SEGA on the Switch

By: Max Cannon

Though Nintendo has found success with miniature versions of some of their most beloved consoles, the Big N is not the only company bringing back beloved games from the 90s. SEGA plans to not only bring their own classic console onto the market but also bring those individual games onto the Nintendo Switch's eShop.

More Sonic on the Switch

SEGA Ages is the titular company's initiative to bring their classic games to the modern age so those who enjoyed last year's Sonic Mania can properly enjoy the games that inspired the blue blur's triumphant return. SEGA Ages was a collection primarily focused in Japan with an initial release on the SEGA Saturn and a follow-up on the PlayStation 2, though if you're not familiar with these games yourself you may have played some of the titles that were ported onto North America's SEGA Classics Collection. What's exciting here is that we'll be getting some of these individual titles on the Switch during the summer of 2018, according to an announcement made today, however, at the moment this confirmation was only made for Japan and there's no official announcement of a release in the west. Though the ease of access to the Switch's foreign stores means that a port to the west is likely. 

Sadly, we're lacking confirmation of each of the 15+ titles that we can expect to hit the eShop later this year but we do know about Sonic the Hedgehog, Phantasy Star, and Thunder Force 4. Of course, most gamers are familiar with the platforming gameplay of Sonic the Hedgehog but an opportunity to play such a beloved and important RPG as the SEGA exclusive Phantasy Star is a welcome opportunity. Phantasy Star is considered one of the most influential RPGs of the genre's foundational years and the last time it saw a release was on the Wii in 2009, nearly a decade ago. While less revered, Thunder Force 4 is a gorgeous side-scrolling shooter that first released in 1992, an interesting inclusion to highlight so heavily.

Constant Classics from SEGA

Though that's not the only big news to come from SEGA, though it's also only confirmed for Japan, the temporarily titled SEGA Mega Drive Mini is planned for a 2018 release. Similar to the plans for the SEGA Ages releases, the lineup included on this device is being kept in secret for the time being though I'd expect to see some of the obvious titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, Alexx Kid, and more of the aforementioned Phantasy Star (fingers crossed for the excellent sequel Phantasy Star 2.) If that miniature console does come to the west, which I strongly believe it will, I'd expect it to use North America's title of Genesis rather than its Asian title of Master System.

Shenmue I & II are coming to PS4, Xbox One and PC!

While E3 2015 hyped veteran gamers up with the announcement of Shenmue III, those of us that didn't enjoy the original pair of games would feel left in the dark. Luckily, SEGA has also announced that Shenmue​ and Shenmue II would be coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. However, these won't be getting the anticipated remaster/remake treatment and disappointingly we'll just be playing ports of these games but I suppose that's better than nothing.

Have Your Say!

Are you looking forward to any of SEGA's rereleases? Which games are you looking forward to playing? Comment below with your thoughts!