"We’ve found a solution to the obstacles" - Hyperkin's Mega95 Sega Genesis handheld is now closer to launch, and I'm more hyped than ever

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"We know the wait has been long, and we don’t take that lightly."

Hands using Hyperkin Mega95 handheld to play Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Sega Genesis cartridge.
(Image credit: Hyperkin)

Hyperkin just shared a big update on its Sega Genesis handheld, and it sounds like the best retro handheld contender is nearing completion. Not only has the hardware maker apparently ironed out the quirks "holding the Mega95 back," but the company is now gearing up to get the portable into the hands of "trusted retro specialists in the community."

"After a lot of testing, iteration, and late-night problem solving, we believe we’ve found a solution to the obstacles that were holding Mega95 back," proclaims Hyperkin in its latest update. Those hurdles were previously described in last month's quick update as "visual artifacts and occasional tearing," tied to software issues, and the attached clip of the portable handling a physical copy of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 suggests the quirks are now ironed out.

In the post, Hyperkin claims it's "nearing the next big milestone," before outlining plans to get the Mega95 into the hands of "trusted retro specialists in the community." Who those individuals actually are remains to be seen, but the company says "these are people who know the hardware, know the games, and won’t sugarcoat feedback."

The Sega Genesis / Mega Drive is one of the best retro consoles of all time in my book, so I'd happily take the Mega95 for an early test drive and share my honest impressions. I'm more than familiar with the issues that can sometimes crop up with the brand's ROM-dumping emulation systems, and inevitably ended up highlighting plenty of quirks with the Hyperkin Retron GX PC engine remake that hampered compatibility and playability.

While you could criticise Hyperkin for launching imperfect emulation systems in the past, I genuinely believe it is always striving to do better. Throughout my Retron GX testing, the company was extremely receptive to feedback and was fully willing to help with troubleshooting. The latest update rounds off saying "Our goal has always been to make sure Mega95 launches the right way, not rushed, not compromised, but worthy of your collection and the games it’s meant to play," and that tells me that it's really out to impress enthusiasts this time around.

Hyperkin Mega95 Genesis handheld sitting on gaming desk with monitor and keyboard in backdrop.

(Image credit: Hyperkin)

Hyperkin promises more updates soon, and I have reached out regarding getting hands-on with an early Mega95 unit. I'll still be looking to get my grubby '90s gamer paws on the handheld regardless, but I am extremely eager to see if this format of emulation systems that use physical cartridges can reach new heights in 2026. They make for a cheap alternative to fancy FPGA systems like the Analogue 3D and Commodore 64 Ultimate that replicate the original circuitry with precision, and if the Genesis Portable works out, we might even get that Hyperkin 64 handheld that was previously hinted at.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, though, let's just root for the Mega95, as the Sega Nomad remake could save us from the horrors of 2026.

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Phil Hayton
Phil Hayton
Hardware Editor

Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar+ who specializes in retro console setups, choosing the latest gaming handhelds, and navigating the choppy seas of using modern-day PC hardware. In the past, they have covered everything from retro gaming history to the latest gaming news, in-depth features, and tech advice for publications like TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, PCGamesN, and Den of Geek. In their spare time, they pour hours into fixing old consoles, modding Game Boys, exploring ways to get the most out of the Steam Deck, and blasting old CRT TV visuals into their eye sockets.

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