Sega Halts Mini Console Plans: A Shift from Retro Gaming
www.retronews.com
Sega has officially announced that it is not planning to release any more mini consoles, effectively ruling out fan hopes for miniature versions of the Sega Saturn or Dreamcast. In an interview with The Guardian, Shuji Utsumi, CEO of Sega America and Europe, emphasized that the company is focusing on modern gaming audiences rather than continuing its line of nostalgia-driven hardware.Key Statements from SegaUtsumi stated, 'I'm not going for the Mini direction. It's not me. I want to embrace modern gamers.' He further clarified, 'We are not a retro company. We really appreciate our legacy, we value it, but at

Sega has officially announced that it is not planning to release any more mini consoles, marking a shift in their approach towards modern gaming instead of nostalgia-driven hardware. In an interview with The Guardian, CEO Shuji Utsumi clarified, ‘We are not a retro company. We appreciate our legacy… but want to deliver something new.’

Sega has previously released several successful mini consoles celebrating its iconic franchises such as the Genesis/Mega Drive Mini, Astro City Mini, and Game Gear Micro series. However, no further mini consoles focusing on the Saturn or Dreamcast platforms are in development.

  • Utsumi’s Statement: “I’m not going for the Mini direction. I want to embrace modern gamers.”
  • Sega now concentrates on reviving classic IPs with a modern twist, such as new entries in Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, and Virtua Fighter series.

How do you feel about Sega’s decision?

  • tiramichu@lemm.eeEnglish
    1·
    16 days ago

    “Not a retro company,” but yet the stated “something new” is all about reviving classic IPs.

    Maybe try building some new IPs, if you really want to be new.

  • ramblingsteve@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    17 days ago

    so sega realised that rather than sell a retro console once, they can sell a reboot filled with DLC and monthly subscriptions forever. nice.

    • RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      16 days ago

      Nah, they realized that emulating the Saturn and Dreamcast are more demanding than the SoCs they wanted to use for their mini consoles can handle.

      • ReallyActuallyFrankenstein@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
        0·
        16 days ago

        I mean, I just bought a $60 portable that has a screen as well, and it can emulate Dreamcast no problem. I assume bulk hardware costs are maybe half that price. For a $120+ priced retro console, I suspect hardware pricing is not the issue.

          • ReallyActuallyFrankenstein@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
            1·
            16 days ago

            Sure, it’s the RG35XXSP (link). I mainly bought it for GBA emulation (since it’s a GBA SP lookalike with good reviews). It’s played every PSX and DC game I’ve thrown at it as well. The game pad works great and the screen is nice, and the default software doesn’t have any real annoyances, not much to complain about.

            The downside is it doesn’t have analog sticks, so if that were my primary goal I’d probably look for another system. But plenty powerful.