Polymega

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Overview

Polymega is a modular retro gaming console developed by Playmaji, Inc., designed for backwards compatibility with multiple CD-based and cartridge-based systems including PlayStation, Sega Saturn, TurboGrafx-CD, Neo Geo CD, Sega CD, NES, Sega Genesis, Sega 32X, SNES, and Nintendo 64.¹ It features a built-in DVD drive and uses separate Element Modules for cartridge support, targeting enthusiasts seeking to play legacy games on modern hardware without emulation setup.¹⁵ The console occupies a niche in the retro gaming market by emphasizing physical media playback and modular expansion.¹³

History

Playmaji, Inc. (originally RetroBlox, Inc.) was founded in 2017 by Bryan Bernal and Eric Christensen, former Insomniac Games employees, with the console announced as RetroBlox and renamed Polymega in May 2017.¹ Development proceeded quietly until a demonstration at E3 2018, followed by pre-orders in September 2018 amid website issues from high traffic and a DDoS attack.¹ In 2023, the company announced the Polymega App for PC play, a subscription service called Polymega XL, and the Polymega Remix external drive.¹

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Polymega Base Unit (CD console)	Modular retro CD gaming hub	$299 - $499
NES Element Module	Cartridge adapter for NES/Famicom	$79 - $99
SNES Element Module	Cartridge adapter for SNES/Super Famicom	$79 - $99
Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Element Module	Cartridge adapter for Genesis/MD/32X	$79 - $99
TurboGrafx/PC-Engine Element Module	Cartridge adapter for TG-16/PCE/Supergrafx	$79 - $99

Manufacturing

Playmaji, Inc., based in California, develops and produces its products as a specialty manufacturer of video game hardware.² Specific manufacturing locations are not detailed, but operations suggest outsourced production typical for U.S.-based electronics firms.¹²

Notable Products

Polymega Console - Base unit with DVD drive supporting multiple CD-ROM formats like PS1, Saturn, and Sega CD.
Element Modules - Swappable cartridge adapters for NES, SNES, Genesis, and TurboGrafx systems.
Polymega Remix - Upcoming USB-powered external drive for disc and cartridge games on PCs.
Retro Gun Controller - Light gun peripheral developed with Sinden Technology for HD TV compatibility, expected mid-2024.

Reputation

Polymega is recognized among retro gaming enthusiasts for its ambitious modular design enabling legal playback of physical media from multiple platforms without emulation hassles.¹⁵ Criticisms include launch delays, pre-order fulfillment issues following the 2018 website outage, and competition from emulation-based alternatives.¹ Professionals note the team's experience from AAA games and consumer electronics as a strength, though the niche market limits broader appeal.²⁴

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