Hey guys,
 
I've been digging around on amazon and I saw that some companies manufacture "handheld genesis players" that look like game gears, but you simply plug in your cartridge and your good to go.  My Genesis has long been unplayable due to a broken controller port.  Anyway, I was thinking of picking one of these up.  They're called either the "Retrogen" or "GenMobile."  
 
The reviews are quite mixed so I was just curious if anyone owned them or had any input.
 
Thanks!

Get a Sega Nomad instead, it works with games from all regions. 

I saw those on Amazon as well.  However, the cheapest I found was about $200, which is a little too pricey for as much as I'll end up using it.

Yea, they're pretty rare and highly prized by ardent Sega fans, such as myself. I would give eBay a check, everything tends to be significantly cheaper there.  As a Sega purist, I really do hate these kinds of products, I would always recommend someone goes for official hardware over this kind of thing.
 
If you have no luck you should look to pick up a refurbished console at low cost.

Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do unless you have another broken down console and are willing to do a repair job. Sega improved their controller ports significantly with the Sega Saturn.  
 
I just had a look myself, there are some decent prices for some model one's here. I don't think $45 is much to pay for one in good condition with a few extra's. If your current Genesis is a later model, you should definitely think about owning a model one, your collection will feel more special that way, and you'll be more likely to add to it.

 @Contro: 
Thanks for the link.  That's not bad at all.
 
I actually have the first model, as you described.  I think I may just pick up a used console.  Those prices aren't bad.

Unless you are collecting, I wouldn't worry about the Nomad. Whenever I get mine out I remember how big it is, like a brick. And the screen is not so bright.

I found this listing on ebay, you could do a lot worse. Some neat games and an adapter for that buy it now price.
 http://cgi.ebay.com/SEGA-NOMAD-BATTERY-PACK-ADAPTER-10-GAMES-/140530371365?pt=Video_Games&hash=item20b8434b25