Almost 7 years ago, I wrote a lengthy article detailing the ins and outs of why Sega should or should not release a new console. A lot has changed in 7 years. At the time of that writing – September of 2013 – Sega was still recovering from some poor game decisions (I’m looking at you Sonic 2006 and Shadow the Hedgehog). Namely, their flagship series, Sonic the Hedgehog, was not living up to the legacy of which he created. But that’s not to say Sega wasn’t still successful and profitable.

In the time’s since, Sega has actually improved their branding with higher quality games (see Sonic Mania, Yakuza, Sakura Wars) and a stronger social media / news effort. Most notably in 2020. The social media / news offerings are doing wonders for making sure their audience knows how hard they’re working and how much they care! The recent success of the Sonic the Hedgehog Movie, which was on the verge of complete disaster at one point, further drives home Sega’s desires for improvements in brand quality.

With their massive success on the silver screen, and their quality partnerships as a third party software developer and publisher to Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, PC, and mobile phones, it doesn’t make much sense for Sega to take such a big risk by releasing a gaming console. But recent rumblings from numerous publications and websites are intimating at a possible revival of Sega as a hardware developer. Is it true? Will it happen?

Another Sega console concept. (image sourced News Ledge)

Sega’s 60th anniversary is fast approaching, and for weeks (maybe months), Sega keeps hinting at a big announcement coming in June of 2020. How big? Sega said something along the lines of it being as big as the PS5 reveal. Talk about building hype and excitement. How many times do we need to be reminded that we’re going to hear some great news? But it’s hot news. It really is. The only problem is, they are building hype to possibly unreachable heights.

One theory suggests Sega could be releasing a gaming console. Let’s say it together: A new Sega console! Haven’t heard those words since the late aughts. Another theory has Sega partnering with Microsoft to release the Xbox Series X in Japan under the Sega moniker. That theory makes the most sense considering the Xbox franchise doesn’t exactly sell well in Japan, and Sega and Microsoft have a history together dating back to the Dreamcast.

Theories abound as the world sits in wait.

As for me and what I believe: I am a Sega fan, through and through. From the Master System to the Dreamcast and everything in between. I think Sega is the coolest (yeah, that’s right. I said it). But oddly enough, I fear another failed gaming system would KILL Sega for good. The nail in the coffin, if you will. And that would be a sad day. I think the marketplace is too crowded, Nerd Bacon co-owner theWatchman is indicating that consoles are a dying breed. And I agree with him. It’s only a matter of time until streaming games is the norm.

Some seem to believe that Sega and this concept console may be linked. I’m not so sure, but I don’t know much about it at this point. (image source credited to Digital Crack Network)

Surely, at this point, they’re making more money as a software company, considering these games can reach a much wider market. But I don’t even pretend to be totally knowledgeable in all the profitable ventures of hardware vs software sales. I leave that sort of professional forward thinking to the, um, well, professionals. As for the news and coverage on what the pros do… That’s where Nerd Bacon comes in. We look forward to the upcoming announcement. C’mon Sega. Make us proud.

DREAMS

If I had my druthers, I’d want an all-in-one Sega system. One system akin to the Sega CDX or Saturn in regard to having a cartridge slot + a disc tray. This system would be compatible with Master System, Genesis, Mega Drive, and 32X carts. It would also be compatible with Sega CD, Mega CD, Saturn, and Dreamcast discs. Perhaps maybe even have a tiny slot for Game Gear games. This dream system would retail about $600 and fans would crap their pants. Sega’s entire back library of games would skyrocket in value, making me stupid rich if I chose to sell the games… Which I would never do.