Sega CD

The Sega CD, also known as the Mega-CD in most regions outside of North America, was a CD-ROM add-on for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive home video game console. It was designed to enhance the capabilities of the Genesis/Mega Drive by providing access to CD-ROM-based games and other multimedia content.

Released in Japan in 1991, North America in 1992, and Europe in 1993, the Sega CD offered several advantages over traditional cartridge-based games. These included larger storage capacity, allowing for full-motion video, CD-quality audio, and more complex game designs. The add-on connected to the Genesis/Mega Drive through the expansion port located on the side of the console.

While the Sega CD provided improved graphics and sound capabilities compared to the base Genesis/Mega Drive, its initial high price point and the availability of relatively few high-quality exclusive titles hampered its commercial success. Many games released for the Sega CD were enhanced versions of existing Genesis/Mega Drive games, while others utilized full-motion video cutscenes as a primary selling point, often at the expense of gameplay.

Later in its lifespan, Sega released a second model of the Sega CD, which was smaller and designed to be more compatible with the later Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Model 2. Despite these efforts, the Sega CD was ultimately discontinued in 1996, as Sega shifted its focus towards its next-generation console, the Sega Saturn. While commercially unsuccessful, the Sega CD is remembered for its ambition and for introducing CD-ROM technology to the console gaming market during the 16-bit era.