More than 25 years since its release, Sega's Mega Drive is expected to be a surprise hit this Christmas.

Nostalgic fans of the original console are flocking to buy the re-released machine, with sales having soared by more than 400 per cent in recent weeks.

Despite it not being as advanced as the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, the £39.99 ($76) machines are flying off the shelves, according to retailer Argos.

Nostalgic fans of the original Sega Mega Drive are flocking to buy the re-released retro games machine that first went on sale in 1990. It may not be as advanced as the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, but the £39.99 ($76) consoles are flying off the shelves, according to retailer Argos

The Sega Mega Drive introduced a generation to arcade-style games in their living room including the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

It was initially released in Japan in October 1988 and in America and Europe the following year.

Sales of Sega's console peaked in the mid-90s before the arrival of the first PlayStation created a new standard for video games.

GAMING CAFE OPENS IN HAMPSHIRE Last month, entrepreneur Steve Lowe opened the Game Over cafe in a cellar in Old Portsmouth. It took Mr Lowe 30 years to collect the consoles and seven months to make sure the location was secure. Working consoles available to play at the cafe include an original Sega Master System, a SNES, the ZX Spectrum and more recent models, including the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. Games include the biking game Hang-On, Super Mario Bros and Fifa 96, and for people who preferred the arcade machines of the 1970s and 80s, Mr Lowe has installed two large screens with joysticks and controls. Advertisement

It later went out of production but was reintroduced more than a year ago thanks to a growing fashion for retro products, from Sodastream to Spacehoppers.

The Sega console from Argos comes pre-loaded with 80 games include Sonic and Streets of Rage.

It is compatible with Sega Mega Drive cartridges and is sold with two wireless, battery-operated controllers.

Laura Hamblyn, gift buyer at Argos, said: 'There's a real appetite for nostalgia at the moment, whether it is firing up old consoles, or dusting down old vinyl records.

'The Sega Mega Drive is fondly remembered by the 90s generation who would spend hours helping Sonic The Hedgehog to defeat his arch nemesis Doctor Robotnik.

'It is fantastic to see parents buying this console to relive their childhood and introduce their own kids to some old school gaming.'

The release of the console is part of the rising trend of retro gaming.

Last month, entrepreneur Steve Lowe opened the Game Over cafe in a cellar in Old Portsmouth.

The Sega Mega Drive introduced a generation to arcade style games in their living room including Sonic the Hedgehog (pictured). The console was initially released in Japan in October 1988 and in America and Europe the following year

Sales of Sega's console peaked in the mid-90s before the arrival of the first PlayStation (a PS3 controller is pictured) created a new standard for video games. It later went out of production but was reintroduced over a year ago thanks to a growing fashion for retro products

It took Mr Lowe 30 years to collect the consoles and seven months to make sure the location was secure.

Working consoles available to play at the cafe include an original Sega Master System, a SNES, the ZX Spectrum and more recent models, including the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3.

Games include the biking game Hang-On, Super Mario Bros and Fifa 96, and for people who preferred the arcade machines of the 1970s and 80s, Mr Lowe has installed two large screens with joysticks and controls.