<P> The Sega Genesis, known as Mega Drive (Japanese: メガ ドライブ, Hepburn: Mega Doraibu) in most regions outside North America, is a 16 - bit video game console that was developed and sold by Sega Enterprises, Ltd . First released in Japan in 1988 and in North America in 1989, the Genesis is Sega's third console and the successor to the Master System . The system supports a library of more than 700 games created both by Sega and a wide array of third - party publishers and delivered on ROM cartridges . It can also play the complete library of Master System games when the separately sold Power Base Converter is installed . The Genesis also benefited from numerous peripherals, including the Sega CD and Sega 32X, several network services, and multiple first - party and third - party variations of the console that focused on extending its functionality . The console and its games continue to be popular among fans, collectors, video game music fans, and emulation enthusiasts . Licensed third party re-releases of the console are still being produced, and several indie game developers continue to produce games for it . Many games have also been re-released in compilations for newer consoles and offered for download on various digital distribution services, such as Virtual Console, Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and Steam . </P> <P> The Genesis library was initially modest, but eventually grew to contain games to appeal to all types of players . The initial pack - in title was Altered Beast, which was later replaced with Sonic the Hedgehog . Top sellers included Sonic the Hedgehog, its sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Disney's Aladdin . During development for the console, Sega Enterprises in Japan focused on developing action games while Sega of America was tasked with developing sports games . A large part of the appeal of the Genesis library during the console's lifetime was the arcade - based experience of its games, as well as more difficult entries such as Ecco the Dolphin and sports games such as Joe Montana Football . Compared to its competition, Sega advertised to an older audience by hosting more mature games, including the uncensored version of Mortal Kombat . </P>

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