Hardware as well as storage
The Japanese Mega-CD launched on 12 December 1991 at ¥49,800. It connects to a Mega Drive and adds a 12.5 MHz 68000 processor, graphics rotation and scaling, and PCM sound alongside the disc drive.
Its classification here is an add-on. A base Mega Drive cartridge recommendation does not require it, and a Mega-CD disc cannot be played by the base console alone.
Sources for this section1 reference
- メガCD ↗Sega · Accessed 2026-10-27
Japanese launch, launch price, add-on classification, 68000 processor, graphics functions, PCM sound and Sega CD regional name.
What to put on a disc
Recorded sound, animation and video offered developers ways to use the extra storage. Sega’s hardware history also notes long-form role-playing and adventure games. The library deserves examination beyond the reputation of its filmed productions.
Sega’s later Mega Drive Mini 2 selection places Sonic CD, Silpheed and Shining Force CD alongside one another. Those titles suggest different starting points: platforming, shooting and tactical battles.
Sources for this section2 references
- メガCD ↗Sega · Accessed 2026-10-27
Japanese launch, launch price, add-on classification, 68000 processor, graphics functions, PCM sound and Sega CD regional name.
- 新・メガドラミニ登場。2022年10月27日（木）『メガドライブミニ２』発売 ↗Sega · Accessed 2026-10-27
Manufacturer announcement documents built-in Mega-CD selections. It establishes the contents of the Japanese mini, not present stock or all regional models.
Sega CD and the miniature editions
The North American expansion was named Sega CD. This profile records the verified Japanese launch separately; it does not apply that date to the North American or European rollout.
The Japanese Mega Drive Mini 2 contains selected Mega-CD games built in. That is a documented way to play those selections on an existing unit, not a disc drive for original games. Its 2022 announcement does not establish present retail stock, and regional mini catalogues must be checked separately.
Sources for this section2 references
- メガCD ↗Sega · Accessed 2026-10-27
Japanese launch, launch price, add-on classification, 68000 processor, graphics functions, PCM sound and Sega CD regional name.
- 新・メガドラミニ登場。2022年10月27日（木）『メガドライブミニ２』発売 ↗Sega · Accessed 2026-10-27
Manufacturer announcement documents built-in Mega-CD selections. It establishes the contents of the Japanese mini, not present stock or all regional models.
