Sega Master System
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Sega Master System.
Latest coverage
Outrun 2026 - An Arcade racing classic gets an AI Amstrad CPC 128k port by Oldschool Is Beautiful
A new port of the classic SEGA Master System game Outrun, titled Outrun 2026, has been developed for the Amstrad CPC 6128 by Oldschool Is Beautiful. Notably, the entire game engine, utilities, and music conversion were programmed using Anthropic's Claude Opus 5.5 AI model, with the human creator acting solely as director and tester.
The NES is 45 years old – here’s why there’s no nostalgia for it in the UK
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), despite its global importance and iconic franchises, had a minimal cultural impact and generated little nostalgia in the UK. This is attributed to its late release in 1987, high price point compared to dominant home computers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, and a perception of being for children, unlike Sega's offerings. While foundational for many genres and franchises in North America and Japan, the NES's legacy in the UK is largely overshadowed by these market factors.
Lemmings Mega Edition v2.0 Final - Brand new levels never seen or played before via the Sega Master System
A fan-made ROM hack, Lemmings Mega Edition v2.0 Final, has been released for the Sega Master System, significantly expanding the original game with 120 new levels. This fan project doubles the original level count to 240, surpassing the Sega Mega Drive version's 180 stages. The update introduces four new difficulty tiers and various quality-of-life improvements, developed using a community-created level editor.
Rainbow Islands Console Selection announced for Nintendo Switch
Taito has announced Rainbow Islands Console Selection for Nintendo Switch, set to release on October 8, 2026. This collection features multiple versions of the arcade classic, including Famicom, NES, SEGA Master System, PC Engine CD-ROM², and both Japanese and Western Mega Drive/Genesis versions of Rainbow Islands Extra. It includes features like quick-save/load slots and a powered-up starting state.
New Cuphead Game Announced as Studio MDHR Reveals Mighty Cuphead Adventure
Studio MDHR announced a new, major Cuphead game is in development, though details are scarce. They also revealed Mighty Cuphead Adventure, an 8-bit action platformer built using Assembly Language for the Sega Master System hardware, which will also be playable on modern platforms. The latter is expected to release sooner than the new main installment.
Sonic Spectrum Next - Sonic The Hedgehog comes over to the Spectrum NEXT via dave18
A new release titled Sonic Spectrum Next brings the classic Sonic the Hedgehog game to the ZX Spectrum Next, developed by dave18. This port is a direct conversion of the Sega Master System version and follows dave18's previous successful port of Astro Warrior. The developer cited architectural similarities between the Sega Master System and ZX Spectrum Next as enabling this ambitious project.
An 8-bit Cuphead game is being programmed in assembly language for the Sega Master System
Studio MDHR has announced Mighty Cuphead Adventure, an 8-bit action platformer being developed in assembly language for the Sega Master System. While playable on modern consoles and PC, it will also be available on physical cartridges for the original 8-bit hardware. Further details about the game will be revealed in the coming months.
Two New Cuphead Games Are On The Way
Studio MDHR has announced two new Cuphead-related projects: a brand-new, hand-animated Cuphead game currently in its earliest development stages, and Mighty Cuphead Adventure, an 8-bit action platformer inspired by 1980s classics and built for the Sega Master System. Mighty Cuphead Adventure will also be compatible with modern consoles. The Delicious Last Course DLC for Cuphead is currently on sale.
New Cuphead Sequel And Mighty Cuphead Adventure Announced
Studio MDHR announced two new Cuphead titles during Summer Game Fest 2026: a new hand-animated Cuphead game in early development and Mighty Cuphead Adventure, an 8-bit action platformer built with Sega Master System technology. Mighty Cuphead Adventure will be playable on modern consoles and PC, as well as on the original Sega Master System.
Cuphead devs announce two new games: a hand-animated successor, and an 8-bit throwback
Studio MDHR announced two new games at Summer Game Fest 2026: a direct successor to Cuphead featuring new hand-animated adventures, and Mighty Cuphead Adventure, an 8-bit platformer that serves as a love letter to retro gaming. Mighty Cuphead Adventure will be available on modern platforms, with a physical Sega Master System cartridge also planned.
Mighty Cuphead Adventure Is a Retro Action Platformer for PS5 and... SEGA Master System
Mighty Cuphead Adventure is a new retro action platformer from Studio MDHR, built with the technical limitations of the SEGA Master System in mind. The game is programmed in Assembly Language and is technically playable on the original hardware, while also coming to modern consoles like PlayStation 5 and PC.
Cuphead 2 in the works at Studio MDHR, as well as a new arcade shooter based on the series
Studio MDHR has announced two new projects: a sequel to Cuphead featuring a fresh adventure and Mighty Cuphead Adventure, an 8-bit action platformer designed for the Sega Master System but also compatible with modern consoles and PC. The studio also confirmed that a remake of Resident Evil: Code Veronica is in development and slated for release in 2027.
Ecco the Dolphin: Complete Announced | Console Creatures
A&R Atelier has announced Ecco the Dolphin: Complete, a package featuring remasters of the classic Ecco the Dolphin games and a new contemporary title. The collection will include every version of Ecco the Dolphin from the 8-bit Master System and 16-bit Genesis/Mega Drive eras, alongside a new game designed for modern platforms. It will also feature built-in speedrunning support, achievements, leaderboards, and custom course creation.
Ecco the Dolphin: Complete revealed, a mixture of remaster and brand new game spanning every Ecco game from 8 to 16-bit era
A remastered collection titled Ecco the Dolphin: Complete has been revealed, featuring Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time alongside a brand new game. Developed by A&R Atelier with original creator Ed Annunziata, the collection spans all 8-bit and 16-bit era Ecco titles and includes community-focused "meta quests" for custom level creation.
Games Inbox: Are live service games becoming less popular?
Readers discuss the declining popularity of live service games, with some hoping for a return to 'proper' games. The discussion touches on the financial model of free-to-play games, the impact of upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, and the potential for AI upscaling in future consoles. Other topics include the viability of dedicated handhelds, the emotional impact of certain game narratives, and the pricing of game DLC.
Space Harrier (NES)
This review discusses the NES port of the arcade rail shooter Space Harrier, developed by AM2 and published by Takara. Despite significant technological limitations compared to the arcade original, the Famicom version is praised for its smooth scrolling and playable simulation of the game's look, outperforming the Sega Master System port. However, it suffers from slowdown, flicker, reduced speed, and a lack of continues, making it a challenging experience.
Commodore 64 game sequel is so old school it's being released on cassette tape
A sequel to the classic Commodore 64 action platformer Impossible Mission, titled Impossible Mission 3, is set to be released on May 18, 2026. Developed by Icon 64 and published by Psytronik, the game will be available as a digital download and on physical cartridge or cassette tape for the original Commodore 64, featuring retro-style visuals and digitized speech. The game's design, graphics, and coded speech are by industry veteran Trevor Storey.
Razing Core - This Vertical Shoot 'Em Up for the Sega Master System looks incredible
The Sega Master System shoot 'em up 'Razing Core' by Badcomputer has received an update, showcasing impressive visuals and gameplay. The developer is targeting 60FPS and has detailed technical advancements, including enemy and bullet counts, and weapon cycling techniques to maintain performance. The game is planned to feature six stages with mid-bosses and bosses.
Astro Warrior - A classic Sega Master System game arrives on the ZX Spectrum NEXT
Developer dave18 has ported the Sega Master System shooter Astro Warrior to the ZX Spectrum Next. This conversion highlights the technical similarities between the two systems, with the developer overcoming challenges related to tile data and sprite priority. The port was a passion project focused on nostalgic exploration of hardware capabilities.
Castlevania is still coming to the Sega Master System and here's some cool footage and a demo!
Xfixium is continuing development on a Sega Master System port of Castlevania, aiming to be faithful to the NES version while incorporating aesthetics from Castlevania Chronicles and potentially Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. New footage and a playable demo have been released for the homebrew project.
