Co-processor: Zilog Z80 running at 4 MHz (Not Present in model MK-1631) controls PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) & FM Chips
RAM: 64 Kbytes
ROM: 1 Mbytes (8-Mbit)
Graphics: VDP (Video Display Processor) dedicated video display processor for playfield and sprite control, 3 Planes, 2 scrolling playfields, 1 sprite plane, VRAM: 64 Kbytes (Video Ram), Colors Available: 512, Max. Colours on screen: 64, CRAM: 64 x 9-kbit (Colour RAM), Pixel Resolution: 320 x 224, 40 x 28 text display mode
Video Port: Composite
Audio: Texas Instruments PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) TI 76489 chip, Yamaha YM 2612 FM chip, Signal/Noise Ratio: 14dB, Sound Channels: 6 stereo sound channels, Sound RAM: 8 Kbytes
Game Media: 16bit Rom Cartridge
Controller Ports: 2 or 4 (depends on model)
Sega Genesis Special Notes
Side Expansion Port: Allows 1st generation model to connect to a CD disk reader for expanded games
X32 Pack: An adapter that fit into the top game cartridge port, allowing the unit to play 32bit game cartridges
CD Expansion: An adapter created to work with the side expansion port that allowed the first generation model to play higher video quality and larger size games
North American Model: was called the Genesis and the European/Asian model Mega Drive
Three official Genesis Models were released: Genesis was the original full featured model, Genesis second release was smaller with less features, Genesis 3 was a compact basic model that only worked with game the 16bit game cartridges.
Online Access: Was able to connect to the Sega Internet Network via a Cartridge based Modem.
Unique Variations: Genesis Nomad a hand held version utilizing the full size game carts, Genesis CDX a CD game disk independent unit, Sega TeraDrive a mega drive version that was built into an independent computer.
