Retro Mega Drive console sales surge 400% at Argos

A quarter of a century after its release in the UK, the Mega Drive could be a star performer this Christmas.

The Daily Mail reports that sales of AtGames’ Sega Mega Drive console have jumped 400 per cent at Argos in recent weeks”. This version of the machine includes two wireless controllers in the style of the original’s later six-button pad.

It also includes 80 in-built games, half of which are Mega Drive originals. In addition, a cartridge port allows those who own original titles to play those as well. The device currently sells for 39.99.

There’s a real appetite for nostalgia at the moment, whether it is firing up old consoles, or dusting down old vinyl records,” Argos buyer Laura Hamblyn said.

The Sega Mega Drive is fondly remembered by the 90s generation who would spend hours helping Sonic The Hedgehog to defeat his arch nemesis Doctor Robotnik. It is fantastic to see parents buying this console to relive their childhood and introduce their own kids to some old school gaming.”

The retro movement never went away but has muscled its way back into the mainstream eye a little more of late. Both GAME and GameStop have re-introduced legacy titles into their offer, while an increasing number of systems based on old machines have hit (largely online) stores. Genuine older machines such as the Dreamcast have also enjoyed a bump in sales.

Not that the sector is without its problems, however, with the legalities of emulation proving a sticking point on more than one occasion.