Is this the year of the retro collection? Taito Milestones and Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection have already come along, and the upcoming TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection is hotly anticipated. Sega wants in on that classic compilation action too, as Sonic Origins now has a firm release date of June this year. Alongside the release date and opening of the preorders are new details about what the collection of 16-bit Sonic the Hedgehog games will contain.

These days, classic games are constantly being remastered and reproduced for players to enjoy on the current generation of consoles.  In spite of the occasionally overwhelming flow of these types of titles, it's always nice to see hallmarks of the gaming industry like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 come back to the fore.  Given that the acclaimed Sega Genesis title likely introduced a number of our readers to the concept of co-op gaming, I'm sure there's a sizable community that's excited for the chance to relive that magic.

Keeping up with all of the mini consoles on the market, SEGA has announced their SEGA Genesis Mini will become available on September 19, 2019. The teeny console comes packed with 40 games (and two “bonus” titles), all of the required cables, and 2 controllers so you and a friend can throw back to your playtimes of ol’ with Contra: Hard Corps, Golden Axe, Gunstar Heroes, Toejam and Earl, and so many more.

Sega is getting into the "all your favorite old titles on one little replica console" game with the forthcoming Sega Genesis Mini. Similar to the NES Classic and SNES Classic from Nintendo, the Sega Genesis Mini contains a collection of classic Sega titles on one box with all the accoutrement you'll need to enjoy them on a modern TV.

I know, I hear you out there. "Where are the new co-op games," you're wondering. Yeah, me too, buddy. But hey, while we all wait for the inevitable deluge of releases this holiday season, take a little time to check out this week's Deals With Gold where you can pick up Mass Effect: Andromeda, Stardust Galaxy Warriors: Stellar Climax, and more at reduced prices.

A select portion of the general population's favorite speed-loving hedgehog celebrated 25 years this past week, and the folks at Humble Bundle are offering up a special Sonic-themed bundle that's valid until next Tuesday, July 5.

Retrogaming fans rejoice! Sega announced that it will bring stereoscopic 3D versions of three co-op Sega Genesis classics to the Nintendo 3DS eShop starting in July.

The PlayStation Plus scheme is great for anyone looking to boost their games collection as every few weeks Sony throws out some top titles for the grand sum of zero Pounds/Dollars/Euros/Venusian-space-dimes.  The latest co-op experiences to get the 100% off treatment are Dungeon Defenders and The Sonic Collection; they come as part of a new wave of free games.

The titles are rolling on yet another episode of The Simpsons, but this time it is not one of the tired antics of the past few years, but a classic from the past; The Simpsons Arcade. Co-Optimus already dropped the news that The Simpsons Arcade was coming to PSN and XBLA, but Sony have thrown in an extra bonus. If you are a member of the Playstation Plus scheme you can download the game for free from the 7th February. As for owners of Microsoft's gaming behemoth - no news yet on a release or pricing.

Starting today, you have one week to complete your Sonic the Hedgehog collection on Xbox LIVE Arcade for a sweet low anniversary price. This pack includes Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for 240, all the Tails co-op included. Classic style adventures have been particularly popular lately as gamers look to relive the good old days, and now you can do so with the side-scrolling style of Sonic for a great anniversary sale price.

SEGA is having a sale this week no Xbox Live Arcade with their entire lineup of games discounted up to 50% off the normal price.  The sale runs today through April 25th and features no less than 18 SEGA games discounted.  It's pretty hard to pass up something like Streets of Rage 2 or Golden Axe for only $3.

What do Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe 2, Comix Zone, and Altered Beast have is common?  Give up?  They will all be available on the PlayStation Network for $4.99 each. If you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber you will get all six titles for the low, low price of nada.  Zip, zilch, zero. (Aside from the initial PlayStation Plus subscription fee.)  Each title is a timed release, so you can expect one new game a month through August.  PlayStation Plus members will get the games earlier than regular Sony customers.  They're also better looking and have more friends.