[Victor Company of Japan] A Former Game Manufacturer! Here is the Software Lineup of Victor Company of Japan, Developed Alongside Visual Equipment!

Victor Company of Japan (commonly known as JVC) was an electronics manufacturer renowned for its work in the fields of visual equipment, audio equipment, and recording media. Surprisingly, the company also ventured into the gaming hardware market, captivating the hearts of gamers and technology enthusiasts with its history and charm.

In 2008, JVC merged with Kenwood to form “JVC Kenwood Holdings.” Later, it was absorbed into JVC Kenwood, but the gaming-related products it created during its history remain vivid in people's memories even today.

In 1992, JVC released the “Wonder Mega,” which combined the Mega Drive and Mega CD into a single unit. This product was not just a gaming console but also an innovative multimedia device of its time, featuring karaoke functions and CD-G playback capabilities.

Notably, it included a MIDI output port, making it a tool for music production as well. It offered a new experience of “gaming × music” and, despite its high price of 82,800 yen, gained support from enthusiasts.

The successor to the Wonder Mega, the “Wonder Mega 2,” eliminated the MIDI output port and instead included a wireless controller with a 6-button layout. The price was reduced to 59,800 yen, focusing on enhancing the gaming experience. This model was uniquely sold by JVC and was not released by Sega, which was a notable characteristic.

The Wonder Mega 2 also entered the North American market under the name “JVC X'EYE.” Although its design and specifications slightly differed, it included a control pad with the JVC logo, showcasing a strategy tailored for North American users. With a price tag of $499.95, it stood out in the North American market at the time.

In 1994, JVC released the “V-Saturn” as an OEM version of the Sega Saturn. --- This model featured nearly identical specifications to the Sega Saturn but was distinguished by JVC's unique coloring and logo design. In the later models, the design was further refined in line with the model changes of the Sega Saturn.

The gaming hardware created by JVC was not merely “Sega's OEM” or “peripherals,” but was filled with unique ideas and ingenuity. Leveraging their expertise in the visual and audio fields, their challenge to elevate the gaming experience to a new dimension was noteworthy both technically and in terms of marketing.

Particularly, products like the “Wonder Mega” were pioneers in merging gaming with entertainment. They went beyond being mere playthings, offering the allure of a comprehensive entertainment device, and can be said to have paved the way for today's multimedia era.

JVC showcased its capabilities in the gaming market while utilizing its tradition as a pioneer in the visual and audio fields. Their products were special to gamers of the time and are still talked about among retro gaming enthusiasts today.

Their challenge serves as a good example of a company venturing into new fields, teaching the importance of embracing innovation. The legacy left by JVC shines brightly even in the history of gaming.