Sega’s Game Gear 3DS Re-Releases Will Come to Domestic Systems

Another Chance to Support the Sega Catalogue

This was overlooked last week; amid the news that several classic Sega Game Gear consoles, including Sonic Triple Trouble and Sonic Drift 2, would be released onto the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, there remained some question as to whether those releases would make it across the Pacific.

Buried in a press release and picked up by Sonic Wrecks is news that it would.  Both Sega of America and Sega of Europe released a joint statement confirming the availability in North America and Europe.  While Game Gear titles have been re-released on occasion, it has not nearly been on the vexatious level as many of Sega’s classic Genesis titles have endured.  So for those who never enjoyed Sonic’s portable fare of the 90s, you’ll have another chance should you pick up a 3DS.

Sega’s statement is below.

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (3rd March, 2011) – SEGA^® Europe Ltd. and SEGA^® of America, Inc. today announced that they are partnering with Nintendo to produce a series of fan favourites from the Game Gear™ and more that will soon be available for download for 3DS™ on the Nintendo® eShop. Announced today during Nintendo’s keynote address at the Game Developers Conference, SEGA’s digitally re-mastered classics will be among the first titles to be offered exclusively for download on the new platform.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Game Gear system, and we believe that releasing these titles on the groundbreaking 3DS is a great way to commemorate the occasion,” said Haruki Satomi, vice president of Digital Business at SEGA of America. “Both new fans and those with fond memories of time spent playing their Game Gear will surely find something to love in our upcoming lineup of eShop titles.”

Five releases are planned for the launch of the Nintendo eShop, with more to be announced later this year.