I recently found a late release (1996) Sonic 1 for Sega Genesis. I saw the K-A rating on the front odd and was surprised that the game was even released in 1996 especially as a hard case. I would expect any late release to be a softcover re-print by Majesco.
If there is any minute difference in the game ROM, I have no idea; however, I did notice the saturated orange-rich cover, manual, and label for the game. The 1991 manual also has a Castle of Illusion ad on the back while the '96 one has nothing / black.
The spine of the cover art for '96 has the UPC printed on it while the '91 version has it printed on the back.
Anyways, I was wondering if there is any variation in price, rarity, and collector interest in the versions.
Click on the picture to enlarge it:
1991 on top, 1996 on bottom