Sega Genesis Classics (called Sega Mega Drive Classics in PAL regions) is a collection of Sega Genesis video games released for Windows, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. These collections are divided into "Volumes" for PC versions only. The first four Volumes were released both as physical copies and digital downloads, while the fifth Volume was only available digitally.
Background
Sega released the first four physical game volumes for PC only as the Sega Genesis Classic Collection: Gold Edition (Sega Mega Drive Classics: Gold Edition in PAL regions). This collection includes 46 Sega Genesis games from the first four volumes. It features keyboard support that can be customized for a personalized gaming experience, as well as multiplayer mode for some games. All games in the collection include save and load functionality, allowing players to resume games from where they left off.
On April 28, 2016, Sega released a free application called the Sega Genesis Classics Hub (Sega Mega Drive Classics Hub in PAL regions) on Steam. The application creates a virtual space resembling a bedroom of a Sega fan, where players can access all released Sega Genesis games. The Hub supports Steam Workshop integration, allowing users to add modified versions of the games. Within a day of its release, users added previously created modified versions to the Hub’s Workshop. Any Sega Genesis games previously purchased on Steam, including collections, automatically appear in players’ Steam libraries through the Hub. A few weeks after the Hub’s release, Sega reported over 350,000 new purchases of games supported by the software. As of July 1, 2018, the Sega Mega Drive and Genesis Classics compilation had sold 1,514,485 digital copies on Steam.
On May 29, 2018, Sega released a compilation of all games from earlier collections (with some exceptions) as Sega Genesis Classics (Sega Mega Drive Classics in PAL regions) for Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The compilation uses the same interface as the Sega Genesis Classics Hub but includes additional features such as achievements and the ability to rewind in-game actions. These features were later added to the Hub. Some games can be played in their original Japanese versions. A version of the compilation was also released for Nintendo Switch on December 6, 2018. The Steam version of the collection previously excluded Sonic the Hedgehog and ToeJam & Earl games, which could only be purchased through Sonic-related compilations. These games are now included in the Steam collection. Players can purchase individual games, though Sonic games are priced higher.
On May 20, 2022, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles were removed from individual and compilation sales on Steam. These games were replaced with the Sonic Origins compilation, which includes those titles and Sonic CD. Sonic CD was also removed from sale, making it impossible to earn all achievements.
On November 6, 2024, it was announced that the bundle and collection would no longer be available for purchase digitally on all major platforms as of December 6, 2024.
Reception
Sega Genesis Classics received "mostly positive" reviews, as reported by the website Metacritic, which collects reviews from many sources.