Wondermega
Victor (JVC) Japan-Wondermega Ver.1, 1a, 2.
The Wondermega combined the Sega Megadrive and MegaCD into a compact unit with additional features that were supposed to add function and value to the unit.(that would justify its cost Y59,800=$598.00)
The RG-M1 was marketed as a high tech machine that went beyond the capabilities of the standard MD+CD setup. The wondermega added features like external CD controls, and Karaoke, which eliminated the need for the MD Karaoke unit. However, Wondermega is special because it has the ability to do midi. This feature was highly touted.
While these features never really sold the public on the wondermega, the RG-M1 is without a doubt the most beautifully designed game machine, ever, in my opinion.
The first model has a quality and feel to it that can only be compared to driving an econo-box, and then driving a BMW Z8. Wood, Leather, finely tuned, truely worth the cost.
The 1 /1a debate: How many silver machines were made?
Unknown.The display models were of a black base plastic with a silver overcoat. This later changed to grey.
Why was there a model 2?:
Costs. A cheaper design. The model 1 was an expensive item to produce. The second was cheaper, without the CD controls and the picky CD lid. Focus no longer on the multimedia, instead going directly for the gamer.
The model 2 has a mere shadow of the previous model in it.
One must remember that the Megadrive was almost spectacularly unpopular in it's first few years in Japan. Mega CD 1 sold less than 100,000 units the first year. Figure into that the wondermega, which cost nearly $100 more, without much visible benefit.
The X'eye:
The Wondermega 2 was sold in the USA under the moronic product killing name : X'eye.
Source :
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http://web.archive.org/web/20010306095504/http://assembler.roarvgm.com/wondermega.html
