If you're a Sonic fanatic like Brandon, then this needs to be high up on your wishlist. I mean, what better way is there of celebrating three decades of the blue blur than a replica cartridge you can put up next to your Mega Drive or by your TV? It doesn't actually say what the material is, just 'metal', but you could tell everyone it's vibranium or something, and that it cost £300 instead of £30.
This detailed replica of the original cartridge is officially licensed by Sega and is being sold by Fanattik (they're crazy about collectibles!). It measures 107 x 68 x 6mm, and there are only 5,000 of these being made worldwide, making it highly limited. Each unit is numbered on the reverse of the cartridge too.
As for the detailing, it's embossed on both the front and back of the cartridge. But for me, that's not even the best bit. The whole thing comes in a display box that's the same as the original game box. It's even a little battered like the box would be after three decades of use, adding to the nostalgic feel.
Credit: Fanattik
From the marketing images, it looks like this comes with an instruction booklet too just like the original game. That's a great bundle for under £30 (£29.99 to be exact). The only thing you can't do with this cartridge is actually play Sonic the Hedgehog, but I reckon it won't be long before someone does the same thing as this playable metal Kirby cartridge for the GBA and actually makes it a playable cartridge. Ok, they'll essentially ruin the limited-edition collectible nature of the piece, but it'll still be cool!
My initial thought is that it looks like a Sega cartridge was thrown into carbonite along with Han Solo, which just makes it cooler, in all honesty. When (or if) my girlfriend tells me she loves me, I'll just hold this up and say, 'I know'. It might not make any sense, but it'll make me laugh.
Head to the Fanattik website to place your pre-order. Cartridges are expected to ship by the end of March, 2027.
