First, there was the NES Classic. Then the SNES Classic. And now, the Sega Genesis is making a miniature comeback too.
Behold, the Sega MegaDrive Mini, just announced in Japan to commemorate the system's 30th anniversary. (MegaDrive was the original name for the Genesis, in case you didn't know.)
「メガドライブ」誕生30周年記念！
— セガ公式アカウント (@SEGA_OFFICIAL) April 14, 2018
『メガドライブ ミニ』（仮称）2018年発売決定！
思い出の名作ゲームの数々が、これ1台で楽しめます！#セガフェス #メガドライブ #メガドライブ30周年https://t.co/HWj6NFL96y pic.twitter.com/0C9QH1l5Mr
In Japan, Sega says it'll go on sale this year, though the name "MegaDrive Mini" is actually tentative.
We're not sure when or if it'll arrive in English-speaking countries, but it's a pretty good bet.
Update, April 16: "For now Sega Mega Drive Mini is for Japan only," a Sega rep tells CNET. "Stay tuned for more news regarding the worldwide availability of the Genesis Mini."
Sounds like we're getting a mini-Genesis too!
You can watch the original Japanese announcement right here on YouTube at the 51-minute mark. My Japanese is pretty rusty, but I think Sega's saying it wants users to tell them which classic games they want to be pre-loaded onto the system.
Oh, by the way: Shenmue 1 and 2 are coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC in 2018 as well!
You've asked, we listened and we're extremely excited to finally announce that Shenmue I & II are coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC in one package! Both games will feature Japanese and English voice overs, the choice of classic or modern controls and more! #ShenmueSaved pic.twitter.com/EvtcEt5pgn
— SEGA (@SEGA) April 14, 2018
There's one major caveat that might rain on this nostalgia parade: a company named AtGames claimed responsibility for the new MegaDrive Mini in a since-deleted Facebook post and tweet. That would mean this new Sega console comes from the same manufacturer as the terrible Sega Genesis Flashback we reviewed last year. We haven't been able to confirm this with Sega yet.