Plug’n’Play Retro a Go-Go

Radica will be spearheading the retro console movement with the launch of a re-released Sega Megadrive as the first in its ‘Arcade Legends’ range. Arriving in a self-contained unit, the system will be akin to the Atari multi-game joystick and the third-party Nintendo plug-and-play based consoles that were piled high on market stalls in the run up to Christmas last year. The UK version will contain six games built in to the joypad (which connects directly to the TV) including SEGA favourites Sonic, Altered Beast and Golden Axe.

A plug-and-play Taito system has also been promised by Radica, and that would most likely see the inclusion of games like Super Space Invaders and Bust-A-Move. Taking into account the proposed launches of C64 and LucasArts equivalents as well, it seems that the unshakeable passions of emulator and anthology fiends are finally finding a formalised (and legal) outlet. However, with several ‘classic compilations’ already on release by SEGA, and in the knowledge that most retro enthusiasts have already recreated their own libraries, this new unit will most likely sell to casual gamers and stocking-filling Christmas shoppers.