Analogue Mega SG+ and Super Nt+ announced: price, features and release date
Analogue has announced the Mega SG+ and Super Nt+: FPGA retro consoles for original Sega and Nintendo cartridges, with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz controllers.
The Mega SG+ costs $219.99 and comes in Japan, EU and US variants. The Super Nt+ also costs $219.99 and will be available in Classic, SF and Black editions.
Pre-orders open on 19 October via Analogue. Shipping is planned for December.
What happened
Analogue has unveiled the Mega SG+ and Super Nt+ as refreshed versions of the Mega Sg and Super Nt. The two consoles are designed for playing original Sega and Nintendo cartridges, with modern connectivity and extra convenience layered on top of the classic hardware experience. Based on the product information and Eurogamer’s reporting, this is a new generation of Analogue’s cartridge consoles, focused on compatibility with existing game collections and a design that suits modern TVs and controllers.
According to Analogue, both systems use an in-house FPGA design. The company describes the consoles as suitable for 1080p 2D gaming, with zero lag and high accuracy, and stresses that no software emulation is used. The Super Nt+ product description also refers to it as a continuation of the original Super Nt, with Bluetooth and 2.4G support, a refreshed industrial design, custom OS software and new packaging. For the Mega Sg+, Analogue describes a similar approach, with a design explicitly aimed at the 2D, 16-bit and 8-bit eras.
Analogue positions the Mega SG+ as compatible with more than 2,180 Sega cartridges and libraries, including Genesis, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, MyCard Adapter, Mark III and SG-1000. The Super Nt+ is listed as compatible with more than 2,200 Super Nintendo and Super Famicom games. That means Analogue is once again targeting players who want to use original cartridges without relying on software emulation or separate adapters for modern hardware.
Both consoles support wireless controllers via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz. Users can also hot-swap cartridges without turning the console off, as long as the current game is closed first. It is also possible to power the systems on and off with a controller. Analogue also says the Mega Sg+’s USB-A port is intended for Analogue DAC support or charging controllers, and not for data transfer or direct play with wired USB controllers.
The box includes a USB-C power supply and a USB-C cable. Analogue lists both models at $219.99. The Mega SG+ will be available in Japan, EU and US variants, while the Super Nt+ is listed in the available information as Classic, SF and Black editions. Pre-orders open on 19 October via Analogue’s website, with shipping planned for December.
Timeline
2018: the original Super Nt launches as Analogue’s earlier cartridge console for Super Nintendo and Super Famicom games.
2019: the original Mega Sg launches as Analogue’s earlier cartridge console for Sega systems.
19 October: pre-orders for the Mega SG+ and Super Nt+ open via Analogue’s website.
December: Analogue plans to ship both consoles.
Announcement: Analogue presents the Mega SG+ and Super Nt+ as refreshed FPGA consoles with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz support.
Background
The Mega SG+ and Super Nt+ build on Analogue’s earlier cartridge consoles for Sega and Nintendo platforms. The new models emphasise FPGA hardware, original cartridges and modern features such as Bluetooth, 2.4GHz support and controller-based power control. Analogue is positioning the systems firmly as hardware solutions for 2D gaming, with 1080p output and no software emulation.
The Mega SG+ is tied in the available information to three regional variants: Japan, EU and US. That suggests a broader international rollout, with Analogue offering different editions for different markets. For the Super Nt+, the available information lists Classic, SF and Black as the available versions. The Super Nt+ product page describes the model as a continuation of the original Super Nt, with a new industrial design, custom OS software and new packaging.
Compatibility claims are a major part of the announcement. Analogue says the Mega SG+ supports more than 2,180 Sega cartridges and libraries, including Genesis, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, MyCard Adapter, Mark III and SG-1000. For the Super Nt+, the figure is more than 2,200 Super Nintendo and Super Famicom games. That shows Analogue continuing to focus on broad support for original software from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
The connections and controls have also been updated for modern use. Bluetooth and 2.4GHz controllers make wireless play possible, while cartridge hot-swapping and controller-based power on/off add convenience. The included USB-C power supply and USB-C cable show that Analogue is presenting the consoles as complete plug-and-play products. The $219.99 price point for each system places the Mega SG+ and Super Nt+ in the same premium retro-hardware segment as the company’s earlier releases.