The Master System debuted seven years after the NES and was designed to go head-to-head against the NES.
It was a bit more advanced than the competition, but it never really caught on in North America.
After years of battling for a piece of the market, Sega devised a new strategy.
By Evan-Amos - Own work, Public Domain
From Mega Drive Comes the Genesis
The name of the system was dubbed the Sega Mega Drive.
After a trademark dispute, Sega opted to use a different name for the system in North America.
The Coming of the Genesis
The Sega Genesis is the very first 16-bit console system.
Sega
The SEGA Mega Drive launched in Japan in October of 1988 to lackluster sales.
At the time, Sega of Americas CEO Michael Katz had put together an aggressive marketing campaign.
This dynamic led to the console wars with both Sega and Nintendo publicly battling it out.
The Hedgehog That Tipped The Scales
In 1991, the tipping point started to occur.
Designed primarily for American audiences,Sonicwas a fast-paced and innovative platformer and an instant hit.
However, Nintendo had its own weapon in the console war.
Then Kalinske got even more aggressive.
The gamble worked and the Genesis began dominating sales.
The International Mega Drive
Segas success in the 90s continued to rise internationally.
