A Collector or Player's Guide to the Original Sonic the Hedgehog Sega Genesis Variants
A Collector or Player's Guide to the Original Sonic the Hedgehog Sega Genesis Variants
When it comes to retro gaming, few franchises evoke as much nostalgia as Sonic the Hedgehog. Released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis, Sonic the Hedgehog not only revolutionized platforming games but also became a cornerstone of Sega’s marketing efforts during the 16-bit console wars. Collectors of retro games often find themselves fascinated by the different retail variants of Sonic the Hedgehog cartridges and cases, including the original release, the second print run, and the iconic “Not For Resale” edition. This blog dives into the differences among these versions, examining their inserts, case designs, and how they were originally distributed.
The “Not For Resale” variant is significantly less expensive than the “Retail” version of the first Sonic game. Usually when we see a “Not For Resale” on a game cartridge we see $$$, but it is the complete opposite in the case of Sonic The Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis! Many people assume that the NFS version is more valuable and often you’ll see on local marketplaces that they jack the price up on these, but if you look hard enough, you can snatch up a Retail version for way less than on Ebay or Mercari. I have noticed that a lot of video game stores do not price these variants differently.
Let’s get into pricing a bit. Usually, when someone is after the “Retail” version of this video game, they want it Complete in Box or “CIB.” I have not noticed much of a price difference for the Sonic cartridge only regardless if it is the “Retail,” or “NFS.” A Complete in Box copy of Sonic The Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis “Not For Resale” runs roughly about $20, whereas the “Retail” variant can fetch around $60 to $85 roughly. As always though, condition of the manual, cartridge, case, and artwork are key factors when pricing comes into play, especially with retro video games! Sonic The Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Genesis does not appear to matter if it is the “Not For Resale” or “Retail” version, they both cost about the same running from $15 to $30 depending on where you look. Online is always going to be a bit more expensive than local game stores I have noticed, but they also have a much bigger audience!
Now let’s get into the different variants of this Sonic game!
The First Retail Variant:
The first retail version of Sonic the Hedgehog was released in June 1991. This version was the flagship title that showcased the capabilities of the Sega Genesis and helped establish Sonic as Sega’s mascot.
Key Features of the First Variant:
- Case Design: The original release featured a clamshell case with unique cover art, depicting Sonic against a colorful backdrop with palm trees and a checkerboard pattern—a clear nod to the game’s Green Hill Zone.
- Cartridge Label: The label on the cartridge featured high-quality, glossy art that matched the case design.
- Inserts: The first variant included a full-color instruction manual that featured tips, artwork, and a story synopsis. Some copies also came with a Sega product registration card and promotional flyers for other Sega titles.
This version was sold standalone in stores, and its rarity today lies in its condition. Complete-in-box (CIB) versions with all original inserts command a higher value among collectors.
The Second Retail Variant:
As demand for the game grew, Sega produced a second print run of Sonic the Hedgehog. This version is largely similar to the first but includes some subtle differences that set it apart.
Key Features of the Second Variant:
- Case Design: The cover art remained the same, but minor revisions to the branding and print quality were made. Some later second prints have slightly darker tones in the artwork.
- Cartridge Label: While still matching the case art, some second-print cartridges had slightly less vibrant colors due to differences in printing processes.
- Inserts: The manual was still full color, but some later prints had minor layout changes or omitted promotional flyers – this remains a mystery to me as of now.
The second variant was widely available at retail stores and is slightly less sought after than the first due to its higher production numbers.
The “Not For Resale” Edition:
The “Not For Resale” version of Sonic the Hedgehog is perhaps the most intriguing variant for collectors. This version was bundled with the Sega Genesis console itself as part of Sega’s aggressive marketing strategy to position the system as a serious competitor to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Sonic is basically the equivalent of Mario to Nintendo. As beloved as Sonic is, I will say that Mario definitely won that race, but Sonic The Hedgehog games are still being produced today!
Key Features of the “Not For Resale” Variant:
- Case Design: The clamshell case had a bold “Not For Resale” label printed in a white box on the cover art.
- Cartridge Label: The cartridge itself also featured the “Not For Resale” designation in the same bold font. Do you ever see mismatched pairs? An “NFS” cartridge in a “Retail” case?
- Inserts: This version often did not include the promotional flyers or registration cards found in the standalone retail versions. However, it did come with the full-color manual, which was identical to the one included in the second retail variant.
Comparing the Variants
| Feature | First Retail Variant | Second Retail Variant | “Not For Resale” Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Design | Original art, vibrant colors | Slight revisions, darker tones | “Not For Resale” label added |
| Cartridge Label | Glossy, matches case art | Slightly less vibrant | Includes “Not For Resale” text |
| Inserts | Full-color manual, flyers, card | Manual, fewer flyers | Manual only, no extras |
| Availability | Standalone retail purchase | Standalone retail purchase | Console bundle exclusive |
How Collectors Obtained Each Variant
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First Retail Variant: Purchased in stores upon the game’s launch. These versions were often bought by early adopters of the Genesis.
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Second Retail Variant: Acquired by players during subsequent print runs as the game’s popularity soared.
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“Not For Resale” Edition: Bundled exclusively with Sega Genesis consoles, often during holiday promotions or special campaigns.
The “Not For Resale” version was not available for standalone purchase and could only be obtained by buying the Genesis console during the promotion. As a result, many of these editions were heavily used and are often found in less-than-ideal condition today, but remember this game was released over 30 years ago. As much as I love minty retro games, I also appreciate that people played and enjoyed them over the years! 😊
Each variant of Sonic the Hedgehog tells a unique story about the game’s history and Sega’s marketing efforts in the early 1990s. For collectors, identifying and preserving these differences adds another layer of appreciation to one of gaming’s most beloved titles. Whether you’re hunting for the first retail variant, the second print, or the common “Not For Resale” edition, these versions represent a slice of gaming history that will continue to resonate with fans for generations.
We hope you enjoyed this tidbit of gaming history we shared today about the first Sonic The Hedgehog game for my favorite retro console, the elegant Sega Genesis. We want to hear from you about any information we missed. We always appreciate fun facts and your thoughts about gaming history, so feel free to drop a comment below! Happy gaming!
- Lauren @ Video Game Gem Vault
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