First off, go upstairs, open your loft access hatch, and have a good root around. Chances are there's a MegaDrive sitting up there long forgotten and waiting to be played. If you're not that lucky, don't worry, there's still plenty of places where you can pick up a MegaDrive console pretty cheaply. Depending on condition, it's pretty easy to pick up a console for under £5 as long as you don't mind getting up early on a Sunday morning, finding a car boot sale and barging past the hordes of antique hunters who've been watching far too many episodes of Bargain Hunt. No local car boot sales? Try some of these instead:

Independent Game Stores

"But there isn't one near me", I hear you saying. There is, you just have to find it. Most places have got one somewhere, but it won't be on the main street next to Harrods. Independent game stores are normally tucked away on a back street somewhere, they don't make as much profit as the major high street game store chains, so they can't afford the rent on prime location property. Once you've found one, they generally turn out to be goldmines for retro gaming goodies, as well as having cheaper price tags for current-gen console games. If you're really struggling to find one you could always chance your local GameStation. They're currently phasing out retro games, but now and again they have a console/game package in the window.

Cash Converters

Every town has a pawn shop of some kind, how else are thieves supposed to shift their swag, so you should have no problems finding one of these. As a general rule they don't tend to stock much before the 32 bit era, but if you're patient and lucky you might happen across a decent console/games bundle. Generally stuff is priced to sell, but some of the stores will try selling stuff at outrageous prices, so be careful and do your research before handing over your hard earned cash.

Blue Rose Video Games

Primarily an on-line Sega Master System store based in the U.S.A, Blue Rose Video Games has started to branch out and now stocks a large selection of Genesis consoles, accessories and games. The stock is updated daily, so if you're looking for something in particular then check the site regularly.

Console Passion

This UK based on-line store carries a large selection of consoles accessories and games. There prices aren't the cheapest around, but the items are generally in mint condition. Also offers a console modifying service, ranging from changing the colour of the LED to Region switches.

ConsoleMAD

Carries a large stock of games from all three of the main release regions. Prices are very reasonable, with detailed descriptions of the condition of the game. The site also has a friendly forum and a cool mini arcade with lots of addictive games.

Ebay

As much as I can't stand the sites high seller fees and ridiculous rule changes, I still find myself searching the video game sections on a daily basis. If you're just starting out then Ebay is generally a good place to find your first console. With hundreds of different console/game bundles to choose from you shouldn't have any problems finding a lot that suits your needs. My only tip would be to try and buy local so you can pick your lovely new games package up personally and save yourself the postage fees. Oh yeah, don't get too miffed if I outbid you on something!

I'll leave it at that for now, once you're hooked I'm sure you'll be able to source great retro sales sites for yourself, there's thousands to choose from. If you're looking for something in particular though, try posting a wanted ad in the ‘Wants and trades' section of the forum. Chances are one of the members has a spare copy of the game you've been searching for forever.