The Sega Genesis is back — behold, the Sega Genesis Mini

Sega unveiled a miniature version of its classic Sega Genesis console, also known as the Mega Drive, over the weekend.
The new device is similar to the NES Classic Edition and Super NES Classic Edition consoles from Nintendo, which contain sets of classic games.
The Sega Mega Drive Mini is scheduled to launch in Japan this year, with other regions getting the console eventually.

Remember the Sega Genesis? Perhaps you grew up outside North America, in places where it was called the Sega Mega Drive?

It's the console that was home to classic video games like "Sonic the Hedgehog," "Streets of Rage," and "Golden Axe." And now in 2018, it's getting a refresh: The Sega Mega Drive Mini is expected to arrive at some point in 2018 — a miniature version of the original console with a set of games packed in.

The console was announced during a Sega fan event in Tokyo over the weekend.

As you can see above, the console is tiny — it can't hold Genesis game cartridges. It's a Sega Genesis (or Mega Drive) in looks alone.

Instead of cartridges, games are built directly into the Sega Mega Drive Mini.

Like Nintendo's NES Classic Edition and Super NES Classic Edition, the Sega Mega Drive Mini is intended as a standalone device — there's no way to buy additional games, and it's likely to come with at least one controller. It's also unlikely to connect to the internet, and the controllers are likely to be wired.

Indeed, most details about the Sega Mega Drive Mini are unknown. How much does it cost? What games does it come with? When does it come out? Who's making it? All the major questions are still up in the air.

It appears that a company named AtGames is responsible for the console. AtGames is a third-party electronics manufacturer that is known for poorly received versions of classic game consoles, including a version of the Sega Genesis (one major review of the console is literally "Do Not Buy AtGames' Sega Genesis Flashback Console").

AtGames' Facebook page was reported to have announced the company's involvement, even answering some questions from fans. Those posts do not currently appear on the page.

Sega, on the other hand, is announcing details about the console only through its Japanese social-media accounts.

Representatives for Sega told Business Insider that more details were coming about a global release for the console, and to "stay tuned." AtGames told Business Insider it was "not commenting at this time."