Sega has some good news for fans of its much-loved Genesis console. The Japanese company is launching the new Sega Megadrive (the European/Japanese name for the Genesis) Classics Hub on Steam, which will not only provide a 3D recreation of a mid-90's bedroom where you can play all your 16-bit games, but it will also feature mod support for the retro console's titles via Steam Workshop.

There will be some lesser-known games supported at launch, but there are still plenty of favorites like Streets of Rage and Ecco the Dolphin. There are, however, a few noticeable absences - like a certain blue hedgehog who appears in the promo video - but Sega promises that "every single Mega Drive game" will get Steam Workshop support.

The hub - featuring a CRT TV, Genesis paraphernalia, and a day/night cycle - will have local co-op for games that support it. It also comes with optional graphic enhancement filters, the ability to save at any point during gameplay (thankfully), and full controller/keyboard support.

As noted by Ars Technica UK, while unofficial emulators and ROMs have been used as ways to play fan-modded classic console titles for years, this is thought to be the first time any retro console or console game maker has allowed the legal distribution of modified copies of its titles.

The Sega Megadrive Hub will launch next Thursday, April 28 as a free update to anyone who owns any of the compatible games.

Here's the full list of titles that will be supported at launch.

  • Golden Axe
  • Altered Beast
  • Comix Zone
  • Ecco the Dolphin
  • Gain Ground
  • Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
  • Vectorman
  • Crack Down
  • Shadow Dancer
  • Space Harrier II
  • Ecco Jr.
  • Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
  • Bonanza Bros.
  • Super Thunder Blade
  • Kid Chameleon
  • Ristar
  • Galaxy Force II
  • Columns
  • Eternal Champions
  • Fatal Labyrinth
  • Bio-Hazard Battle
  • Columns III
  • Sword of Vermilion
  • Virtua Fighter 2
  • Ecco: The Tides of Time
  • Alien Storm
  • Decap Attack
  • Flicky
  • ESWAT: City Under Siege
  • Golden Axe II
  • Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole
  • Shining Force
  • Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair
  • Streets of Rage 2
  • Alien Soldier
  • Light Crusader
  • Gunstar Heroes
  • Streets of Rage
  • Shining Force II
  • Shining in the Darkness
  • Beyond Oasis
  • Dynamite Headdy
  • Golden Axe III
  • Phantasy Star II
  • Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
  • Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
  • Streets of Rage 3
  • The Revenge of Shinobi
  • Vectorman 2
  • Wonder Boy in Monster World