The Sega Game Gear Otogesu is a Japanese handheld game console developed and published by Sega. It was released in Japan in August 1996 and later in Europe in October 1997. The console was designed to be a more compact and portable alternative to the Sega Nomad, which was released earlier that year.
The Game Gear Otogesu was essentially the same as its Japanese counterpart, with a few minor tweaks to suit European tastes. It featured a 3.5-inch reflective TFT color screen, capable of displaying up to 32,768 colors, and a 256x192 resolution at 8 bits per pixel. The console's processor was a Hitachi SH-2, which provided fast processing speeds for its time.
One of the most distinctive features of the Game Gear Otogesu was its ergonomic design. The console had a contoured shape that fit comfortably in the hand, making it easy to hold and play for extended periods. This design element helped to reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions.
The Game Gear Otogesu was preloaded with 12 games at launch, including classic titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2, and Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap. Additional games could be purchased separately or downloaded through Sega's online service.
The console's game library consisted of both first-party and third-party titles. Some notable releases included Sonic CD, OutRun, and Crazy Taxi. Other popular franchises, such as Castlevania, Resident Evil, and Mortal Kombat, also made appearances on the Game Gear Otogesu.
In terms of storage, the console used a combination of cartridges and memory cards. Cartridges stored games themselves, while memory cards provided additional storage for saving game progress or playing demos.
The Game Gear Otogesus had a strong lineup of exclusive titles, but it still struggled to compete with other handheld consoles on the market at the time. The Nintendo Game Boy, in particular, was a major competitor, and its popularity helped to establish it as a dominant force in the handheld gaming space.
Age Rating: T
The Game Gear Otogesu has a moderate level of violence, mild language, and suggestive content. Some games, such as Streets of Rage 2, feature explicit language and graphic violence, while others, like Sonic CD, are more family-friendly.
In terms of age rating, the console is generally suitable for players aged 10 and above. However, some parents may want to exercise caution when allowing younger children to play certain titles due to their content.
Parental Guidance: Yes
Some games on the Game Gear Otogesu contain mild profanity, suggestive themes, or violent content that may not be suitable for all ages. Parents are advised to review game contents and make informed decisions about which titles to allow their children to play.
Game Library:
- Sonic CD
- OutRun
- Crazy Taxi
- Streets of Rage 2
- Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap
- Puyo Puyo Sun
- Panzer Dragoon
- Columns III
- Hang-On 2000
- Bonk's Adventure
- Phantasy Star II
- Jet Set Radio
Cartridges:
- Sonic CD ( Sega, 1995)
- OutRun (Sega, 1996)
- Crazy Taxi (Sega, 1997)
- Streets of Rage 2 (Sega, 1996)
- Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (Sega, 1994)
- Puyo Puyo Sun (Sega, 1995)
- Panzer Dragoon (Sega, 1997)
- Columns III (Sega, 1993)
- Hang-On 2000 (Sega, 1996)
- Bonk's Adventure (Sega, 1994)
- Phantasy Star II (Sega, 1992)
Memory Cards:
- Sega SmartCard (16MB)
Storage Capacity:
- Cartridges: up to 128MB
- Memory cards: up to 64MB
Dimensions:
- Length: 17.6 cm
- Width: 9.5 cm
- Height: 3.8 cm
Weight: 275g
Battery Life:
- 4-6 hours (depending on game and brightness settings)
Overall, the Sega Game Gear Otogesu is a solid handheld console that offers a unique gaming experience. While it may not have been as successful as some of its contemporaries, it still has its fans and remains a nostalgic favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Sega Game Gear Otogesu was a well-designed and feature-packed console that offered a diverse range of games for players in Europe. Its unique design, compact size, and strong lineup of exclusive titles make it a worthwhile addition to any retro gaming collection. However, parents should exercise caution when allowing younger children to play certain titles due to their content.
Recommendation: If you're a fan of classic handheld consoles or are looking to expand your retro gaming library, the Sega Game Gear Otogesu is definitely worth considering.