Sega Genesis and Eden Prairie, Minnesota: Difference between pages

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{{ Infobox CVG system
{{Infobox Settlement
|official_name = Eden Prairie, Minnesota
| logo = [[Image:Megadrive logo.jpg|250px|Sega Mega Drive]]<br />[[Image:GenesisLogo.gif|240px|Sega Genesis]]
|settlement_type = [[City]]
| image = [[Image:Megadrive no shadow.jpg|250px|Sega Mega Drive, European/Australasian ([[PAL region|PAL]]) version.]]
|nickname = EP<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edenprairiehistory.org/EPHistory/SA61-26.TXT|title=Eden Prairie History|publisher=Eden Prairie History|author=Ernie Shuldhiess|accessdate=2008-07-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&source=s_l&abauth=a42a7858%3A0s1j39fuIXAAIgEjCarSxeWNlEY&view=text&hl=en&q=EP&near=Eden+Prairie+MN&btnG=Search+Businesses#|title=Google search on "EP" businesses in "Eden Prairie, MN"|author=self|publisher=Google|accessdate=2008-07-11}}</ref>
| manufacturer = [[Sega]]
|motto = Live, Work, Dream<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edenprairie.org/vCurrent/live/article.asp?r=1303|title=About Eden Prairie|publisher=City of Eden Prairie|date=2008}}</ref>
| type = [[Video game console]]
|image_skyline = EPCH.jpg
| generation = [[History of video game consoles (fourth generation)|Fourth generation]]
|imagesize = 250px
| lifespan = {{vgrelease|JP=October 29, 1988}}{{vgrelease|NA=August 14, 1989}} {{vgrelease|EU=November 30, 1990}}
| media = [[ROM cartridge]]
|image_caption = Eden Prairie City Hall
| CPU = [[Motorola 68000]]
|image_flag =
|image_seal =
| onlineservice = [[Sega Meganet]], [[Sega Channel]], [[XBAND]]
|image_map = Hennepin_County_Minnesota_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Eden_Prairie_Highlighted.svg
| unitssold = Worldwide: 29 million<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/multimedia/2007/05/gallery_game_history?slide=21 |title=Console Portraits: A 40-Year Pictorial History of Gaming |accessdate=2008-04-08 |first=Greg |last=Orlando |date=2007-05-15 |work=[[Wired News]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast Publications]] |pages=21}}</ref><br />United States: 14 million<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.islandnet.com/~KPOLSSON/segavid/ | title =Chronology of Sega Video Games | author =Ken Polsson|date=2008-02-25 |accessdate =2008-04-12}}</ref><br />[[Brazil]]: 2 million<ref>{{cite web | url=http://gamehall.uol.com.br/site/?p=121 | title=A História do Mega Drive|language=Portuguese|accessdate=2008-03-06|publisher=gamehall.uol.com.br|author=Alucard em Quarta-feira|date=2005-08-31}}</ref>
|mapsize = 250px
| topgame = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'',<br> 6 million <small>(as of June 2006)</small><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamasutra.com/features/20060804/boutros_05.shtml | title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | work=A Detailed Cross-Examination of Yesterday and Today's Best-Selling Platform Games | accessdate=2007-10-28 | date=2006-08-04 | author=Boutros, Daniel | publisher=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref>
|map_caption = Location in [[Hennepin County, Minnesota|Hennepin County]]
| predecessor = [[Sega Master System]]
| successor = [[Sega Saturn]]
|image_map1 =
|mapsize1 =
|map_caption1 =
|subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]]
|subdivision_type1 = State
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Minnesota|County]]
|subdivision_name = [[United States]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Minnesota]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Hennepin County, Minnesota|Hennepin]]
|government_type =
|leader_title = Mayor
|leader_name = Phil Young
|established_title = Founded
|established_title2 = Incorporated
|established_date = 1858
|established_date2 = 1960s
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_sq_mi = 35.2
|area_total_km2 = 91.2
|area_land_sq_mi = 32.4
|area_land_km2 = 83.9
|area_water_sq_mi = 2.8
|area_water_km2 = 7.3
|area_urban_sq_mi =
|area_urban_km2 =
|area_metro_sq_mi =
|area_metro_km2 =
|population_as_of = 2000
|population_note =
|population_total = 54901
|population_metro = 3175041
|population_urban = 2367204
|population_density_km2 = 654.4
|population_density_sq_mi = 1695.1
|timezone = Central (CST)
|utc_offset = -6
|timezone_DST = Central (CDT)
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|latd = 44 |latm = 51 |lats = 17 |latNS = N<!--usgs.gov-->
|longd = 93 |longm = 28 |longs = 15 |longEW = W<!--usgs.gov-->
|elevation_m = 270
|elevation_ft = 886 <!--usgs.gov-->
|website = [http://www.edenprairie.org/ www.edenprairie.org]
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
|postal_code = 55344, 55346, 55347
|area_code = [[Area code 952|952]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 27-18116{{GR|2}}
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0643164{{GR|3}}
|footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Eden Prairie''', or Eden Prison, is an [[edge city]] 12 miles (22 km) southwest of downtown [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]] in [[Hennepin County]] and the [[List of cities in Minnesota|12th largest city]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Minnesota]]. The city lies on the north bank of the [[Minnesota River]], upstream from the confluence with the [[Mississippi River]]. As the seventh largest suburb, Eden Prairie and nearby suburbs form the southwest portion of [[Minneapolis-St. Paul]], the sixteenth largest [[metropolitan area]] in the [[United States]], with about 3.2 million residents. The [[U.S. Census Bureau]] recorded the city's population at 54,901 in 2000.<ref name="AFF2006">{{cite web|url= http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-context=dt&-ds_name=PEP_2006_EST&-mt_name=PEP_2006_EST_G2006_T001&-CONTEXT=dt&-tree_id=806&-all_geo_types=N&-geo_id=16000US2708794&-search_results=16000US2708794&-format=&-_lang=en| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|title=Burnsville city, T1. Population Estimates [9] Data Set: 2006 Population Estimates|date=2006}}</ref>


Composed of large lakes and ponds, the city has more than {{convert|170|mi|km|-1}} of multi-use trails, {{convert|2250|acre|km2|0}} of parks, and {{convert|1300|acre|km2|0}} of open space. Previously a bedroom [[suburb]] in the 1960s, the city is now home to more than 2,200 businesses and headquarters for [[Supervalu (United States)|Supervalu]], [[ADC Telecommunications]], [[MTS Systems Corporation]] and the [[Minnesota Vikings]]. Regionally known for [[Eden Prairie Center]], it is also the hub for [[SouthWest Transit]], serving public transportation to three adjacent suburbs. Eden Prairie was selected as the 10th best place to live in the United States by [[Money Magazine]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite web| title = Money Best Places to Live 2006| work = CNNMoney| publisher = Cable News Network| date= 2006| url = http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL2718116.html| accessdate = 2006-12-31}}</ref>
The {{nihongo|'''Sega Mega Drive'''|メガドライブ|Mega Doraibu}} is a [[History of video game consoles (fourth generation)|16-bit]] [[video game console]] released by [[Sega]] in Japan in 1988, North America in 1989, and the [[PAL region]] in 1990. It was sold under the name '''Sega Genesis''' in North America as Sega was unable to secure legal rights to the Mega Drive name in that region. The Mega Drive was Sega's fifth home console and the successor to the [[Sega Master System]].


The name ''Eden Prairie'' is attributed to [[Elizabeth F. Ellet|Elizabeth Fries Ellet]], an East Coast writer who visited the area in 1852. In her travelogue book, ''Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet.'' she described the [[Minnesota River]] valley, which adjoins the current day City of Eden Prairie, as the garden spot of the territory<ref>Ellet, E. F. (Elizabeth Fries) (1853). [http://delta.ulib.org/ulib/data/moa/4e5/71d/c19/1bf/599/1/data.txt ''Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet'']. New York: J. C. Riker.</ref>
The Mega Drive is part of the [[History of video games (Fourth generation era)|fourth generation era]] of consoles, and the first of its generation to achieve notable market share in Europe and North America. It was a direct competitor of the [[TurboGrafx-16]] (which was released one year earlier) and the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (which was released two years later). The Sega Mega Drive began production in Japan in 1988 and ended with the last new game being released in 2002 in Brazil.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guardiana, the Mega Drive Kingdom :: Game Informations :: Mega Drive :: Show do Milhão:|url=http://www.guardiana.net/MDG-Database/Mega%20Drive/Show%20do%20Milh%C3%A3o/|publisher=Guardiana|accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref>

With a lifespan of fourteen years and 29 million units sold, it became Sega's most successful console. The console has a legacy with certain games available on the console being offered as downloads to be played on newer consoles, [[fan translation]]s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.romhacking.net/?platform=11&languageid=12&perpage=30&page=translations |title=Translations |accessdate=2008-05-31 |publisher=Romhacking.net}}</ref> and [[Independent video game development|indie]] game development.


==History==
==History==
For most of its existence, Eden Prairie has been a slow-growing, pastoral village on the far southwestern fringes of the [[Minneapolis-St. Paul|Twin Cities]] area. Between 1880 and 1960, Eden Prairie’s population grew by only 1,300 people, from 739 to 2,000.
Although the [[Sega Master System]] was a success in Europe, and later also [[Brazil]], it failed to ignite much interest in the North American or Japanese markets, which, by the mid-to-late 1980s, were both dominated by [[Nintendo]]'s large market shares.<ref>{{cite book |ref=CITEREFKent2001 |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=pp. 303, 360}}</ref><ref name="MarketShare1988">{{cite book |title=Nintendo Official Magazine - Nintendo's Market Share 1988 |last=Nintendo Official Magazine Staff |date=2001 |pages=35 |publisher=Future Publishing}}</ref><ref name="MarketShare1990">{{cite book |title=Business Week - Nintendo's Market Share 1990 |last=Business Week staff |date=1999 |pages=60}}</ref> Meanwhile in the arcades, the [[Sega System 16]] had become a success. Hayao Nakayama, Sega's [[CEO]] at the time, decided to make its new home system utilize a similar 16-bit architecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=61&title=Genesis:%20A%20New%20Beginning |title=Genesis: A New Beginning |publisher=www.sega-16.com |accessdate=2008-03-06 |last=Pettus |first=Sam |date=2004-07-07}}</ref> The final design was eventually also used in the [[Mega-Tech]], Mega-Play and System-C arcade machines. Any game made for the Mega Drive hardware could easily be [[porting|ported]] to these systems.<ref name="ArcadePorting2">{{cite web |url=http://www.planetdreamcast.com/about/sega/#3 |title=Sega History |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=Planet Dreamcast staff |work=http://www.planetdreamcast.com |publisher=IGN Entertainment}}</ref>


[[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] were the first to live in the area. In 1851, a treaty opened land west of the [[Mississippi River]] to settlement allowing [[Settler|pioneers]] to settle in what is now Eden Prairie. The town board of Eden Prairie held its first meeting in a log school house on [[May 11]], [[1858]], the same day Minnesota became a state. However, Eden Prairie's farming community grew slowly over the years. [[Flying Cloud Airport]] was the first sign of big development in 1946. The [[1960s]] and [[1970s]] were decades of growth for the City's parks and recreation system. In the mid-[[1970s|70's]], the community earned a higher profile with the addition of Interstate Highway [[Interstate 494|494]] and the [[Eden Prairie Center Mall|Eden Prairie Shopping Center]]. Eden Prairie became a Village in 1962 and a [[statutory city]] in 1974.
The first name Sega considered for its console was the MK-1601, but it ultimately decided to call it the "Sega Mega Drive". The name was said to represent superiority and speed, with the powerful Motorola 68000 processor in mind.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web |url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv |title=Sega Mega Drive information |accessdate=2008-04-01 |publisher=www.skillreactor.org |author=Christoph Bolitz}}</ref> Sega used the name Mega Drive for the Japanese, European, Asian, Australian and Brazilian versions of the console. The North American version went by the name "Genesis" due to a trademark dispute.<ref name="retroinspection">{{cite web |url=http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=68&title=Retroinspection:%20Mega%20Drive|last=Szczepaniak |first=John |year=2006 |month=September |title=Retroinspection: Sega Mega Drive |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=27 |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |location=London, UK |accessdate=2007-11-08}}</ref>


===Launch===
===Etymology===
The city owes its name to [[Elizabeth F. Ellet|Elizabeth Fries Ellet]], an East Coast writer who visited the area in 1852. In her travelogue book, ''Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet.'' she described the [[Minnesota River]] valley, which adjoins the current day City of Eden Prairie, as the garden spot of the territory<ref>Ellet, E. F. (Elizabeth Fries) (1853). [http://delta.ulib.org/ulib/data/moa/4e5/71d/c19/1bf/599/1/data.txt ''Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet'']. New York: J. C. Riker.</ref>.
The Mega Drive was released in Japan on October 29, 1988,<ref name="ConsoleInfo">{{cite web |url=http://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/segamegadrive/index.html |title=Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Console Information |accessdate=2007-10-18 |author=Console Database Staff |publisher=Console Database/Dale Hansen |work=http://www.consoledatabase.com}}</ref> almost exactly a year after the [[Nippon Electric Corporation|NEC]] [[TurboGrafx-16|PC Engine]].


{{cquote|''The celebrated valley of the Minnesota River&mdash;called St. Pierre by the French, and until recently, St. Peter's&mdash;extends in a general direction from west to east, and, with the country along its tributaries, forms the garden spot of the territory.'' (Ellet, 1853, p. 112)}}
In 1987, Sega announced a North American release date for the system (under the name of Sega Genesis) of January 9, 1989.<ref name="GenesisRelease">{{cite book |title=Game Over: How Nintendo Zapped an American Industry, Captured Your Dollars, and Enslaved Your Children |last=Sheff, David |date=1993 |pages=352 |location=New York |publisher=Random House |isbn=0-679-40469-4}}</ref> Sega initially attempted to partner with [[Atari Corporation]] for distribution of the console in the US, but the two could not agree to terms and Sega decided to do it themselves.<ref>{{cite book |ref=CITEREFKent2001 |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=p. 401}}</ref> Sega was not able to meet the initial release date and U.S. sales began on August 14, 1989 in [[New York City]] and [[Los Angeles]]. The Genesis was released in the rest of North America later that year.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games |pages=404–405 |location=Roseville, California |publisher=Prima Publishing |date=2001 |isbn=0-7615-3643-4}}</ref>


Eden Prairie is colloquially referred to as "EP."{{Fact|date=November 2007}}
[[Image:Sega Pirate.png|thumb|left|The Sega Pirate, a popular marketing icon for the console in Europe]]
The European release was on November 30, 1990. Following on from the European success of the [[Sega Master System]], the Mega Drive became a very popular console in Europe. Unlike in other regions where the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] had been the dominant platform, the [[Sega Master System]] was the most popular console in Europe at the time. In the United Kingdom the most well known of Sega's advertising slogans was "To be this good takes AGES, to be this good takes SEGA". Some of these adverts employed adult humour and innuendo with sentences like "The more you play with it, the harder it gets" displayed with an illustration of the waggling of a joystick.<ref name="SegaVizAds">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ukresistance.co.uk/2006/03/segas-bizarre-early-1990s-viz-adverts.html|title=SEGA'S BIZARRE EARLY 1990S VIZ ADVERTS|accessdate=2007-10-20|year=2006|work=http://www.ukresistance.co.uk}}</ref> A prominent figure in the European marketing was the "Sega Pirate", a talking one-eyed skull that starred in many TV adverts with a generally edgy and humorous attitude. Since the Mega Drive was already two years old at the release in Europe, the many games available at launch were naturally more in numbers compared to the launches in other regions. The [[porting|ports]] of arcade titles like ''[[Altered Beast]]'', ''[[Golden Axe]]'' and ''[[Ghouls 'n Ghosts]]'', available in stores at launch, provided a strong image of the console's power to deliver an arcade-like experience.<ref name="MegaDriveLaunch">{{Cite web|url=http://www.vc-reviews.com/news/60/hardware-focus-sega-megadrive-genesis.php|title=Hardware Focus - Sega Megadrive / Genesis|accessdate=2007-10-19|year=2007|author=McFerran, Damien "Damo" |work=http://www.vc-reviews.com}}</ref> The arrival of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' in 1991 was just as successful as in North America, with the new Sega mascot becoming popular throughout the continent.<ref name="MegaDriveLaunch">{{Cite web|url=http://www.vc-reviews.com/news/60/hardware-focus-sega-megadrive-genesis.php|title=Hardware Focus - Sega Megadrive / Genesis|accessdate=2007-10-19|year=2007|author=McFerran, Damien |work=http://www.vc-reviews.com}}</ref>


==Geography==
In Brazil, the Mega Drive was released by [[Tec Toy]] in 1990, only a year after the Brazilian release of the [[Sega Master System]]. Tec Toy also ran the Internet service [[Sega Meganet]] service in Brazil as well as producing games exclusively for the Brazilian market.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gameproducer.net/2008/02/26/how-piracy-can-break-an-industry-the-brazilian-case/|title=How Piracy can Break an Industry - the Brazilian Case|accessdate=2008-04-14|author=Tiago Tex Pine|date=2008-02-26}}</ref> On December 5, 2007, Tec Toy released a portable version of Mega Drive with 20 built-in games.<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/13/brazils-tectoy-cranks-out-mega-drive-portable-handheld/ | title = Brazil's TecToy cranks out Mega Drive portable handheld|author=Donald Melanson|date=2007-11-13 | accessdate = 2007-01-23 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/gaming/sega/brazil-gets-this-wonderful-portable-mega-drive-322425.php | title = Sega: Brazil Gets This Wonderful Portable Mega Drive|author=Luke Plunkett|date=2007-11-14 | accessdate = 2007-01-23 }}</ref>


Eden Prairie is located approximately {{convert|11|mi|km|0}} southwest of [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]] along the northern side of the [[Minnesota River]]. It is located at {{coord|44|49|N|93|27|W|}} at an elevation of 906 [[foot (unit of length)|feet]] (276&nbsp;[[Metre|m]]).
===Console wars===
{{Main|Console wars}}
The Sega Mega Drive initially competed against the aging 8-bit [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], over which it had superior graphics and sound. Despite this, the Mega Drive was all but ignored in Japan as soon as it was launched. Some positive coverage came out of magazines [[Famitsu]] and [[Beep!]], but Sega shipped only 400,000 units in the first year.<ref name="retroinspection"/> In order to sell more units, Sega tried some risky moves, including creating an online banking system and answering machine called the Sega Anser<ref name="anser">{{cite web|url=http://play.tm/wire/click/405746|title=Sega's "Anser" to a Question Nobody Asked|accessdate=2008-05-07|date=2005-08-04|author=MattG}}</ref> and several peripherals and games.<ref name="retroinspection"/> The Mega Drive remained a distant third in Japan behind Nintendo's [[Super Famicom]] and NEC's [[PC-Engine]] throughout the 16-bit era.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=p. 447}}</ref>


[[Interstate 494]], U.S. Routes [[U.S. Route 169|169]] and [[U.S. Route 212|212]], and Minnesota State Highways [[Minnesota State Highway 5|5]] and [[Minnesota State Highway 312|312]] are five of the main routes in the city.
[[Image:SegaGenesis-NintendontAd.jpg|thumb|200px|right|One of Sega's most famous advertisements in North American media was its [[slogan]] "Genesis does what Nintendon't",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/multimedia/2007/05/gallery_game_history?slide=22 |title=Console Portraits: A 40-Year Pictorial History of Gaming |accessdate=2008-04-08 |first=Greg |last=Orlando |date=2007-05-15 |work=[[Wired News]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast Publications]] |pages=22}}</ref> which showcased the graphics advantage that the Genesis held against the aging NES.]]
New Sega of America CEO Michael Katz instituted a two-part approach to build sales in that region. The first part involved a marketing campaign to challenge Nintendo head-on and emphasize the more arcade-like experience available on the Genesis, summarized by the slogan "Genesis does what Nintendon't".<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=p. 405}}</ref> The second part, since Nintendo owned the console rights to most arcade games of the time, involved creating a library of instantly-recognizable titles by contracting with celebrities and athletes to produce games using their names and likenesses; ''[[Pat Riley Basketball]]'', ''[[Arnold Palmer Tournament Golf]]'', ''[[James 'Buster' Douglas Knockout Boxing]]'', ''[[Joe Montana Football]]'', ''[[Tommy Lasorda Baseball]]'', ''[[Mario Lemieux Hockey]]'', and ''[[Michael Jackson's Moonwalker]]'' all stemmed from this initiative.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=pp. 406–408}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=298&title=Behind%20the%20Design:%20Joe%20Montana%20Football |title=Behind the Design: Joe Montana Football |publisher=www.sega-16.com |accessdate=2008-05-11 |last=Horowitz |first=Ken |date=2007-11-20}}</ref> Nonetheless, it had a hard time overcoming Nintendo's ubiquitous presence in the consumer's home.<ref name="Kent_pp424_431">{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=pp. 424–431}}</ref>


The land in Eden Prairie consists of rolling hills and bluffs overlooking the [[Minnesota River]] with zones of [[prairie]] and mixed (primarily [[deciduous]]) forests.
Sega CEO [[Hayao Nakayama]], fearing a second market failure soon after the [[Master System]], hired [[Tom Kalinske]] to replace Katz in mid-1990. Although Kalinske initially knew little about the video game market, he learned quickly and surrounded himself with industry-savvy advisors. A believer in the [[razor and blades business model]], he developed a four-point plan: cut the price of the console; create a US-based team to develop games targeted at the American market; continue and expand the aggressive advertising campaigns; and replace the bundled game with a new title, ''Sonic The Hedgehog''.<ref name="Kent_pp424_431"/> The Japanese board of directors asked "Are you out of your mind?",<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=p. 428}}</ref> but Nakayama approved all four points. Magazines praised ''Sonic'' as one of the greatest games yet made, and Sega's console finally took off as customers who had been waiting for the Super NES decided to purchase a Genesis instead.<ref name="Kent_pp424_431"/> Nintendo's console would debut against an established competitor, while NEC's [[TurboGrafx-16]] was left out and NEC soon pulled out of the market.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=pp. 433, 449}}</ref>


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 35.2 square miles (91.2&nbsp;[[km²]])&mdash;32.4 square miles (83.9&nbsp;km²) of it is land and 2.8 square miles (7.3&nbsp;km²) of it (8.04%) is water.
Sega began 1992 with a number of advantages: a 55% to 45% market share over the Super NES, a lower price, and a tenfold advantage in number of games.<ref name="Kent_434_448_449">{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=pp. 434, 448–449}}</ref> Sega's advertising continued to position the Genesis as the "cooler" console,<ref name="Kent_434_448_449"/> and coined the term "Blast Processing" to suggest that the Genesis was capable of handling games with faster motion than the SNES.<ref name="1up">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3134008|title=The Essential 50 Part 28: Sonic the Hedgehog|publisher=www.1up.com|accessdate=2008-04-21}}</ref> A Sony focus group found that teenage boys would not admit to owning a Super NES rather than a Genesis.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=p. 449}}</ref> Neither console could maintain a definitive lead in market share for several years.


==Demographics==
In Europe, the Mega Drive maintained support through 1998. It outsold all other consoles, including the [[Sega Saturn]], in later years.<ref name="ConsoleInfo"/> Brazil also saw success with the Mega Drive, where it held 75% of the market share.<ref name="ConsoleInfo"/>
As of the [[census]] of 2000, there were 54,901 people, 20,457 households, and 14,585 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 1,695.1 people per square mile (654.4/km²). There were 21,026 housing units at an average density of 649.2 per square mile (250.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 72.66% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 11.28% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.21% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 5.82% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.03% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.50% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.50% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 7.57% of the population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=Eden+Prairie&_cityTown=Eden+Prairie&_state=04000US27&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010&show_2003_tab=&redirect=Y| title=Eden Prairie city, Minnesota|author=American Fact Finder|accessdate=2008-07-10|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/QTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=16000US2718116&-qr_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_DP1&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&-_lang=en&-_sse=on|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|title=DP-1. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000|accessdate=2008-07-10}}</ref>


There were 20,457 households out of which 42.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.20.
===Add-ons===
[[Image:Mega Drive II (PAL) + Mega-CD II (PAL) + 32X (PAL).jpg|right|thumb|Mega Drive II with 32X and Mega-CD II add-ons]]
In early 1991, Sega announced the [[Sega Mega-CD|Mega-CD]] for release in Japan in late 1991 and in North America (as the Sega CD) in 1992. While the Mega Drive add-on did contain a faster CPU and some enhanced graphics capabilities, the main focus of the device was to expand the size of games: cartridges of the day typically contained 8 to 16 megabits of data, while a CD-ROM disk would hold 640 megabytes (5120 megabits). Sega of Japan, partnering with [[Sony]], refused to consult with Sega's American division until the project was completed—Sega of America had to assemble parts from various "dummy" units to obtain a working prototype.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=pp. 450–451}}</ref> While it became known for several games, such as ''[[Sonic CD]]'', the expansion only sold 6 million units worldwide.<ref name="failure">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/domestic/games/features/111822.shtml |title=The 10 Worst-Selling Consoles of All Time |author=Blake Snow |date=2007-07-30 |publisher=[[GamePro]] |accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref>


In the city the population was spread out with 30.5% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 4.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.
At June 1994's [[Consumer Electronics Show]], Sega presented the [[Sega 32X|32X]] as the "poor man's entry into 'next generation' games."<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=p. 493}}</ref> Although some blame Sega of America for developing this failure,<ref name="failure"/> the 32X was originally conceived as an entirely new console by Sega of Japan.<ref name="Kent_493_496"/> Sega of America [[R&D]] head Joe Miller convinced Sega of Japan to strengthen the console and convert it into an add-on to the existing Genesis, but they would not make it a competitor to the forthcoming [[Sega Saturn]]. Although this add-on contained two 32-bit CPU chips and a 3D graphics processor, it failed to attract either developers or consumers as the superior Saturn had already been announced for release the next year. Originally released at [[US$]]159, Sega dropped the price to $99 in only a few months and ultimately cleared the remaining inventory at $19.95;<ref name="Kent_493_496">{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=pp. 493–496}}</ref> only 200,000 units were sold.<ref name="failure"/>


The median income for a household in the city was $55,328, and the median income for a family was $62,258. Males had a median income of $61,303 versus $38,196 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $38,854. About 12.8% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.
===32-bit era and beyond===
By the end of 1995, Sega was supporting five different consoles and two add-ons: Saturn, Genesis, [[Game Gear]], [[Sega Pico|Pico]], Sega CD, 32X and Master System in some South American markets. As the Saturn was leading Sony's [[PlayStation]] in Japan while the Mega Drive was never successful there, Sega of Japan CEO Hayao Nakayama chose to discontinue the Mega Drive. While this made perfect sense for the Japanese market, it was disastrous in North America: the market for Genesis games was much larger than for the Saturn, but Sega was left without the inventory or software to meet demand. In comparison, Nintendo concentrated on the 16-bit market and reported the most lucrative [[holiday season]] in the industry.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=pp. 508, 531}}</ref> It also undercut the Sega of America executives; CEO Tom Kalinske, who oversaw the rise of the Genesis in 1991, grew uninterested in the business and resigned in mid 1996.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |authorlink=Steven L. Kent |title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=pp. 535}}</ref>


==Politics==
In 1997, Sega licensed the Mega Drive to [[Majesco]] so that its could re-release the console.<ref>
Eden Prairie is located in [[Minnesota's 3rd congressional district]], represented by [[Jim Ramstad]], a moderate [[Republican Party (U.S.)|Republican]] who scores 20% [[Progressivism|progressive]]<ref>{{cite web| last = Grossman| first = Joshua| title = ProgressivePunch Leading with the Left| work = All Issues| publisher = ProgressivePunch|url = http://www.progressivepunch.org/members.jsp?member=MN2| accessdate = 2006-10-28 }}</ref> and 79% [[conservatism|conservative]] <ref>{{cite web|title =Congressional Voting Scorecard 2005| work =SBE Council’s Congressional Voting Scorecard 2005| publisher =Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council| date= June, 2006| url =http://www.sbecouncil.org/uploads/Ratings2005Scorecard.pdf| format =pdf|accessdate =2006-11-02}}</ref> on a range of issues. City Council Officials include Mayor Phil Young and Council Members Brad Aho, Sherrie Butcher, Jon Duckstad and Kathy Nelson. Scott Neal is the City Manager.
{{cite web | url =http://www.pelikonepeijoonit.net/cgi-bin/page.cgi?pkpcode=genesis3 | title =Sega (Majesco) Genesis 3 | publisher =www.pelikonepeijoonit.net |accessdate =2008-03-06}}</ref> Majesco began re-selling millions of formerly unsold cartridges at a budget price together with the second model of the Genesis, until it later released a third version of it. The last commercially licensed release in North America was ''[[Frogger]]'', released in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/default_GEN/10|title=Game Rankings Recent Releases list of Genesis|publisher=CNET Networks, Inc.|accessdate=2008-04-03}}</ref>


==Economy==
The Mega Drive was supported until 1997 in Europe, when Sega announced it was dropping support for it.<ref name="ConsoleInfo">{{Cite web|url=http://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/segamegadrive/index.html|title=Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Console Information|accessdate=2007-10-18|author=Console Database Staff|work=http://www.consoledatabase.com}}</ref> It was discontinued along with its predecessor, the long-lived Sega Master System, to allow Sega to concentrate on its newer console, the [[Sega Saturn|Saturn]]. The Mega Drive's add-ons, the [[Mega CD]] and [[32X]], were also both discontinued at this point, having been the same general failures they were in the other regions.<ref name="failure"/>
Today, Eden Prairie is home to more than 2,200 businesses, including many that specialize in communications and information technology.


{| class="wikitable"
On May 22, 2006, [[Super Fighter Team]] released ''[[Beggar Prince]]'', a game translated from a 1996 [[Taiwanese language|Taiwanese]] original. It is the first commercial Sega Mega Drive game since 1998 in the North American market. It was also released worldwide.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://dfg.the-underdogs.info/bp/purchase.htm | title =Beggar Prince | publisher =dfg.the-underdogs.info |accessdate =2008-03-06}}</ref>
! colspan="2"|Businesses in Eden Prairie
|-
! colspan="2"|Fortune 500 Company Headquarters
|-
! Company !! Description
|-
| [[C.H. Robinson Worldwide]] || shipping logistics
|-
| [[Supervalu (United States)|Supervalu]] || grocery retail conglomerate
|-
! colspan="2"| Other Company Headquarters
|-
! Company !! Description
|-
| [http://www.achievehealthcare.com/ Achieve Healthcare Technologies] || [[software]] systems for eldercare
|-
| [[ADC Telecommunications]] || telecommunications and broadband hardware
|-
| [[Digital River]] || The Premier E-Commerce Solution for Software Publishers
|-
| [[Fargo Electronics]] || identity/security card systems
|-
| [http://www.golfgalaxy.com/ Golf Galaxy] || national [[golf]] accessory retail chain
|-
| [http://www.helpsystems.com/ Help/Systems, Inc.] || automated operation and business intelligence software systems
|-
| [http://www.highjumpsoftware.com/ Highjump Software] || [[Supply Chain Management Software]]
|-
| [http://www.krollontrack.com/ Kroll Ontrack Systems] || computer [[forensics]] software and services
|-
| [[Lenox (company)| Lenox Group]] || manufacturer of porcelain china and collectables
|-
| [[Lifetouch]] || school photography, church directories and portraits,Jcpenny's and Target studios and Flash digital photography.
|-
| [[Minnesota Vikings]] || [[National Football League|NFL]] [[American football|football]] team
|-
| [[MTS Systems Corporation]] || Developers and Producers of world class automotive testing equipment.
|-
| [[ShopNBC]] || television shopping channel
|-
| [[Starkey Laboratories]] || world's largest hearing aid manufacturer
|-
| [[Stratasys]] || Manufacturer of [[Fused deposition modeling|FDM]] [[rapid prototyping]] machines
|-
| [http://www.supersolutions.com/ SuperSolutions Corp] || Consumer Finance Software (Daybreak) for entire automated lending operations. Owned by [[i-flex Solutions]], Inc.
|-
| [http://www.surmodics.com/ SurModics] || [[pharmaceutical]] delivery systems
|-
| [http://www.virtualrad/ Virtual Radiologic] || tele-[[radiology|radiological]] software and interpretation services (moving to Eden Prairie in late 2008)
|-
| [http://www.xata.com/ Xata] || transportation logistics
|-
| [http://www.xiotech.com/ Xiotech] || data storage hardware solutions
|-
! colspan="2"|Companies With Major Facilities
|-
! Company !! Description
|-
| [[Bose Corporation|Bose]] [http://bose-electroforce.com/ ElectroForce Systems Group] || materials test instruments
|-
| [[Eaton Corporation]], [http://hydraulics.eaton.com Hydraulics Division] || industrial hydraulics technologies
|-
| [http://emersonprocess.com/ Emerson Process Management] || industrial measurement instrumentation, formerly Rosemount Engineering, now a division of [[Emerson]]
|-
| [[Fox Broadcasting Company]] || studios for [[KMSP-TV]] and [[WFTC-TV]]
|-
| [[GE Capital]] [http://gefleet.com Fleet Services] || commercial car leasing
|-
| [http://stellent.com/ Stellent] || web content management software, recently acquired by [[Oracle Corporation]]
|-
| [http://www.nistevo.com/ Sterling Commerce] || [[transportation management system]] software (formerly [[Nistevo]])
|-
|}


==Emulation==
==Education==
===Public schools===
In 2004, there came a trend toward plug-and-play [[TV game]]s, and [[Radica Games]] released licensed, self-contained versions of the Sega Mega Drive in both North America (as the Play TV Legends Sega Genesis)<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.radicagames.com/playtv-legends-sega-genesis.php | title = Play TV Legends Sega Genesis - Radica Games| accessdate = 2006-09-24 }}</ref> and Europe (as the Sega Mega Drive 6-in-1 Plug 'n' Play), which contain six popular games in a small control box, with a permanently connected control pad. It does not have a cartridge slot, and thus is a [[dedicated console]].<ref name="6in1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamesdog.co.uk/reviews/review.phtml/604/1628/sega-mega-drive-6-in-1-retro.phtml|title=Sega Mega Drive 6-in-1 Plug and play Review|accessdate=2007-10-19|author=Miles, Stuart|work=http://www.gamesdog.co.uk}}</ref>


The first school in Eden Prairie was Anderson School, a [[schoolhouse]] located near a [[farm]]. At the time of its construction, it was in the center of the city and thus an ideal spot. The old [[Eden Prairie Consolidated School]], built in 1924, is now the school district Administration Building, and is located next to Central Kindergarten Center and Central Middle School.
The [[GameTap]] subscription gaming service includes a Mega Drive emulator, and has several dozen licensed Mega Drive games in its catalog.<ref name="GameTapCatalogue">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gametap.com/home/play/browse/browseCatalog|title=GameTap Catalogue|accessdate=2007-10-19|work=http://www.gametap.com}}</ref> The [[Console Classix]] subscription gaming service also includes an emulator, and has several hundred Mega Drive games in its catalog.<ref name="consoleclassix">{{cite web|url=http://www.consoleclassix.com/titleslist.html?list=ALL&system=GEN|title=Console Classix Sega Genesis games|accessdate=2008-05-15}}</ref>


Today Eden Prairie currently operates nine schools. Unlike other school districts in the state, Eden Prairie has an intermediate school (Oak Point) for grades five and six. [[Eden Prairie High School]] is the largest high school in the state, with 3,270 students, and is located near the grounds of [[Round Lake Park]]. Melissa Krull is the superintendent for the Eden Prairie School District.
During his keynote speech at the 2006 Game Developers Conference, Nintendo president [[Satoru Iwata]] announced that Sega will make a number of Genesis/Mega Drive titles available to download on the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]].<ref name="Wii"/> These games are now available along with other systems' titles under the Wii's [[Virtual Console]].<ref name="Wii">{{cite news|url= http://www.gamespot.com/news/6146528.html|title=GDC 06: Revolution to play Genesis, TurboGrafx-16 games|author=Tor Thorsen| publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=2007-10-18}}</ref> The 16-bit Sega selections available on the Virtual Console at launch were ''[[Altered Beast]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. There are also selected Mega Drive titles on the Xbox 360 such as ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' and ''Sonic 2''.


{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
==Master System compatibility==
! colspan="4"| Public Schools in Eden Prairie
[[Image:genesis power base.png|thumb|200px|right|Sega Power Base Converter]]
|-
One of the key design features of the console is its [[backwards compatibility]] with Sega's previous console, the [[Sega Master System]]. The 16-bit design is based upon the 8-bit design, albeit enhanced and extended in many areas. In order to achieve backwards compatibility, the Master System's central processor and sound chip (the [[Zilog Z80]]<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information}}</ref> and SN76489 respectively) are included in the Mega Drive, and the Mega Drive's Video Display Processor (VDP) is capable of the Master System's VDP's mode 4 (though it cannot run in modes 0, 1, 2, or 3).
! Kindergarten and Elementary School (Grades 1-4) !! Intermediate School (Grades 5-6) !! Junior High School (Grades 7-8) !! High School (Grades 9-12)
|-
| [http://www.edenpr.org/cedar/ Cedar Ridge] || rowspan="6" valign="top" | [http://www.edenpr.org/oakpoint/ Oak Point] || rowspan="6" valign="top" | [http://www.edenpr.org/cms/ Central Middle School] || rowspan="6" valign="top" | [[Eden Prairie High School]]
|-
| [http://www.edenpr.org/forest/ Forest Hills]
|-
| [http://www.edenpr.org/prview/ Prairie View]
|-
| [http://www.edenpr.org/edlake/ Eden Lake]
|-
| [http://www.edenpr.org/ehsi Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion]
|-
|}


===Charter schools===
As the cartridge slot is of a different shape, Sega released the Power Base Converter, a separate device that sits between a Master System cartridge and the Mega Drive's cartridge slot. The Power Base Converter does not contain any Master System components, instead functioning as a pass-through device. The converter contains a top slot for cartridge-based games along with a front slot for card-based games, as well as the 3-D glasses adapter. When a Master System game is inserted, the system puts the Z80 in control, leaving the Mega Drive's main 68000 processor idle.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information}}</ref>
Eden Prairie has one publicly-funded [[charter school]], [[Eagle Ridge Academy]]. This college preparatory school currently offers a rigorous classical, liberal arts curriculum to grades 6-11, with 12th grade being added in the 2007 &ndash; 2008 school year. The first graduating class for Eagle Ridge Academy will be the Class of 2008.


===Private schools===
In Japan the device is known as the "Mega Adapter". The PAL variant is called the "Master System Converter" in mainland Europe.<ref name="MegaAdapter">{{Cite web|url=http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=2&c=843|title=Mega Drive II|accessdate=2007-10-18|author=Old-Computers.com Staff|work=http://www.old-computers.com}}</ref>
Eden Prairie has one [[private school]], The [http://www.ism-sabis.net/ International School of Minnesota], which offers a private education for students in grades preschool through 12.


===Colleges===
The Power Base Converter is not fully compatible with the redesigned Mega Drive 2. A second version, the "Master System Converter II", was released to address this problem. This second version adapter was produced in a far smaller quantity and only released in Europe.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref>
There are three technical colleges in Eden Prairie:
* [http://www.hennepintech.edu/ Hennepin Technical College] has an enrollment of roughly 7,000 full and part time students.
* [[ITT Technical Institute]][http://www.itt-tech.edu/] specializes in courses on [[information technology]], [[electronics]], and [[drafting and design]]. ITT Technical Institute has an enrollment of approximately 170 [[students]].
* [http://www.rasmussen.edu/ Rasmussen College] specializes in business management, health, and technology. This campus opened on July 3, 2006 and replaced its former location in [[Minnetonka]].


==Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial==
The only game which does not work with this device is ''[[F-16 Fighting Falcon (video game)|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]''.<ref>Master System Converter Instruction Manual, p. 7.</ref>
Eden Prairie was proud to raise over $400,000 within the community to build a veterans memorial in 2008, in a grassroots effort. The memorial has two components; service to country and world peace. It was constructed in Purgatory Creek Park near the intersection of Technology Drive & Prairie Center Drive. World class sculptor, Neil Brodin designed and constructed two bronze sculptures<ref>[http:www.epveteransmemorial.org]</ref>. The service to country sculpture represents a wounded airman carried over the shoulders of a soldier of the battle field. The world peace sculpture depicts a woman service member touch the world globe, honoring women who have served. Members of the community were able to purchase a place on the memorial for the name of a loved one who served in any branch of U.S. service, without regard to any particular war or conflict. Minnesota based Cold Spring Granite provided Messabi black granite for the walls of the memorial.


== Notable natives ==
==Peripherals==
*[[Andrew Alberts]], [[National Hockey League]] player for the [[Boston Bruins]]
[[Image:Sega-Mega-Drive-controllers.jpg|thumb|left|Original three button joypad with later six button version]]
*[[Leith Anderson]], president of the U.S. [[National Association of Evangelicals]]
The standard Mega Drive controller features three main buttons and a "start" button usually used for pausing mid-game. The controller itself has a distinctive rounded shape.<ref name="pd">{{cite web|url=http://picodrive.acornarcade.com/megadrive/background.html|title=Pico Drive Mega Drive Background|accessdate=2008-04-03|author=Michael Drake, Adrian Lees, and Jeffrey Lee}}</ref> Sega later released a six-button version in 1993 which is slightly smaller and features three more face buttons, similar to the design of buttons on arcade fighting games.<ref name="pd"/>
*[[Laurie Coleman]], actress and wife of [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] [[Norm Coleman]]
*[[Jay Foreman]], [[National Football League]] player
*[[Alla Ilushka]], beauty queen and [[Miss USA]] 2007 contestant
*[[Mark LeVoir]], [[National Football League]] player
*[[Lúcia Moniz]], Portuguese actress and singer (attended Eden Prairie High School)
*[[Allison Pottinger]], world champion [[Curling|curler]] (current resident)
*[[Robert Remus]], aka [[Sgt. Slaughter]] wrestler (former long-time Eden Prairie resident)
*[[Andrew Rudkin Matthews]], aka [[Dru Matthews]], Rockstar and notable Eden Prairie High School Alumnus


== Youth sports associations ==
The [[Sega Mega-CD]] became available in 1991, 1992 and 1993 in Japan, North America, and Europe respectively.<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.sega-16.com/feature_page.php?id=256&title=Sega%20CD:%20A%20Console%20too%20Soon | title = Sega CD: A Console too Soon | date = 2004-07-15 | accessdate = 2008-03-05 | last = Pettus | first = Sam |publisher = Sega-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eidolons-inn.net/tiki-index.php?page=SegaBase+Sega+CD&PHPSESSID=4ik5p46uopeek56bs22qo5oel2|title=Sega CD info|last=Pettus|first=Sam|accessdate=2008-04-03}}</ref> It plugs into the side of the Mega Drive and sits underneath the console (later models of the Mega CD sit alongside the console) and provides access to CD games as well as allowing the user to play music CDs.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref>
=== Basketball ===
Eden Prairie Boys Basketball Association offers both a travel and in-house program. Each season, 1,300 boys participate. Registration is held in September. Rookie League (grades K-1) begins play October through December. The second grade program runs on Saturday mornings from December through March and is a fundamentals-only program. In-house evaluations for grades 3-12 are held in November with league play beginning late November through March. The Southwest League for grades 6-8 plays other communities with a tournament weekend in March. The travel program runs from October through March. Travel tryouts for grades 5-8 are held in October.


The Eden Prairie Girls Basketball Association offers developmental training sessions beginning with girls in grade 2 and runs from January through February. Developmental in-house intramural play, with one practice and one game each week, is offered to girls grades 3-12. Registration is in September and evaluations are in October with the season running from December through March. Clinics and tournaments are held throughout the year. A travel program is available to grades 5-8 with two practices per week and weekend games. Registration is in August with the season running from November through March. EPGBA also sponsors a 3-on-3 summer league and clinics.
The [[Sega 32X]] allows the user to play technically superior 32-bit games on the Mega Drive. It was released in 1994 in Japan (after the release of the [[Sega Saturn]] in that region) and North America and 1995 in Europe. The 32X plugs into the Mega Drive's cartridge slot and the game cartridges are then plugged into the 32X.<ref name="sreac"/>


=== Baseball ===
[[Image:Sega Mouse and Sega Mega Mouse.jpg|thumb|right|Sega Mouse and Sega Mega Mouse]]
The Eden Prairie Baseball Association has over 1,850 players, ages 4-18, in both in-house and travel leagues. Registration is usually held in February with the season beginning in April and playoff tournaments in July. Youth are separated by age or grade level. A travel league is available for youth ages 10-18, tryouts are in April. The Association's 15 directors, 12 associate directors, 13 commissioners and over 500 head and assistant coaches are all volunteers.
A number of other peripherals for the Mega Drive were released that add extra functionality. The [[Menacer|Menacer Light Gun]] was developed in response to the [[Super Scope]] for the SNES and is only compatible with the ''[[Menacer 6-game cartridge]]'' and a few other games.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=7892|title=Zap!: A History of Light Gun Games (Special) @ Gaming Target|author=John Scalzo|date=2007-11-19|accessdate=2008-04-03}}</ref> The Sega Mouse and Sega Mega Mouse were also released for the Mega Drive,<ref name="Peripherals"/> the latter being available in North America while the other served the Japanese and European markets. A foam-covered bat called the BatterUP and the TeeVGolf golf club were both released for the Mega Drive and SNES and provide support for similar games.<ref name="Peripherals">{{Cite web|url=http://www.vidgame.net/SEGA/peripherals.htm#15|title=Sega Genesis Peripherals|accessdate=2007-10-17|author=Vidgame.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamersgraveyard.com/repository/snes/peripherals/index.html |title=Super NES/Famicom Peripherals |publisher=[http://www.gamersgraveyard.com/ Gamers Graveyard] |accessdate=2007-07-02}}</ref> One of the most unsuccessful peripherals released was the [[Sega Activator]], an octagonal device that lays flat on the floor and reads a gamer's physical movements as he/she would trigger infrared laser beams that translate the movement to react on screen.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.game-machines.com/consoles/genesis.php|title=Sega Genesis at Game-Machines.com|publisher=www.game-machines.com|accessdate=2008-04-03}}</ref> As well the official Mega Drive peripherals, the console is also compatible with Sega Master System accessories through use of the Power Base Converter.<ref name="PowerBase">{{Cite web|url=http://www.vidgame.net/SEGA/POWERBASE.htm|title=Sega Genesis Power Base Converter|accessdate=2007-10-18|author=Barr, Adrienne}}</ref><ref name="ConsoleInfo">{{Cite web|url=http://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/segamegadrive/index.html|title=Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Console Information|accessdate=2007-10-18|author=Console Database Staff|work=http://www.consoledatabase.com}}</ref>


=== Football ===
Both [[Electronic Arts]] (EA) and Sega released [[multitap]]s for the system to allow more than the standard two players to play at once.<ref name="cw"/> Initially, EA's version, the 4-Play, and Sega's adapter, the Team Player, only supported each publisher's own titles. Later games were created to work on both adapters. [[Codemasters]] also developed the [[J-Cart]] system, providing two extra ports with no extra hardware, although the technology came late in the console's life and only featured on a few games.<ref>{{cite news | title = Quadro-Power | work = Megablast | publisher = Joker Verlag | page = 29 | date = [[1994-03-30]] | accessdate = 2007-05-29 | language = German }}</ref>
More than 800 youth in grades 3-8 learn the fundamentals of football, sportsmanship, discipline and the importance of team play. Each participant will learn to play offense and defense positions. Teams are formed with an equal distribution of talent and weight limits are established for each grade. Registration is held in May. Equipment pickup and skills evaluation are both in August with the season running August through October. Grades 4-8 will play out of town games. Summer camps, led by Eden Prairie High School Head Football Coach Mike Grant
{{clear}}
, are also held to refine skills.


=== Ice Hockey ===
==Technical specifications==
As the third largest hockey organization in Minnesota, the Eden Prairie Hockey Association serves more than 800 boys and girls from age 4-18. They learn the skills and strategies involved in hockey while having fun. Registrations and tryouts are held in September with the season running from November to March. Rookie camps are held in the fall and spring. Nine-year-olds and older participate in travel teams playing against neighboring communities. A girls-only hockey experience with a ‘no checking’ policy is available for girls ages 14 and under.
[[Image:Mega Drive mboard.jpg|left|thumb|Mega Drive 1 mainboard ([[PAL]])]]
===CPU===
{{mainarticle|Motorola 68000}}
The Sega Mega Drive's [[CPU]] is a 16/32-bit Motorola 68000<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ticalc.org/pub/text/68k/68kpm.zip|title=MC68000 Documentation|publisher=www.ticalc.org|accessdate=2008-04-03}}</ref> which is a 32-bit microprocessor sitting on a 16-bit-wide data bus. The maximum addressable memory is 16 [[megabyte]]s (the M68000 is located to the top right of the picture). The 68000 runs at 7.61&nbsp;MHz in PAL consoles, 7.67&nbsp;MHz in NTSC consoles.<ref name="pd">{{cite web|url=http://picodrive.acornarcade.com/megadrive/background.html|title=Pico Drive Mega Drive Background}}</ref> The Mega Drive also includes a [[Zilog Z80]] as the sound CPU.<ref name="sreac"/>


===Video===
=== Lacrosse ===
The Eden Prairie Lacrosse Association offers programs for both boys and girls grades 3-12. Indoor season registration is in November and runs from January through March/April. The regular outdoor season registration is in March. The season runs from May 1st through July 31st. The summer leagues, camps and clinics run from June through August. Rental equipment is available for new players who may not want to immediately invest in equipment.
The Mega Drive has a dedicated VDP (Video Display Processor) for background graphic and [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite]] control. This is an improved version of the [[Sega Master System]] [[Graphics processing unit|VDP]], which in turn is derived from the [[Texas Instruments TMS9918]]. Images can be output at 256 pixels (32 tiles) or 320 pixels (40 tiles) across and 224 scanlines (28 tiles) or 240 scanlines (30 tiles) down.
The 240-line resolutions are only used on 50&nbsp;Hz (i.e. [[PAL]]) displays, as the extra lines end up in the [[overscan]] of a 60&nbsp;Hz ([[NTSC]]) signal.
Instead, NTSC games use the 224-line resolution to free up more [[vertical blanking]] time to send more updates to the VDP.
Colors are chosen from a total of 512 possible colors; some games used a small amount of flicker to simulate more colors. Graphics consist of up to 80 sprites on screen and 2 background [[Plane (mathematics)|planes]]. Palettes are stored in color RAM (CRAM) and consist of 16 colors each for a total of 64 colors.<ref name="genesiscollective">{{cite web | url =http://www.genesiscollective.com/faq.php?myfaq=yes&id_cat=3&categories=General+Genesis+Information#16 | title =Genesis Collective FAQ | publisher =www.genesiscollective.com |accessdate =2008-03-06}}</ref><ref name="cw"/>


===Audio===
=== Soccer ===
The Eden Prairie Soccer Association offers two seasons of recreational soccer to more than 4,000 youth aged between four (entering kindergarten in the fall) and 18 (in high school in the spring) in 12 age-segregated divisions. Spring registration is usually held in February with play running from May through June. Fall registration is in June with the season running from mid-August through mid-October. Teams meet twice a week with an emphasis on having fun and learning the game. Most practices and games are held at the Flying Cloud Fields but other Eden Prairie park fields are also used.
[[Image:Genesis Model1 High Definition Graphics.jpg|thumb|Early Sega Genesis Model #1 with "High Definition Graphics" logo]]


The Eden Prairie Soccer Club offers a competitive travel soccer experience for youth ages seven and older to play in the spring and fall and a winter training program. Spring registration is usually in February, with the season running from May into July. Fall registrations are in August. All 800 players attend skill evaluation sessions and are placed at an appropriate team level. EPSC hosts the Eden Prairie Cup, a Midwest tournament with more than 30 brackets featuring teams from seven states and foreign countries.
There are two primary sound chips which are both controlled by the Z80; the [[Yamaha YM2612]] [[Frequency Modulation]] (FM) chip and the [[Texas Instruments SN76489]] [[Programmable Sound Generator]] (PSG) chip.<ref name="ConsoleInfo">{{cite web|url=http://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/segamegadrive/|title=Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Console Information|accessdate=2008-04-03|publisher=Console Database/Dale Hansen}}</ref> The FM sound [[synthesis]] IC resembles the [[Yamaha YM2151]] (used in Sega's coin-op machines) and the chips used in Yamaha's synthesizers. There are 8 [[kilobyte]]s of dedicated sound RAM available to the Z80.<ref name="genesiscollective">{{cite web | url =http://www.genesiscollective.com/faq.php?myfaq=yes&id_cat=3&categories=General+Genesis+Information#16 | title =technical specs | publisher =www.genesiscollective.com |accessdate =2008-03-06}}</ref> The Yamaha uses six FM channels, four operators each and runs at 7.67&nbsp;MHz (7.61&nbsp;MHz in PAL machines). [[Stereophonic sound|Stereo sound]] is output only through the headphone [[Jack (connector)|jack]] on model 1 systems and through AV out on model 2 systems along with mono signal.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref> Due to changes in the mixing circuit, early versions of model 1 output a much cleaner signal than later revisions of the hardware which in comparision do sound flat, muffled and distorted.<ref name="Audio Mixing in model #2 hardware revisions">{{cite web|url=http://arcade.ym2149.com/megadrive/|title="Megadrive sound" at arcade.ym2149.com|accessdate=2008-10-05}}</ref>


===Memory===
=== Track and Field ===
Beginning in Spring 2006, children in grades K-6 will be able to participate in a six week track program with practice and instruction during the week, and meets each weekend. The goal of the program is to encourage kids to enjoy running, jumping, and throwing while also introducing them to the structure of track and field competition. Ribbons will be awarded at the meets. Registration is held in February; the track season will begin in April at local schools.
There are 2 [[kilobytes|KB]] ([[KiB]]) of Boot [[Read-only memory|ROM]], which is also known as the "Trademark Security System" (TMSS). When the console is started, it checks the game for certain code given to licensed developers. Unlicensed games without the code are thus locked out, but if a game is properly licensed, the ROM will display "Produced by or under license from Sega Enterprises Ltd."<ref>{{cite web| title = Sega Enterprises Ltd. v. Accolade Inc.| work = digital-law-online.info| date = 1992-10-20| url = http://digital-law-online.info/cases/24PQ2D1561.htm| accessdate =2008-04-02 }}</ref>


=== Wrestling ===
There are also 64 KB of Main [[Random Access Memory|RAM]]. The Main RAM is part of the M68000 address space (short-word addressing was frequently used). 64 KB of Video RAM are also present,<ref name="ConsoleInfo"/> which cannot be accessed directly by CPU and must be read and written via the VDP (Video Display Processor). The Secondary RAM, which consists of 8 KB, is part of Z80 address space and is used as Main RAM in Master System compatibility mode. There are also 8 KB of audio RAM.<ref name="ConsoleInfo"/>
The Eden Prairie Wrestling Club is a K-8th grade program; prior experience is not required. We make every effort to match experience and ability levels during practices. Like any sport, some athletes wrestle year-round, others (especially first and second year wrestlers) feel a three month season is adequate. To accommodate this we have two sessions: mid-November to mid-January and mid-January to mid-March.


===Inputs and outputs===
== Facts ==
* The [[cult television]] comedy series, ''[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]]'', was originated here by [[Joel Hodgson]], and Eden Prairie is home to the show's production company [[Best Brains|Best Brains, Inc.]]
Two [[DE-9 connector|DE-9M]] (9-pin male [[D-connector]]s) on the front of the console are the controller input ports.<ref name="cw">{{cite web|url=http://www.captainwilliams.co.uk/sega/megadrive/megadrive.php|title=The Sega Mega Drive/Genesis | The best 16-BIT Console|accessdate=2008-04-03|publisher=www.captainwilliams.co.uk}}</ref> The EXT input port is a DE-9F (9-pin female D-connector) that was used with the [[Sega Meganet|Meganet]] modem peripheral, released only in Japan.<ref name="cw"/> It exists on all first-model Japanese Mega Drive units, and on early American Genesis and PAL (European, [[Australasia]]n and Asian) Mega Drive units. The power input is a positive tip [[DC connector|barrel connector]] that requires 9-10 [[volt]]s [[Direct current|DC]], or about 0.85-1.2 [[ampere|A]], depending on the model. There is also an Expansion input port which is an [[Edge connector]] on the bottom right hand side of the console. It is used almost exclusively for connection for the [[Sega Mega-CD]], though it was also used for the Sega Genesis 6 Cart Demo Unit (DS-16) in stores. This port is not present on the Genesis 3 model.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref>
* The [[cult movie]] comedy ''[[Mallrats]]'' was filmed at the [[Eden Prairie Center Mall|Eden Prairie Center]] mall (before remodeling).

* Scenes of the [[mockumentary]] comedy ''[[Drop Dead Gorgeous]]'' were filmed in the [[Eden Prairie Center]] mall parking lot, which is claimed to be the parking lot of the nearby [[Mall of America]] in the movie. The water tower with the clock is visible in the background.
An A/V output, which consists of a [[DIN connector]] with [[composite video]], [[RGB|RGB video]], and audio outputs, is present on the system.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref> The Mega Drive and the first model Genesis have an 8-pin DIN socket (same as [[Sega Master System]]) which supports mono audio only, but the Mega Drive 2, Multimega, and other models have a 9-pin [[mini-DIN connector]] with both mono and stereo audio.<ref name="sreac"/> Stereo audio for the Mega Drive and the first model Genesis were supplied by the headphone jack, which is not present on later models.<ref name="sreac"/> The RF output is an [[RCA jack]] that connects to TV antenna input. It exists on original model European and Asian Mega Drive and North American Genesis only; other models must use an external RF modulator which plugs into the A/V output.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref>
* In the movie ''[[Fargo (film)|Fargo]]'', the character Mike Yanagita lives in Eden Prairie and comments on the city's school district while dining with Marge at the Radisson<ref>Coen & Coen, [http://www.weeklyscript.com/Fargo.txt ''Fargo''], a screen play by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen (1996)</ref>. Documentry by Luis Rameriez features Parts of Eden Prairie in his film titled poverty in the burbs.

* The movie [[D3: The Mighty Ducks]] features fictitious Eden Hall Academy, whose name crosses Eden Prairie with [[Cretin-Derham Hall]].
==Variations==
* The [[Prince (artist)|Prince]] film, ''[[Graffiti Bridge (film)|Graffiti Bridge]]'', got its title from an actual railroad bridge in northern Eden Prairie that crossed over Valley View Road. It was legal to spray graffiti on the bridge, and when the movie came out, a large mural of Prince was featured on the bridge. The bridge was torn down in the early 1990s when Valley View Road needed to be widened (the road narrowed to one lane under the bridge, with each direction of traffic taking turns to pass under)<ref>New York Times, [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9C0CE3DD1639F936A15751C0A966958260 Lovers of Graffiti Rally To Save an Old Bridge], New York Times, February 25, 1990.</ref>. When the bridge was torn down, pieces of the bridge were sold as mementos along with a miniature newspaper article about the bridge.
{{main article|Variations of the Sega Mega Drive}}
* On March 4, 2002, President [[George W. Bush]] visited Eden Prairie High School, announcing his Quality Teacher Initiative <ref>Bush, G.W., [http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020304-8.html President Launches Quality Teacher Initiative] (White House Transcript), Eden Prairie High School, Eden Prairie, MN, March 4, 2002.</ref>.
[[Image:Console-wondermega.jpg|thumb|The Wondermega incorporates the Mega Drive and Mega CD in one unit (JVC Model Depicted)]]
* The [[Planes of Fame Museum|Planes of Fame East]] air museum was located at [[Flying Cloud Airport]] until December 1997, at which time all of the museum's vintage airplanes were moved to [[Chino, CA|Chino]], [[California]].<ref>WotN, [http://www.wotn.org/museum_project.htm Wings of the North Museum Project]</ref>.

* In 2007, Sports Illustrated Magazine named Eden Prairie High School's sports program the best in the state of Minnesota.
The Mega Drive quite possibly received more officially licensed variations than any other console. While only one major design revision of the console was created during its lifespan, each region has its own peculiarities and unique items, while other variations were exercises in reducing costs (such as the removal of the little-used 9-pin EXT. port) or expanding the capabilities of the Mega Drive.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref>

The Model MK-1631 (Mega Drive/Genesis 2) has a Z80 CPU.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.vidgame.net/SEGA/GEN2.html | title =Sega Genesis 2 (MK-1631) | publisher =wwwVidgame.net |accessdate =2008-03-06|last=Barr|first=Adrienne}}</ref> Depending on the board revision, the system has either a Zilog Z84C00 or a Custom Sega 315-5676 or similar. Because the Z80 is used for sound production by many games, it is a necessary component.<ref name="sreac"/>

Sega also released a combined, semi-portable Genesis/Sega CD unit called the [[Sega_Multi-Mega|CDX]].

Majesco's Genesis 3 (single-chip and dual-chip versions) retains the Mode 4 support but has the Master System compatibility removed from the bus controller logic.<ref name="ConsoleInfo">{{Cite web|url=http://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/segamegadrive/index.html|title=Sega Mega Drive/Genesis Console Information|accessdate=2007-10-18|author=Console Database Staff|work=http://www.consoledatabase.com}}</ref> This renders the Power Base Converter or any other adapter useless. 68000 software can still enable and use Mode 4, however.<ref name="sreac">{{cite web|url=http://www.skillreactor.org/cgi-bin/index.pl?megadrv|title=Sega Mega Drive information|accessdate=2008-04-01}}</ref>

The most interesting third-party version of the Mega Drive hardware was the [[JVC|Victor]] Wondermega. In addition to having all the functionality of Mega Drive and Mega CD, it could also connect to [[Musical Instrument Digital Interface|MIDI]] devices to synthesize music. This model of the Wondermega included a unique motorized CD tray lid. Sega released their own version of the Wondermega with slight changes to the case design. Otherwise, it is functionally identical. JVC would released a second mode of the Wondermega in Japan that included a smaller footprint, a different case design and wireless controller capability. Excluded was the motorized CD tray lid (this model would be stripped down and released as the X'Eye in North America.)

A late incarnation, in the form of a portable device is the [[Sega Mega Drive Handheld‎]] from Blaze International.

In July 2008 the Sega Mega Drive Twin Pad Player by the Chinese Sega licensee AT Games went on sale. It is a Mega Drive with 20 built in games (same as those on the aforementioned handheld). It has two 6-button controllers, a PAL/NTSC switch and mono sound. Additional "RedKid cartridges" will be available for it in the future, although original Mega Drive/Genesis cartridges work with it. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aeropause.com/2008/07/review-atgames-sega-megadrive-twin-pad-player/ |title=Review: AtGames Sega Megadrive Twin Pad Player |accessdate=2008-08-05 |author=Stephen Munn |date=2008-07-25 |publisher=Aeropause}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Sega}}
* [[List of Sega Mega Drive games]]
* [[Sega]]
* [[Sega Nomad]]
* [[Sega Mega Drive Handheld]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.edenprairie.org City website]
{{commonscat|Sega Mega Drive}}
* [http://www.edenpr.k12.mn.us/ Eden Prairie Independent School District #272]
* {{dmoz|Games/Video_Games/Console_Platforms/Sega/Genesis|Genesis}}
* [http://www.epcgt.org Eden Prairie Council for the Gifted & Talented]
* [http://www.epchamber.org/ Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.epveteransmemorial.org/ Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial]

* {{Gnis|643164}}


{{Hennepin County, Minnesota}}
{{Sega|Mega Drive/Genesis}}
{{Minnesota}}
{{dedicated video game consoles}}


[[Category:1988 introductions]]
[[Category:Cities in Minnesota]]
[[Category:1989 introductions]]
[[Category:Hennepin County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:1990 introductions]]
[[Category:Eden Prairie, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Settlements established in 1858]]
[[Category:Sega Mega Drive]]


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Revision as of 05:07, 11 October 2008

Eden Prairie, Minnesota
City
Eden Prairie City Hall
Eden Prairie City Hall
Nickname: 
EP[1][2]
Motto(s): 
Live, Work, Dream[3]
Location in Hennepin County
Location in Hennepin County
CountryUnited States
StateMinnesota
CountyHennepin
Founded1858
Incorporated1960s
Government
 • MayorPhil Young
Area
 • City35.2 sq mi (91.2 km2)
 • Land32.4 sq mi (83.9 km2)
 • Water2.8 sq mi (7.3 km2)
Elevation
886 ft (270 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • City54,901
 • Density1,695.1/sq mi (654.4/km2)
 • Urban
2,367,204
 • Metro
3,175,041
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (Central (CDT))
ZIP codes
55344, 55346, 55347
Area code952
FIPS code27-18116Template:GR
GNIS feature ID0643164Template:GR
Websitewww.edenprairie.org

Eden Prairie, or Eden Prison, is an edge city 12 miles (22 km) southwest of downtown Minneapolis in Hennepin County and the 12th largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The city lies on the north bank of the Minnesota River, upstream from the confluence with the Mississippi River. As the seventh largest suburb, Eden Prairie and nearby suburbs form the southwest portion of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the sixteenth largest metropolitan area in the United States, with about 3.2 million residents. The U.S. Census Bureau recorded the city's population at 54,901 in 2000.[4]

Composed of large lakes and ponds, the city has more than 170 miles (270 km) of multi-use trails, 2,250 acres (9 km2) of parks, and 1,300 acres (5 km2) of open space. Previously a bedroom suburb in the 1960s, the city is now home to more than 2,200 businesses and headquarters for Supervalu, ADC Telecommunications, MTS Systems Corporation and the Minnesota Vikings. Regionally known for Eden Prairie Center, it is also the hub for SouthWest Transit, serving public transportation to three adjacent suburbs. Eden Prairie was selected as the 10th best place to live in the United States by Money Magazine in 2006.[5]

The name Eden Prairie is attributed to Elizabeth Fries Ellet, an East Coast writer who visited the area in 1852. In her travelogue book, Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet. she described the Minnesota River valley, which adjoins the current day City of Eden Prairie, as the garden spot of the territory[6]

History

For most of its existence, Eden Prairie has been a slow-growing, pastoral village on the far southwestern fringes of the Twin Cities area. Between 1880 and 1960, Eden Prairie’s population grew by only 1,300 people, from 739 to 2,000.

Native Americans were the first to live in the area. In 1851, a treaty opened land west of the Mississippi River to settlement allowing pioneers to settle in what is now Eden Prairie. The town board of Eden Prairie held its first meeting in a log school house on May 11, 1858, the same day Minnesota became a state. However, Eden Prairie's farming community grew slowly over the years. Flying Cloud Airport was the first sign of big development in 1946. The 1960s and 1970s were decades of growth for the City's parks and recreation system. In the mid-70's, the community earned a higher profile with the addition of Interstate Highway 494 and the Eden Prairie Shopping Center. Eden Prairie became a Village in 1962 and a statutory city in 1974.

Etymology

The city owes its name to Elizabeth Fries Ellet, an East Coast writer who visited the area in 1852. In her travelogue book, Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet. she described the Minnesota River valley, which adjoins the current day City of Eden Prairie, as the garden spot of the territory[7].

The celebrated valley of the Minnesota River—called St. Pierre by the French, and until recently, St. Peter's—extends in a general direction from west to east, and, with the country along its tributaries, forms the garden spot of the territory. (Ellet, 1853, p. 112)

Eden Prairie is colloquially referred to as "EP."[citation needed]

Geography

Eden Prairie is located approximately 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Minneapolis along the northern side of the Minnesota River. It is located at 44°49′N 93°27′W / 44.817°N 93.450°W / 44.817; -93.450 at an elevation of 906 feet (276 m).

Interstate 494, U.S. Routes 169 and 212, and Minnesota State Highways 5 and 312 are five of the main routes in the city.

The land in Eden Prairie consists of rolling hills and bluffs overlooking the Minnesota River with zones of prairie and mixed (primarily deciduous) forests.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.2 square miles (91.2 km²)—32.4 square miles (83.9 km²) of it is land and 2.8 square miles (7.3 km²) of it (8.04%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 54,901 people, 20,457 households, and 14,585 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,695.1 people per square mile (654.4/km²). There were 21,026 housing units at an average density of 649.2 per square mile (250.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 72.66% White, 11.28% African American, 0.21% Native American, 5.82% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 1.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.57% of the population.[8][9]

There were 20,457 households out of which 42.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.3% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the city the population was spread out with 30.5% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 4.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $55,328, and the median income for a family was $62,258. Males had a median income of $61,303 versus $38,196 for females. The per capita income for the city was $38,854. About 12.8% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

Eden Prairie is located in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district, represented by Jim Ramstad, a moderate Republican who scores 20% progressive[10] and 79% conservative [11] on a range of issues. City Council Officials include Mayor Phil Young and Council Members Brad Aho, Sherrie Butcher, Jon Duckstad and Kathy Nelson. Scott Neal is the City Manager.

Economy

Today, Eden Prairie is home to more than 2,200 businesses, including many that specialize in communications and information technology.

Businesses in Eden Prairie
Fortune 500 Company Headquarters
Company Description
C.H. Robinson Worldwide shipping logistics
Supervalu grocery retail conglomerate
Other Company Headquarters
Company Description
Achieve Healthcare Technologies software systems for eldercare
ADC Telecommunications telecommunications and broadband hardware
Digital River The Premier E-Commerce Solution for Software Publishers
Fargo Electronics identity/security card systems
Golf Galaxy national golf accessory retail chain
Help/Systems, Inc. automated operation and business intelligence software systems
Highjump Software Supply Chain Management Software
Kroll Ontrack Systems computer forensics software and services
Lenox Group manufacturer of porcelain china and collectables
Lifetouch school photography, church directories and portraits,Jcpenny's and Target studios and Flash digital photography.
Minnesota Vikings NFL football team
MTS Systems Corporation Developers and Producers of world class automotive testing equipment.
ShopNBC television shopping channel
Starkey Laboratories world's largest hearing aid manufacturer
Stratasys Manufacturer of FDM rapid prototyping machines
SuperSolutions Corp Consumer Finance Software (Daybreak) for entire automated lending operations. Owned by i-flex Solutions, Inc.
SurModics pharmaceutical delivery systems
Virtual Radiologic tele-radiological software and interpretation services (moving to Eden Prairie in late 2008)
Xata transportation logistics
Xiotech data storage hardware solutions
Companies With Major Facilities
Company Description
Bose ElectroForce Systems Group materials test instruments
Eaton Corporation, Hydraulics Division industrial hydraulics technologies
Emerson Process Management industrial measurement instrumentation, formerly Rosemount Engineering, now a division of Emerson
Fox Broadcasting Company studios for KMSP-TV and WFTC-TV
GE Capital Fleet Services commercial car leasing
Stellent web content management software, recently acquired by Oracle Corporation
Sterling Commerce transportation management system software (formerly Nistevo)

Education

Public schools

The first school in Eden Prairie was Anderson School, a schoolhouse located near a farm. At the time of its construction, it was in the center of the city and thus an ideal spot. The old Eden Prairie Consolidated School, built in 1924, is now the school district Administration Building, and is located next to Central Kindergarten Center and Central Middle School.

Today Eden Prairie currently operates nine schools. Unlike other school districts in the state, Eden Prairie has an intermediate school (Oak Point) for grades five and six. Eden Prairie High School is the largest high school in the state, with 3,270 students, and is located near the grounds of Round Lake Park. Melissa Krull is the superintendent for the Eden Prairie School District.

Public Schools in Eden Prairie
Kindergarten and Elementary School (Grades 1-4) Intermediate School (Grades 5-6) Junior High School (Grades 7-8) High School (Grades 9-12)
Cedar Ridge Oak Point Central Middle School Eden Prairie High School
Forest Hills
Prairie View
Eden Lake
Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion

Charter schools

Eden Prairie has one publicly-funded charter school, Eagle Ridge Academy. This college preparatory school currently offers a rigorous classical, liberal arts curriculum to grades 6-11, with 12th grade being added in the 2007 – 2008 school year. The first graduating class for Eagle Ridge Academy will be the Class of 2008.

Private schools

Eden Prairie has one private school, The International School of Minnesota, which offers a private education for students in grades preschool through 12.

Colleges

There are three technical colleges in Eden Prairie:

Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial

Eden Prairie was proud to raise over $400,000 within the community to build a veterans memorial in 2008, in a grassroots effort. The memorial has two components; service to country and world peace. It was constructed in Purgatory Creek Park near the intersection of Technology Drive & Prairie Center Drive. World class sculptor, Neil Brodin designed and constructed two bronze sculptures[12]. The service to country sculpture represents a wounded airman carried over the shoulders of a soldier of the battle field. The world peace sculpture depicts a woman service member touch the world globe, honoring women who have served. Members of the community were able to purchase a place on the memorial for the name of a loved one who served in any branch of U.S. service, without regard to any particular war or conflict. Minnesota based Cold Spring Granite provided Messabi black granite for the walls of the memorial.

Notable natives

Youth sports associations

Basketball

Eden Prairie Boys Basketball Association offers both a travel and in-house program. Each season, 1,300 boys participate. Registration is held in September. Rookie League (grades K-1) begins play October through December. The second grade program runs on Saturday mornings from December through March and is a fundamentals-only program. In-house evaluations for grades 3-12 are held in November with league play beginning late November through March. The Southwest League for grades 6-8 plays other communities with a tournament weekend in March. The travel program runs from October through March. Travel tryouts for grades 5-8 are held in October.

The Eden Prairie Girls Basketball Association offers developmental training sessions beginning with girls in grade 2 and runs from January through February. Developmental in-house intramural play, with one practice and one game each week, is offered to girls grades 3-12. Registration is in September and evaluations are in October with the season running from December through March. Clinics and tournaments are held throughout the year. A travel program is available to grades 5-8 with two practices per week and weekend games. Registration is in August with the season running from November through March. EPGBA also sponsors a 3-on-3 summer league and clinics.

Baseball

The Eden Prairie Baseball Association has over 1,850 players, ages 4-18, in both in-house and travel leagues. Registration is usually held in February with the season beginning in April and playoff tournaments in July. Youth are separated by age or grade level. A travel league is available for youth ages 10-18, tryouts are in April. The Association's 15 directors, 12 associate directors, 13 commissioners and over 500 head and assistant coaches are all volunteers.

Football

More than 800 youth in grades 3-8 learn the fundamentals of football, sportsmanship, discipline and the importance of team play. Each participant will learn to play offense and defense positions. Teams are formed with an equal distribution of talent and weight limits are established for each grade. Registration is held in May. Equipment pickup and skills evaluation are both in August with the season running August through October. Grades 4-8 will play out of town games. Summer camps, led by Eden Prairie High School Head Football Coach Mike Grant , are also held to refine skills.

Ice Hockey

As the third largest hockey organization in Minnesota, the Eden Prairie Hockey Association serves more than 800 boys and girls from age 4-18. They learn the skills and strategies involved in hockey while having fun. Registrations and tryouts are held in September with the season running from November to March. Rookie camps are held in the fall and spring. Nine-year-olds and older participate in travel teams playing against neighboring communities. A girls-only hockey experience with a ‘no checking’ policy is available for girls ages 14 and under.

Lacrosse

The Eden Prairie Lacrosse Association offers programs for both boys and girls grades 3-12. Indoor season registration is in November and runs from January through March/April. The regular outdoor season registration is in March. The season runs from May 1st through July 31st. The summer leagues, camps and clinics run from June through August. Rental equipment is available for new players who may not want to immediately invest in equipment.

Soccer

The Eden Prairie Soccer Association offers two seasons of recreational soccer to more than 4,000 youth aged between four (entering kindergarten in the fall) and 18 (in high school in the spring) in 12 age-segregated divisions. Spring registration is usually held in February with play running from May through June. Fall registration is in June with the season running from mid-August through mid-October. Teams meet twice a week with an emphasis on having fun and learning the game. Most practices and games are held at the Flying Cloud Fields but other Eden Prairie park fields are also used.

The Eden Prairie Soccer Club offers a competitive travel soccer experience for youth ages seven and older to play in the spring and fall and a winter training program. Spring registration is usually in February, with the season running from May into July. Fall registrations are in August. All 800 players attend skill evaluation sessions and are placed at an appropriate team level. EPSC hosts the Eden Prairie Cup, a Midwest tournament with more than 30 brackets featuring teams from seven states and foreign countries.

Track and Field

Beginning in Spring 2006, children in grades K-6 will be able to participate in a six week track program with practice and instruction during the week, and meets each weekend. The goal of the program is to encourage kids to enjoy running, jumping, and throwing while also introducing them to the structure of track and field competition. Ribbons will be awarded at the meets. Registration is held in February; the track season will begin in April at local schools.

Wrestling

The Eden Prairie Wrestling Club is a K-8th grade program; prior experience is not required. We make every effort to match experience and ability levels during practices. Like any sport, some athletes wrestle year-round, others (especially first and second year wrestlers) feel a three month season is adequate. To accommodate this we have two sessions: mid-November to mid-January and mid-January to mid-March.

Facts

  • The cult television comedy series, Mystery Science Theater 3000, was originated here by Joel Hodgson, and Eden Prairie is home to the show's production company Best Brains, Inc.
  • The cult movie comedy Mallrats was filmed at the Eden Prairie Center mall (before remodeling).
  • Scenes of the mockumentary comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous were filmed in the Eden Prairie Center mall parking lot, which is claimed to be the parking lot of the nearby Mall of America in the movie. The water tower with the clock is visible in the background.
  • In the movie Fargo, the character Mike Yanagita lives in Eden Prairie and comments on the city's school district while dining with Marge at the Radisson[13]. Documentry by Luis Rameriez features Parts of Eden Prairie in his film titled poverty in the burbs.
  • The movie D3: The Mighty Ducks features fictitious Eden Hall Academy, whose name crosses Eden Prairie with Cretin-Derham Hall.
  • The Prince film, Graffiti Bridge, got its title from an actual railroad bridge in northern Eden Prairie that crossed over Valley View Road. It was legal to spray graffiti on the bridge, and when the movie came out, a large mural of Prince was featured on the bridge. The bridge was torn down in the early 1990s when Valley View Road needed to be widened (the road narrowed to one lane under the bridge, with each direction of traffic taking turns to pass under)[14]. When the bridge was torn down, pieces of the bridge were sold as mementos along with a miniature newspaper article about the bridge.
  • On March 4, 2002, President George W. Bush visited Eden Prairie High School, announcing his Quality Teacher Initiative [15].
  • The Planes of Fame East air museum was located at Flying Cloud Airport until December 1997, at which time all of the museum's vintage airplanes were moved to Chino, California.[16].
  • In 2007, Sports Illustrated Magazine named Eden Prairie High School's sports program the best in the state of Minnesota.

References

  1. ^ Ernie Shuldhiess. "Eden Prairie History". Eden Prairie History. Retrieved 2008-07-11.
  2. ^ self. "Google search on "EP" businesses in "Eden Prairie, MN"". Google. Retrieved 2008-07-11.
  3. ^ "About Eden Prairie". City of Eden Prairie. 2008.
  4. ^ "Burnsville city, T1. Population Estimates [9] Data Set: 2006 Population Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau. 2006.
  5. ^ "Money Best Places to Live 2006". CNNMoney. Cable News Network. 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-31.
  6. ^ Ellet, E. F. (Elizabeth Fries) (1853). Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet. New York: J. C. Riker.
  7. ^ Ellet, E. F. (Elizabeth Fries) (1853). Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet. New York: J. C. Riker.
  8. ^ American Fact Finder. "Eden Prairie city, Minnesota". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
  9. ^ "DP-1. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
  10. ^ Grossman, Joshua. "ProgressivePunch Leading with the Left". All Issues. ProgressivePunch. Retrieved 2006-10-28.
  11. ^ "Congressional Voting Scorecard 2005" (pdf). SBE Council’s Congressional Voting Scorecard 2005. Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. June, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ [http:www.epveteransmemorial.org]
  13. ^ Coen & Coen, Fargo, a screen play by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen (1996)
  14. ^ New York Times, Lovers of Graffiti Rally To Save an Old Bridge, New York Times, February 25, 1990.
  15. ^ Bush, G.W., President Launches Quality Teacher Initiative (White House Transcript), Eden Prairie High School, Eden Prairie, MN, March 4, 2002.
  16. ^ WotN, Wings of the North Museum Project

External links

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