The Mega EverDrive Pro is a high tech cartridge for the Sega Genesis designed by Ukraine-based developer Krikzz. Instead of using software emulation (which translates code on the fly), it relies on an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). This is a flexible microchip programmed to act like actual physical hardware. This design connects directly to the console’s main bus, allowing games to load almost instantly from a micro SD card with zero lag or timing errors on both original consoles and modern clone systems.
What makes it unique is its ability to run Sega CD games without needing the physical disc attachment. The FPGA recreates the Sega CD hardware on the chip; including its secondary Motorola 68000 CPU and internal sound chips. It also features a built in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) to output clean PCM and CD quality audio. Physically, it is built with a durable 4-layer circuit board (PCB) featuring gold-plated contacts and beveled edges to prevent wear on your console’s cartridge slot.
The cartridge is engineered with efficient voltage regulation to protect older console power supplies from overheating. In addition to standard Genesis titles, it supports 8-bit Sega Master System games and specialized hardware like the SVP (Sega Virtual Processor) chip used in Virtua Racing. Finally, dedicated hardware registers allow for instantaneous “save states” (saving anywhere, anytime) and smooth menu overlays without altering the game’s original memory layout. It has really come a long way from the previous versions released.
From a functional standpoint, the Mega EverDrive Pro offers an unprecedented library expansion for Sega enthusiasts. Its primary capability is the flawless playback of the complete Sega Genesis, Mega Drive, 8bit Master System, and even Sega CD libraries; all directly from a single microSD card. Loading times for traditional cartridge games are virtually instantaneous, delivering the authentic feel of dropping original carts into the console slot. Navigation is handled through a clean, highly responsive graphical menu operating system that supports nested subfolders, long file names, custom theme colors, and quick search capabilities.
The cartridge’s standout capability is undoubtedly its full Sega CD game playback capability directly from ISO/BIN image files without requiring the bulky Sega CD hardware attached to the console that is prone to failure due to its age.
Gamers can enjoy full FMV videos, rich redbook CD audio, and exact hardware accurate scaling and rotation effects without mechanical laser read errors or disc swap delays. Additionally, when used in conjunction with a 32X attachment, the Mega EverDrive Pro can run 32X CD games.
The 32X CD is a rare sub library of titles that previously required three separate hardware units stacked together to function, well thanks to this cart, that is no longer the case!
Beyond standard game execution, the device unlocks rich quality of life capabilities designed for modern convenience. It features full support for real time save states, allowing players to freeze and resume gameplay at any moment. In some of the more demanding games, this is a real life saver. An integrated
In-Game Menu (IGM) allows users to reset to the main menu, load or save progress, or toggle Game Genie and Action Replay cheat codes on the fly using simple controller button combinations. Furthermore, built-in sound test capabilities and Master System FM sound chip emulation allow players to experience early 8bit games with vastly improved synthesizers and audio output. The only library of games that this cart doesn’t support are SG-1000 games or Game Gear Games.
The Mega EverDrive Pro is a marvel in retro gaming hardware design that breathes vibrant new life into the Sega Genesis ecosystem. By consolidating entire console software libraries including cartridge, disc-based, and legacy 8-bit releases into a single compact cartridge, it sets itself apart from previous generations and sets a standard for game preservation and convenience.
The sheer technical accomplishment of running full optical media formats seamlessly through a cartridge slot makes it one of the most impressive hardware achievements in modern retro gaming. To be able to hear CD-quality audio coming from a cartridge is really a neat thing to experience and seems kind of surreal; especially when it comes to some of the voice acting in titles like Lunar Silver Star Story and Popful Mail.
While it is rather expensive for a single cart, the sheer value definitely justifies the expense. You’re getting a single cart that replaces the need for the Sega CD, Sega 32X, and the PowerBase converter. No need to track down rare and expensive hardware and games, or worry about those adding failing. You have them all in a single cartridge.
While I don’t think it’s possible, it would be nice to see the Mega Everdrive Pro able to emulate and play 32X and 32X CD games without the need of the Sega 32X add on. Maybe one day we could see that come about in either a firmware update or hardware revision.
With that being said, Krikzz has delivered the definitive Sega Genesis flashcart experience with the Mega EverDrive Pro. Whether you are an enthusiast seeking pristine audio fidelity and hardware accuracy, or a gamer wanting effortless access to one of the greatest libraries in video game history, this cartridge delivers on every single front.
Now that we have checked out the Mega Everdrive Pro, let’s check out another interesting product from Krikzz. This time it’s the Joyzz Wireless Mega Drive Controller.
The Sega Genesis is a platform that I grew up with in the 90’s and I really enjoyed the simplicity of the controller with its color scheme and three button layout. But the one thing I didn’t care for was how short the cord was and the lack of six buttons for certain games made them harder to play with the standard controller.
Well thanks to Krikzz, we now have a solution to all of these issues with the The Krikzz Joyzz wireless controller for the Sega Genesis! This controller is a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless gamepad designed for the Sega Genesis, Mega Drive, and Master System platforms.
Krikzz the renowned creator of the EverDrive series is the creator behind this controller. This controller aims to deliver a zero compromise wireless experience without relying on Bluetooth latency and it delivers!
It communicates with a compact adapter that fits directly into the console’s native controller ports, operating at an ultra fast polling rate that boasts a lightning-quick response time of roughly 2.7ms to eliminate perceptible input lag, not to mention eliminates the need to be close to the console while playing.
Powering the device is a user-replaceable 800mAh lithium-ion battery and is rechargeable by using a micro USB cable that fits into the port on the top of the controller itself..
Thanks to its low power consumption layout, a single full charge yields an incredible
150 hours of continuous gameplay (insane for a wireless controller, even with wireless modern controllers). Additionally, the Joyzz features a deep auto-sleep power-saving mode that draws almost zero current, allowing the controller to hold a charge for over a year (that is an incredible amount of time) on standby and wake instantly upon tapping a button.
The controller matches the later released and now classic Sega 6-button layout, including the primary A, B, and C action buttons alongside the raised X, Y, and Z upper row, a central Start button. In addition to the standard buttons, there is also a right-shoulder Mode button. The Mode button is used to solve the issue of some games like Golden Axe II and Ms Pac-Man locking up when trying to use a six button controller. This is done by using button combinations that include the Mode button to switch between 6-button, 3-button, and SMS controller modes on the fly.
The Krikzz Joyzz stands out as one of the finest wireless retro controller solutions ever produced for use with Sega consoles.By prioritizing near zero input latency, long-lasting
battery efficiency, and strict fidelity to the original 6-button design, Krikzz bridged the gap between modern wireless convenience and a very authentic retro feel. It respects the original hardware instead of trying to reinvent it, which is really a breath of fresh air.
Both of these products easily earn enthusiastic and unconditional recommendations! These are easily both essential pieces of hardware that every Sega Genesis owner should have!
In addition to writing articles, Ryan Byers also creates content for his YouTube channel called "Obscure Games and Consoles", collects video games, and dabbles in video game development.