, Devilish and Dragons Fury missing.

Been waiting for days for your review.

It's about time my friend ❤️😍

The Sega CD games you list at the end that should be here was perfect.

Great review. I flinched when I read that one of the survey options for the next Sega Mini was ANOTHER Mega Drive, but I realised I'd buy it in a heartbeat if it included even half of your list of missing Sega CD titles. I genuinely had no idea quite how good the Sega CD was - it must've been so frustrating to be a fan when it was out.

Great review! I like this little unit!

The good thing is that it can be hacked and with the extra space this genesis mini 2 has, it can be left as beautiful as it should be.

Awesome video man Next I would like to see a Dreamcast mini classic or Sega Master System mini classic. I love all my classic systems , I have nes snes and ps1 sega genesis mini 1 and 2 coming in the mail soon.

Game sack and slx dropping genesis 2 reviews on the same day. Nice.

Will probably try to obtain this even though I never played Genesis. 16-bit is my favorite era for nostalgia. Graphics were vibrant and not complete ass like in 8-bit, and it didn’t try to be 3D (too much) which ages terribly. Music is retro enough but not primitive. Controllers have more buttons for easier in-depth RPGs.

Thank you, thank you, THANK U SEGA LORD X!!! You are the only one I feel that breaks games down better than anyone

Great review! Yeah, this thing just didn't have the type of games I was looking for in a Sega mini console.