Collecting Mega Drive: what to look for and Spanish PAL variants
The Mega Drive was huge in Spain and across much of Europe, and that shows in the sheer number of games and consoles still in circulation. This guide covers what to bear in mind with European editions, which games and models people look for and how region affects compatibility.
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The console in Europe
The Mega Drive launched in Europe in 1990. Unlike Nintendo's consoles of the time, European games came in plastic cases, far sturdier than cardboard, so they are easier to find complete. What tends to be missing is the manual, or an inlay in good condition.
PAL games run at 50 Hz, and many are slower than in North America or Japan. The most quoted example is the first Sonic the Hedgehog. We explain this in PAL vs NTSC.
Cross-region compatibility
On the Mega Drive, region locking depends on the game. Many cartridges work on consoles from another region if they fit, but some check the region in software and show a warning screen. On top of that, Japanese cartridges are a different shape that will not fit some Western models without an adaptor.
Bear in mind that the Genesis is the North American Mega Drive: same games, different name and different boxes.
How to identify the Spanish edition
- With Sega, the product code does not always indicate the country. The main clue is the manual: in Spanish, or multilingual including Spanish.
- Many consoles were sold with a bundled game, and those cartridges sometimes carry a note saying they were not for separate sale. They are genuine copies, but they are valued differently from the retail edition.
- Check that the inlay is the European edition's: North American Genesis ones are different.
What to collect
The Sonic games, Sega's fighting games and its action games are the foundation. Ecco the Dolphin and Syndicate are two examples of fondly remembered games worth owning complete.
The add-ons are a collection of their own: the Mega-CD (a CD drive that attaches to the console) and the 32X (an expansion that plugs into the cartridge slot). Their games were made in smaller quantities than Mega Drive ones.
Console models
- Mega Drive (first model): with a headphone socket and volume control on the front.
- Mega Drive II: smaller and cheaper, without the headphone socket.
A console with its cardboard box, packaging and manuals is worth a good deal more than one on its own. The full catalogue is on the Mega Drive page, and advice on storing boxes and manuals in how to store your collection.
Frequently asked questions
- Do American Genesis games work on a European Mega Drive?
- Many do, because the cartridge fits and does not check the region, but some games detect the region in software and will not boot. Japanese ones are a different shape and will not fit some models without an adaptor.
- Why does Sonic run slower on a European Mega Drive?
- Because the game was designed for 60 Hz and on the European console it runs at 50 Hz without the speed being adjusted.
More guides
See all guides- Collecting PlayStation 2: what to look for and Spanish PAL variantsFirst editions vs Platinum, Spanish-dubbed games, short-run titles and the European console models.Read the guide
- Collecting GameCube: what to look for and Spanish PAL variantsEdition codes, Player's Choice, sought-after games, 50/60 Hz, console models and accessories that are collectable in their own right.Read the guide
- Collecting Super Nintendo: what to look for and Spanish PAL variantsCardboard boxes, ESP codes, games translated into Spanish, titles that never came out in PAL and how to avoid repros.Read the guide
Work out what your collection is worth
Log each copy with its region and condition, and Games Library adds up its market value and shows you how it changes over time.