Sega’s Genesis Mini retro game console is down to $50 today

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Sega’s Genesis Mini retro game console is down to $50 today
Ars Technica

Today’s Dealmaster is headed up by a nice price on the Sega Genesis Mini, which is down to $50 at a handful of retailers. While we’ve seen the retro game console briefly drop to $40 during a couple of sales earlier this year, today’s price is tied for lowest we’ve seen it on Amazon specifically since the holiday season. For reference, Sega originally sold the device for $80, and it typically goes for $60 these days when it’s in stock online.

We gave the Sega Genesis Mini a positive review when it launched last September. For the unfamiliar, this is a tiny retro console in the vein of Nintendo’s NES Classic and SNES Classic, but with a built-in library of 42 games that were originally released for the Sega Genesis. It recreates the original machine wonderfully in a cuter, shrunken-down package, and it comes with two nicely molded controllers, both connectable via six-foot cables.

The most important piece of the Genesis Mini is that it gets the library right—mostly, at least when you consider the licensing nightmares that would come with getting classic sports and media tie-in games onto the machine. You still get a deep roster of RPGs, platformers, action games, and shoot-em-ups, ranging from expected mascot fare like the first two Sonic the Hedgehog games, Earthworm Jim, and Ecco the Dolphin, to classics like Shining Force, Contra: Hard Corps, and Gunstar Heroes, to others like Alisia Dragoon and Dynamite Headdy that are well worth playing even if their names don’t ring a bell today. All of them are emulated well; our review’s only nitpick was with some very slight audio delay.

We would have liked Sega to replicate its six-button gamepads instead of the older three-button units, and a game “rewind” feature would have been nice. There are plenty of ways to play older games like these without buying a new machine, too. But if you’d like to discover or reengage some classic games in a more authentic way, the Genesis Mini is a pleasing blast of nostalgia.

If you have no interest in taking a trip down memory lane, though, we also have deals on USB-C hubs, the Apple Watch, Bluetooth speakers, and more. Have a look for yourself below.

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Top 10 deals of the day

  • Sega Genesis Mini retro mini console for $49.99 at Amazon and GameStop (normally $60).
  • Anker PowerExpand+ 5-in-1 USB-C hub – 3x USB 3.0, HDMI (4K 30Hz), Ethernet for $26.39 at Amazon (normally $33).
  • AmazonBasics USB-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 (5-pack, 3ft) cable for $34.59 at Amazon (normally $43).
  • Sony PlayStation Plus 1-year membership card for $33.99 at eBay (normally $60).
  • UE Megaboom 3 portable Bluetooth speaker for $119.99 at Amazon (normally $175).
  • Google Nest Thermostat E smart thermostat for $139 at Amazon and BuyDig (normally $169).
  • TP-Link Kasa HS210 smart light 3-way Wi-Fi light switch for $18.74 at Amazon (use code: 25THREEWAY – normally $25).
  • Anker PowerWave Base Pad Qi wireless charger – 10W Galaxy/7.5W iPhone, no AC adapter for $10.99 at Amazon (normally $14).
  • Google Home Max smart home speaker for $229 at Belk (normally $299).
  • CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 dock – 2x Thunderbolt 3, USB-C 3.1 Gen 1, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, 5x USB-A 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, SDXC, Gigabit Ethernet, digital optical audio, analog in/out, 87W charging for $229.99 at Amazon (normally $270).
The Surface Pro 7.
Enlarge / The Surface Pro 7.

Laptop and desktop PC deals

  • Microsoft Surface Pro 7 tablet PC – Intel Core i5-1035G4, 12.3-inch 2736×1824, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD + Surface Pro Type Cover (Black) for $1,299 at Amazon (normally $1,600).
  • CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 dock – 2x Thunderbolt 3, USB-C 3.1 Gen 1, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, 5x USB-A 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, SDXC, Gigabit Ethernet, digital optical audio, analog in/out, 87W charging for $229.99 at Amazon (normally $270).
<i>Apex Legends</i> is free to play, but if you're planning to buy its latest characters, you can save some cash with today's deal.
Enlarge / Apex Legends is free to play, but if you’re planning to buy its latest characters, you can save some cash with today’s deal.
EA / Respawn

Video game deals

<em>Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle</em>.
Enlarge / Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle.
Kyle Orland

Gaming deals

  • Sony PlayStation Plus 1-year membership card for $33.99 at eBay (normally $60).
  • Sega Genesis Mini retro mini console for $49.99 at Amazon and GameStop (normally $60).
  • Logitech G613 wireless mechanical gaming keyboard – Romer G switches for $69.99 at Amazon (normally $80).
  • HyperX Alloy Elite RGB mechanical gaming keyboard – Cherry MX Brown switches for $99.99 at Amazon (normally $120).
  • Razer Junglecat Android game controller for $84.99 at Amazon (normally $100).
The Sega Genesis Mini looks a lot like the original Genesis, only, well, mini.
Enlarge / The Sega Genesis Mini looks a lot like the original Genesis, only, well, mini.
Sam Machkovech

TV and home entertainment deals

  • Roku Smart Soundbar soundbar + 4K media streamer for $149.99 at Amazon (normally $180).
  • Polk Command Bar smart soundbar + wireless subwoofer for $199 at Amazon (normally $235).
The Apple Watch Series 5.
Enlarge / The Apple Watch Series 5.
Valentina Palladino

Electronics deals

The Nest Thermostat E.
Enlarge / The Nest Thermostat E.

Smart home deals

Apple's Smart Keyboard with a 10.5-inch iPad Air.
Enlarge / Apple’s Smart Keyboard with a 10.5-inch iPad Air.

Accessories and miscellaneous deals

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