Sega released the console as the Mega Drive in Japan in 1988 , followed by North America as the Genesis in 1989 .
The Genesis was Sega 's third console and the successor to the Master System .
Sega released the console as the Genesis   in Japan in 1988 , followed by North America as the Genesis in 1989 .
The Genesis was Sega 's third console and the successor to the Master System .