Entertainment
Sega Astro City Mini Console will be released in the West for £94
The miniature Sega coin-op filled with 36 retro arcade games is going to be officially released in the US with localised packaging.
A mini-console containing 36 classic Sega arcade games sounded like the perfect treat for retro fans but there was just one little problem: until now it’s only been intended for release in Japan.
However, American firm Limited Run has made a deal with Sega to officially release a version of the Astro City Mini in the US, from where it can then be imported to the UK.
The console will cost $129.99 (£94) and will go up for pre-order on the Limited Run website from Friday, March 26. The packaging will be localised but it’s not clear if the games themselves will.
The Astro City Mini is named after the generic arcade cabinet used by Sega in the 90s and was first unveiled in the summer of last year.
Although 36 games sounds like a lot it is, to be honest, a fairly random selection of games, some of which are classics and some of which are not.
It’s also peculiar that while the console only has a digital joystick some of the games, like Space Harrier and racer Rad Mobile, were designed with analogue controls in mind.
Sega Astro City Mini games list
Scramble Spirits
Ninja Princess
Arabian Fight
Sonic Boom
Stack Columns
Flicky
Quartet 2
Puyo Puyo Tsu
Thunder Force AC
Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars
Rad Mobile
Space Harrier
My Hero
Bonanza Bros.
Columns
Cotton
Crack Down
ESWAT
Gain Ground
Ichidant-R
Puyo Puyo
Shadow Dancer
Shinobi
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy In Monster Land
Wonder Boy 3: Monster Lair
Alien Syndrome
Alien Storm
Golden Axe
Golden Axe: The Revenge Of Death Adder
Columns 2
Dark Edge
Puzzle & Action: Tant-R
Virtua Fighter
Fantasy Zone
Altered Beast
The console was released in Japan in December and as well as the machine itself Limited Run is also selling branded joypads for $27.99 (£20) and a set of doll-sized accessories, including an arcade base, chair, and top board for $39.99 (£29).
The chances of an official release in Europe seem remote so if you do want one then the best bet is going to be to try and pre-order on Friday.
Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, and follow us on Twitter.
MORE : Sega Astro City Mini Console reveals all 36 games, including Space Harrier
MORE : Sega Astro City Mini console adds Shinobi, Wonder Boy, and… a miniature stool
MORE : New Sega Astro City Mini console is a miniature arcade with Virtua Fighter, Golden Axe, and more
Follow Metro Gaming on Twitter and email us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk
For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.