Mega Drive / Genesis
The Sega Genesis (Mega Drive outside North America) is Sega's 16-bit fourth-generation home console, launched in Japan on October 29, 1988 and in North America in September 1989. Powered by a 7.6 MHz Motorola 68000 CPU with 64 KB RAM, it sold 40 million units worldwide (20M+ NA, 9M Europe, 3.58M Japan, 3M Brazil). Up to 61 colors simultaneously from a 512-color palette, with Yamaha YM2612 FM synthesis and TI SN76489 audio. Sega's "Blast Processing" marketing highlighted its performance edge. Sonic the Hedgehog became its iconic mascot franchise (15M+ copies). Library includes Sonic 2 (3.2M in two weeks), Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Phantasy Star.
