To be honest, I didn't like this 16-bit system at first, mainly because it killed off the my TurboGrafx-16.  I bought one off my cousin and I still didn't like it (maybe it was the games I had like Ballz and X-men). Then Phantasy Star 4 was for sale in a local movie store.  I started playing this system non-stop for weeks, because Phantasy Star rocked!  Other games like Revenge of Shinobi and Sonic the Hedgehog helped to change my mind on the Sega Genesis.

The things I hate about this system is for one is the sound, the Genesis just can't do voices, plus the colours suck too sometimes (only 64 at a time).  But the good definitely out way the bad, thanks to all those games (over 500 of them) and the powerful 16-bit CPU68000 processor that destroyed the old NES back then in 1989. The Genesis is a very smart buy now because of all the great games you can get, cheap! Here are all the Sega Genesis systems althought history:
The Sega Genesis 1 (1989) has TV hook ups that are compatible with the old Sega Master System ports plus it's works with headphones.
The Sega Genesis 2 (1993) is a more compact unit with different hook ups than the old Genesis 1 and the headphone outputs are gone.
The Sega Genesis 3 (1998) is Genesis that fits in your hand but is not compatible with the Sega CD or Sega 32x.
The Sega CDX (1994) plays all (well most) Genesis and Sega CDgames.

Japanese and European name for the Genesis: Mega Drive

Rating: 78/100 great for sports and action fans.

Rare Scale: 1/10 if you can't find one then you suck. Only the newer Genesis3 is uncommon.

COOL GENESIS TOYS
Powerbase Converter
Wow! This lets you play your Sega Master games on your Genesis. It has a Pause, card insert, and cartridge ports for all your Sega Master System needs. A must!

Genesis Contoller(s)
The first Genesis Controller was a bulky and stiff 3button pad. Very Crappy! Sega would later introduce a cool 6button controller with a better Dpad too to promote their release of Street Fighter II: Special Championship Edition in 1993.