Sega Mega CD II

The Mega-CD comes in many forms, but in all cases the hardware adds the capability of reading compact discs, technology which in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was becoming a more affordable storage option than the traditional video game ROM cartridge of previous console generations.

A traditional Mega-CD does not act as a stand-alone unit, and needs to be hooked up to a Mega Drive via the expansion port located on the right hand side of the console. Mega-CDs do, however, require their own AC adaptor, meaning that in order to play Mega-CD games, two sockets will be occupied by the upgraded console.

Though one would expect the Mega-CD to simply give the Mega Drive access to compact discs, it in fact adds extra processors, memory and audio features as well, all of which can only be utilised by CD software. The Mega-CD does not, however, solve the issue of graphics, which aside from the ability to scale and rotate sprites on the fly, remain identical to the standard Mega Drive system.

The Mega-CD also offers stereo sound RCA connectors. The Mega Drive on its own will output a monaural audio signal to the television, with stereo only being available through the headphone port located at the front of the console. An external connection from the Mega Drive to the Mega-CD will allow all games to play through the television in stereo.

The Mega-CD can be used in conjunction with a Sega 32X to run one of the six Sega Mega-CD 32X games. Alternatively it can be used to just play regular 5-inch or 3-inch audio CDs.

20 games are compatible with the Sega Mega CD II

Ecco the Dolphin
[1993]

FIFA International Soccer: Championship Edition
[1994]

Final Fight CD
[1993]

Ground Zero Texas
[1994]

Jaguar XJ220
[1993]

Jurassic Park
[1994]

Lethal Enforcers
[1993]

Mortal Kombat
[1993]

NBA Jam
[1994]

NHL Hockey '94
[1993]

Prince of Persia
[1993]

Road Avenger
[1993]

Sega Classics Arcade Collection Limited Edition
[1993]

Sol-Feace/Cobra Command
[1993]

Sonic CD
[1993]

Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin
[1993]

Star Wars: Rebel Assault
[1994]

The Terminator
[1994]

Tomcat Alley
[1994]

WWF Rage in the Cage
[1994]

SEGA Mega Drive Multiplayer
Released: 1st of January 1993

Variations

The original model of the Team Player (MK-1654) and its international equivalents use a single connector cable, leaving an additional port on the console free for a fifth player. Alternatively, the second port could house a further Team Player, for up to 8 simultaneous players. When not in "MULTI" mode, the Team Player's switch can be used to specify which controller is mapped to the Mega Drive's first controller port, so that the player is able to switch between control pads and the Sega Mouse without detaching or connecting controllers. This original version competed directly with Electronic Arts's 4 Way Play for support, with many of that publisher's titles supporting only their adapter, while other publishers preferred Sega's device.

To resolve this split in the platform's user base, Sega released a second Team Player model (MK-1647) which features two connector cables and support for EA's previously "exclusive" games. To use the "EXTRA" mode which supports these titles, both connectors must be plugged into the Mega Drive's controller ports, while Team Player-compatible titles still need only one connector inserted, as in the original model. The improved software compatibility and the use of cables rather than connectors molded directly into the adapter put the MK-1647 at an advantage over the 4 Way Play, which required both controller ports to be the same distance apart (thus preventing it from working with the CDX or X'eye).

Compatible games

Note: The titles listed below are directly compatible with the Team Player in "MULTI" mode. 4 Way Play games are also compatible with the second revision's "EXTRA" mode.

Mega Drive

Mega-CD

32X

14 games are compatible with the SEGA Mega Drive Multiplayer

Fever Pitch Soccer
[1995]

Gauntlet IV
[1993]

Golf Magazine: 36 Great Holes Starring Fred Couples
[1995]

Madden NFL '94
[1993]

Micro Machines 2 Turbo Tournament
[1994]

NBA Jam
[1994]

NBA Jam
[1994]

NBA Jam Tournament Edition
[1995]

Street Racer
[1995]

The Lost Vikings
[1994]

Tiny Toon Adventures: ACME All-Stars
[1994]

World Cup USA 94
[1994]

Worms
[1996]

WWF Raw
[1994]