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The Sega Genesis Mega Drive, more commonly known as the Sega Genesis, is a 16-bit home video game console developed and released by Sega in 1988. It was the third console released by Sega in Japan, after the SG-1000 and Master System, and followed by the Sega Saturn. The system was designed to compete with Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

The Genesis was first released in Japan on October 29th, 1988. The console was released two weeks later in North America on August 14th, 1989. It featured a Motorola 68000 processor running at 7.6MHz, 64KB of RAM and 64KB of Video RAM (VRAM). The system also included 8-channel stereo sound and support for multi-player gaming via a second controller port. The console’s library consisted of over 900 titles at launch, with additional titles released during its lifespan.

The Sega Genesis had an edge over the SNES due to its larger color palette and faster processing power. This allowed it to display more detailed graphics than its rival. Its library included popular arcade ports such as Altered Beast, Golden Axe, Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition and Sonic the Hedgehog. The console also had ports of classic games such as Columns and Phantasy Star II that have become classics among gamers today.

The most iconic feature of the Sega Genesis is its trademark "blast processing" technology which allowed it to process data faster than other consoles at the time. This technology allowed developers to create games with smoother animations and faster gameplay speeds compared to those found on other systems. In addition to this technology, some games were enhanced with “Mode 7” effects which gave them an extra layer of depth such as parallax scrolling backgrounds or rotating objects in 3D space.

The success of the original Sega Genesis prompted Sega to release several updated versions over the years including the Mega Drive 2 (Japan only) and the CDX (a combination CD/cartridge player). In addition there were several licensed versions of the original hardware released by third party companies such as Majesco's Game Gear Microdrive or Atari's Jaguar CD add-on unit for their Jaguar console.

The success of the original model led to many clones being produced around the world including systems from TecToy (Brazil), Samsung (South Korea) and various unlicensed Chinese models such as Subor’s Famiclone series or FC Twin from Datel Electronics Ltd.. These clones were usually cheaper than official units but lacked features like FM synthesis audio or RGB output which made them less desirable for hardcore gamers who wanted access to all their favorite titles without compromising quality or compatibility issues .

Although it has been outclassed by newer consoles in terms of graphical capabilities since its release in 1988, many retro gamers still consider it one of their favorite systems due to its vast library of classic titles that are still enjoyed today along with its unique “blast processing” technology that set it apart from other 16-bit consoles at that time