Sega Genesis Mini 2 is only sold from Japan due to supply chain

Sega’s Genesis Mini 2 throwback console will be sold to Western customers through Amazon Japan due to ongoing semiconductor shortages in the global supply chain, a Sega representative told Polygon.

However, the availability of the Genesis Mini 2 in North America and Europe will still be one-tenth that of 2019’s Sega Genesis Mini. Friday’s statement said the Sega Genesis Mini 2 was originally only available for Japan, but “By using Amazon’s ‘Japan Store’ system, we found that at least a small number of units are available through Amazon.com could be sold, so part was commissioned to create the North American version.”

The Sega Genesis Mini 2 launches October 27th with more than 50 games on board. Amazon Japan lists the device at a price of $103.80 with shipping from Japan at $21.99. This brings the total cost of importing the mini console to $125.79.

Sega first announced the Sega Genesis Mini 2 – dubbed the Sega Mega Drive Mini 2 – during a live stream in early June. The latest console follows the Sega Genesis Mini from 2019, which launched with 42 games. This console was the answer to 2017’s disappointing Sega Genesis Flashback HD, a mini-console from AtGames that fell far short of fan expectations after Nintendo’s hugely successful NES Classic Edition and Super NES Classic Edition.