Sega will soon release a proper virtual console for the iPhone and iPod touch, reports say. Called Ultimate Genesis, the platform will take the form of an app, allowing in-app downloads of a number of games originally made for the defunct Sega Genesis console. While Space Harrier II will be included for free, other titles should cost varying amounts of money. Sonic the Hedgehog will cost $6, for instance, while Golden Axe will be $5, and Shining Force and Ecco the Dolphin will be $3 apiece.

The app should address a pair of issues with Sega games on the iPhone OS. Until now the company has had to package each Genesis game as a separate app, despite their using the same codebase. Ultimate Genesis may also provide a more convenient way of playing the games, at least for people without jailbroken devices. Virtual consoles have typically been kept out of the App Store for being unofficial, and potentially playing illegal content.

Ultimate Genesis is due as a free download in early February.