SEGA of Europe Ltd. and SEGA of America, Inc today announced the development of SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection for the Xbox 360 and the PS3. This compilation will feature the best first-party games from SEGA’s respected 16-bit Mega Drive years, as well as bonus content from its 8-bit Master System and 1980’s arcade era games library.  

“SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection is a must-have for any SEGA enthusiast,” commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director for SEGA Europe. “Fans will get a chance to relive fond memories from these classic games in HD format.” 

Developed by Backbone Entertainment, SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection contains over 40 celebrated SEGA classics in one package; making it the largest collection of SEGA first party games ever offered. Featured games include; Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2 and 3, Columns, Alien Storm, Ecco the Dolphin, Space Harrier, and cult classic, Streets of Rage 1, 2 and 3. The games in the collection have been reproduced with the utmost detail and accuracy to commend their originals. In addition, SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection can output the games in 720p with higher resolution graphics for HD televisions, bringing a new visual richness to these classic titles.

SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 is scheduled for worldwide release in early 2009.

Wow, I can’t imagine how much it will be but I’m sure it will be a disc delivery. Plus some of these games are already available on the Wii Virtual Console and who knows what kind of restriction the contract with Nintendo might have. Over 40 games in one could be a good few days worth of gaming pleasure. In fact it might even warrant a weekend Retro Gaming Extravaganza!