SEGA Genesis Mini 2 Announced for North America (Sort Of?)

Today, SEGA has announced the Genesis Mini 2 (in the style of the Model 2 Genesis) coming to North America on October 27 as an Amazon exclusive. Well, okay, it's complicated, but let's get to the important stuff first.

The mini-console's library thus far is similar (though not identical) to Japan's previously announced Mega Drive Mini 2, though the highlights for you, dear reader on this specific website, are surely Sonic CD and Sonic 3D Blast. Other titles include:

• Shining Force CD (SEGA CD)
• Silpheed (SEGA CD)
• Mansion of Hidden Souls (SEGA CD)
• Night Striker (MEGA CD, Japanese)
• The Ninja Warriors (MEGA CD, Japanese)
• After Burner II
• OutRun
• OutRunners
• Virtua Racing
• Super Hang-On
• Shining in the Darkness
• VectorMan 2
• The Ooze
• Bonanza Bros.
• Alien Soldier (Japanese)
• Rainbow Islands Extra
• Splatterhouse 2
• Rolling Thunder 2
• Lightening Force
• Fantasy Zone (new Genesis port)
• Star Mobile (new Genesis port)

The full release promises more than 50 titles in all including SEGA CD and Arcade titles, so expect further announcements in the future. It also includes one 6-button gamepad, a small upgrade from the 3-button pad included with the original Genesis Mini.

But if you actually want to buy this device, expect things to get a bit weird. SEGA has revealed that this is a North American release and an Amazon exclusive, but Amazon is selling it as an import product, meaning it ships from Amazon Japan, complete with import shipping costs. In fact, you can purchase it on Amazon.co.jp, but they will only ship the device to the U.S. Further, While the trailer and website are in English, they're being hosted on SEGA's Japanese website and YouTube channel.

At time of writing, pre-orders run $103.80 USD, plus $21.99 for shipping.

While it's neat that the U.S. is getting its own version version of SEGA's latest mini-console, this is a very unusual release strategy. The original Genesis Mini saw widespread retail and online release, while the Astro City Mini arcade console got a limited U.S. release through Limited Run Games. If you're not scared off by the Genesis Mini 2's price or still-only-half-announced library, pre-orders are now open.