Sega Genesis/Megadrive
Generation: 4
Processors: 7.67 MHZ, 16-bit Motorola 68000 processor
RAM: 64k system, 64k video
Graphics Resolution: 320 x 224
Colours: 64 on screen, 512 total
Sound: 6-Channel FM Stereo
Media Format: Cartridge
Control and Input Methods: 3 and 6 button controllers with digital pad
"Genesis Does What Nintendon't" boasted Sega's ad campaign, and at its release in the summer of '89, it did. Although the 16-bit computers like the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga had been around for a while, the Genesis (or Megadrive in Europe) was the world's first 16-bit console. It didn't really take off until the arrival of a certain blue hedgehog to replace Sega's tired old mascot, Alex Kidd. By that time the SNES had arrived and the great console war began. The Genesis had the most titles of any console at the time but it has now have been overtaken by the Playstation.
Emulator
Gens - undoubtedly the best Genesis emulator out there at the moment. It has a near 100% compatibility rate even with SegaCD titles which is a real bonus. It supports save games and can do audio dumps to GYM or WAV files to record that classic game music.
Links
Genesis Project - An extensive games database for the Genesis/Megadrive.
Megadrive Championships - Home of pan-European Megadrive gaming tournaments.