Sega announces MegaDrive Mini as the iconic console turns 30

Sega has teamed up with ATGames to launch a miniature version of the MegaDrive

Japanese games developer Sega has unveiled the MegaDrive Mini as it gears up to celebrate the iconic console's 30th anniversary.

In 1988, Sega launched the original MegaDrive, which instantly become a hit with die-hard gamers across the globe. Now, the firm has given the device a refresh to keep the retro brand alive.

According to gaming blog Polygon, the company made the much-anticipated announcement during the weekend at the Sega FES event, which attracted developers and games enthusiasts from around the world.

The company confirmed that the device will first be rolled out to customers in Japan, before making its way to the "US and other territories later this year".

The MegaDrive Mini is essentially a smaller version of the 16-bit Genesis, which is approaching its 30th birthday.

Unfortunately, Sega has not revealed much information about the console. However, it is been confirmed that AtGames will be creating the hardware for the device.

Details may be scarce, but AtGames revealed the console will have "different emulation" and "additional features" compared to the flashback model launched last year.

On Facebook, AtGames responded to several questions about the device, but it seems to have removed the post.

Polygon noticed that a keen Sega fan asked AtGames if the device would have a rewind feature, to which it responded: "Sega announce all of the features, but yes, it will have the basics like that."

Replying to a question about Sonic 3 being included with the console, ATGames responded by saying the game will not be bundled with the console due to "license issues with the music".

This announcement comes as Sega's chief operating officer recently suggested that the company plans to develop new hardware in a bid to compete with the likes of Nintendo.

In 2001, the company stopped creating its own gaming hardware after the Sega Dreamcast was a commercial failure. However, as the retro gaming market continues to gain traction, it has had a change of heart.