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[[[Officially Licensed Sega Genesis Gen Mobile Portable System w/ 20 Sega Games Built-in & Cartridge Slot - Black]]]

Discription : The Sega Genesis Officially Licensed Gen-Mobile has 20 built in Sega Game & a cartridge slot that is compatible with all Sega Genesis Games. The 20 built in games include: Alien Storm, Altered Beast, Sonic Spinball, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Arrow Clash, Kid Chameleon, Crackdown Columns III, Decap Attack, Sonic & Knuckles, ESwat, Ecco, Gain Ground, Flicky, Golden Axe, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, Ecco Jr, Jewel Master and Shadow Dancer


More review coming soon.

I have Retrogen, GenMobile and Nomad, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses.

I suspect the Retrogen and GenMobile were made in the same factories because they have the same compatibility with games, same sound issues, same build quality, and same "Firecore" menu.

Compatibility - Winner: Nomad


Screen - Winner: draw
The Nomad has the biggest screen but being technology from the mid-90's, it is very hard to see. The Retrogen's screen is smaller than the Nomad's, but it's a huge improvement in clarity. It's not perfect, as there is a slight green tint (very noticeable on blacks and yellows) and the viewing angle is not as good as the GenMobile. The GenMobile has an even smaller screen than the Retrogen, but it is brighter and has a wider viewing angle. It depends if you want a bigger screen or more brightness.

Sound - Winner: Nomad
Games sound as they should be on the Nomad, where as on the Retrogen and GenMobile they are off pitch. Streets of Rage 2 just sounds awful on the Retrogen and GenMobile. The Retrogen and GenMobile also only output mono sound.

Controls - Winner: Nomad
Dpad and buttons on the Nomad excellent. On Retrogen and GenMobile dpads Don t omnibus 'and can be pressed in the center, which is annoying. s Dpad GenMobile 'actually consists of two separate parts divided along the diagonal. OK. Dpads are the main problem. It's not a huge deal if you play the game, in which the struggle with the precise movements required.

Battery - Winner: Retrogen and GenMobile
The Nomad takes AA batteries and drains them in no time. The Retrogen and GenMobile have built-in rechargeable batteries which lasts much longer. The Retrogen comes with a charging cable that ends in a usb plug, which you can charge in any computer or device with a usb port. The GenMobile comes with a wall adapter that you plug into any wall outlet. They both have the same mini-usb port, so you can use the wall adapter on the Retrogen or usb cable on the GenMobile. The downside is that if and when the rechargeable batteries die, you won't be able to replace them.

Portability - Winner: Retrogen and GenMobile
The Nomad is very big and heavy, while the Retrogen and GenMobile are a fraction of the size and weight. The Retrogen and GenMobile are very lightweight. They do have a cheapish feel.

Built-in Games - Winner: GenMobile
\\ Nomad doesn 't have built-in games. Retrogen has 20 built-in homebrew games, which are very boring, and you LL 'play only once before, as tired of them. GenMobile actual game has 20 built-in Genesis, which is much better.

Also, the GenMobile is licensed by Sega and has the Sega Genesis logos on the box (as well as a sticker on the unit, which can come off easily). The Retrogen is not licensed. You also get a wrist strap with the GenMobile. The GenMobile even has a better box than the Retrogen (it has magnets to hold the box closed instead of velcro).

Overall, the Retrogen feels like an older version of the GenMobile.

The GenMobile is a decent alternative to the Nomad, but you have to sacrifice a bit of sound/compatibility/controls for portability/battery life/screen quality.

This thing is pretty decent quality when compared to most of these clone systems that have cropped up the last few years. It has a few shortcomings, which is to be expected of these clones but nothing is a major problem.

PROS:

- Being on the go!
- Brand new hardware without years of wear and tear. You could say this for all clones.
- AV out capability.
- It does indeed have a headphone jack.
- Not nearly as cumbersome as a Nomad.
- The built-in games are official Genesis titles, most of which are GOOD games.
- Buttons are surprisingly good and responsive.
- Built-in rechargeable battery that lasts hours.
- Easier to set up than Genesis or a standard console geneclone for play on a TV.
- Windows it comes in a very compact, durable, attractive and convenient access to it is perfect for storage devices.

CONS:

- There are occasions you wish you had a bigger screen.
- Only 1 player games since there is no way to connect another controller.
- It's easy to get carried away in the game, and accidentally hit the reset button (it 's next to Mr. panel).
- Also easy for the volume wheel to creep up on you during play.
- Feels a bit awkward in your hand when the cartridge in.
- Despite what the box says, neither of the 2 units I bought came with a manual! It's not exactly rocket science but SOME paperwork is expected with every electronic device.
- Like most clones, the emulated audio is a little off from what it should be. This is only blatantly obvious in very few instances (like the end level music in Sonic 1).
- This might be nit-picking but the Genesis logo sticker at the top constantly comes off, making it look cheap. I ended up just peeling it off.

I haven't owned this very long so I can't comment on its longevity. I do not own a Retrogen but I can't imagine it being better than this after seeing the quality of other Innex/Retro-bit products. The only thing it has over the Gen Mobile technical-wise is 0.4 more inches of screen. If you aren't really concerned with 2 player capability I'd buy this over the Firecore console. They both have AV out and the same built-in games so why not buy a Gen Mobile that is portable to boot? I bought from SethCo and commend them on lightning fast shipping.

Do not order this if you think you are getting something pretty. This device is cheaply made yes, but it is made well for being cheap. I have not had a propblem with this device yet. I have had it for two days now. I have played it about 8 hours and still have not had to charge the battery. If you like SEGA GENESIS this is thing is awsome. I have always loved SEGA and was happy to find that something like this is out there. The machine works plain and simple.



Buy here (at discount) officially licensed Sega Genesis Gen Mobile Handheld System W / 20 built-in Sega games and slot cartridge - black