page_title: Genesis Nomad
section_title: Technical specifications
hierarchical_section_title: Genesis Nomad / Technical specifications
caption_attribution_description: English: CPU Motorola MC68000 CLCC
context_page_description: The Genesis Nomad is a handheld game console manufactured by Sega and released in North America in October 1995. The Nomad is a portable variation of the Sega Genesis home video game console. Based on the Mega Jet, a portable version of the home console designed for use on airline flights in Japan, Nomad was the last handheld console released by Sega. In addition to functioning as a portable device, it was designed to be used with a television set via a video port. Released late in the Genesis era, the Nomad had a short lifespan.
  Sold exclusively in North America, the Nomad was never officially released worldwide, and employs a regional lockout. Sega's focus on the Sega Saturn left the Nomad under-supported, and the handheld itself was incompatible with several Genesis peripherals, including the Power Base Converter, the Sega CD, and the 32X.
context_section_description: Similar to the Genesis and the Mega Jet, the Nomad's main CPU is a Motorola 68000. Possessing similar memory, graphics, and sound capabilities, the Nomad is nearly identical to the full-size console; the only variation is that it is completely self-sufficient. However, due to the smaller screen size it suffers from screen blurring, particularly during fast scrolling. The Nomad has a 3.25 inch backlit color LC display with 3.25 inch diagonal size and an A/V output that allows the Nomad to be played on a television screen. Design elements of the handheld were made similar to the Game Gear, but included six buttons for full compatibility with later Genesis releases. Also included were a red power switch, headphone jack, volume dial, and separate controller input for multiplayer games. The controller port functions as player 2, so single-player games cannot be played with a Genesis controller. The Nomad could be powered by an AC adapter, a battery recharger known as the Genesis Nomad PowerBack, or six AA batteries, which provide a battery life of two to three hours. The Nomad consumed more power (DC 9V, 3.5W) than Sega's earlier portable gaming console, the Game Gear (DC 9V, 3W).
  The Nomad is fully compatible with several Genesis peripherals, including the Sega Activator, Team Play Adaptor, Mega Mouse, and the Sega Channel and XBAND network add-ons.  However, the Nomad is not compatible with the Power Base Converter, Sega CD, or 32X.  This means the Nomad can only play Genesis games, whereas the standard Genesis can also play Master System, Sega CD, and 32X game with the respective add-ons.
caption: Motorola MC68000, similar to one used in the Genesis Nomad
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