The XBAND Modem for the Sega Genesis was a peripheral device that allowed players to connect to an online service and play compatible Genesis games against other players in real-time. It was a pioneering effort to bring online multiplayer functionality to the Genesis console.

Here’s a summary of its key features:

• Online Multiplayer: Enabled online play for supported Sega Genesis games.
• Early Online Gaming: Represented an early attempt at console online gaming.
• Game Compatibility: Functioned with a limited selection of Genesis titles that were adapted for the service.
• Network Features: Offered features beyond just gameplay, such as leaderboards and communication.

The XBAND Modem for the Sega Genesis was a significant step in the evolution of console gaming, exploring the possibilities of online connectivity during the 16-bit era. The hobbyist community has been hard at work starting up new servers for X-Band and games are finally playable once again! For more information, see https://xband.retrocomputing.network/