Now here’s an interesting development in the world of potent portable gaming. It appears that Sega is jumping onto the iPhone/Touch gaming platform by developing its own emulation service to kick out Sega Genesis games straight to your phone, as reported by Gizmodo.

Sega has released emulated bundles of games before on the iPhone, but this is different. Instead of a bundle job (like the Ultimate Collection pack that made the rounds on the consoles), this is to be a full-fledged Virtual Store, offering a-la-carte purchases of classic Genesis games for (slightly) inflated prices.

Click past the jump for pricing and game info.

Here’s the current lineup:

• Sonic the Hedgehog: $5.99
• Golden Axe: $4.99
• Ecco the Dolphin: $2.99
• Shining Force: $2.99

Ports to the iPhone are not my favorite idea in the world. Trying to game on a device with no physical keys is like trying to hold still a feisty cat in your arms. You’re as likely to shoot an enemy or score a point as you are to drop the iPhone and smash it on the ground. Motion controls and touch screens work well for games designed exclusively for them… but anything with a D-pad spells “doom”.

Still, I’d be lying if the idea of some choice Genesis games on my iPhone don’t get me all excited. Shining Force, for example, is going to be superb. And count me in for Toe Jam & Earl. Or Road Rash if they developed motion controls… The possibilities are… compelling.

(via Gizmodo)