Background and Identification
The Sega CD model 2 was a revised model of the Sega CD released in 1993 to accompany the updated design of the Sega Genesis II. Released in 1993, the Sega Genesis II (Mega Drive II in countries outside North America) is a smaller and lighter version of the Sega Genesis game console released in 1990. Sold by Sega, a Japanese multinational video game developer, and publisher, the Sega Genesis is a 16-bit fourth-generation home video game console.
The Sega CD, released as the Mega-CD in most regions outside of Brazil and North America, is a CD-ROM accessory for the Mega Drive/Genesis. The Sega CD was produced by Sega as a part of the fourth-generation of Sega video game consoles.
The Sega Genesis II is a first-party variation as it was also released by Sega. It differs from the Sega Genesis in that it removes the headphone jack in the front, replaces the A/V-Out connector with a smaller version that supports stereo sound, and has a less expensive mainboard that requires less power. Also, the Sega Genesis II removed volume controls or RF TV output, made the power lead port much smaller with a different AC adapter and changed the power switch to a push button.
Many consumers believed that the Mega Drive 2 lacked a Z80, a microprocessor, however, it lacks a Zilog Z80. During its run, the Sega Genesis 2 received many off-the-shelf chips from various manufacturers and sometimes they would rebrand them as their own or create their own chips.
Technical Specifications
Also known as: Mega-CD (most regions outside North America and Brazil)
Manufacturer: Sega
Type: Video game console add-on
Generation: Fourth generation
Release date:
JP: December 12, 1991NA: October 15, 1992UK: April 2, 1993EU: 1993
Lifespan: 1991–1996
Introductory price
JP¥49,800
US$299
GB£270
Discontinued: 1996
Units sold: 2.24 million
Media: CD-ROM, CD+G
CPU: Motorola 68000 @ 12.5 MHz
Storage: 64 kbit internal RAM
Sound: Ricoh RF5C164
Best-selling game: Sonic CD, 1.5 million