Sega Meganet
From Sonic Retro
The Sega Meganet was a network service in Japan for people using the Sega Mega Drive.
Players attached a modem to their Mega Drive via the EXT port located at the back of the machine. It could be used to go online to play games with other players in Japan.
The game selection included Phantasy Star II text adventures, Sonic Eraser (a Sonic the Hedgehog puzzle game), and a Mahjong title. There were also other small games that could be downloaded to the console.
According to promotional posters, the MegaNet modem would have been renamed the TeleGenesis Modem before the launch of the Genesis in America. The unit would have been a launch peripheral, similar to the PowerBase Converter. However, due to many factors - speed issues which limited the types of games playable via the modem, lack of promotion in true Sega style, and the simple lack of interest in online console gaming at a time when personal computers were seen as more viable for World Wide Web access - the unit was deemed unworthy for Western release due to its poor performance in the Japanese market.
Interestingly, the MegaNet modem was not the only attempt to allow online play via the Mega Drive. The XBAND modem, only released in America, also allowed players to compete against each other via a telephone line; however, it too failed to capture the audience PC-based online play was gaining.
In 1995, the service was also started in Brazil. The selection of games was increased and included many popular titles such as Mortal Kombat II and FIFA Soccer '95.
| Sega Mega Drive Hardware | |
| Mega Drive and Variations | Mega Drive | Genesis 3 | Mega Jet | Nomad | Teradrive |
|---|---|
| Mega CD and Variations | Mega CD | CDX | X'eye | Aiwa Mega CD |
| Other Add-ons | 32X | Power Base Converter | Super Magic Drive |
| Special Game Controllers | Mega Mouse | Menacer | Activator |
| Online Services | Meganet | Channel | XB∀ND |
| Misc. Hardware | Sega Mega Anser | MegaPlay | MegaTech | Game Genie |
| Embedded Units | Legends Series | Atgames Twin Pad Player | Atgames Portable Mega Drive |
