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As in North America, Sega launched the redesigned Sega Master System II in 1990. This system included ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'', and later ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', as a built-in game.
As in North America, Sega launched the redesigned Sega Master System II in 1990. This system included ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'', and later ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', as a built-in game.


As late as 1993, the Master System's active [[Installed base|installed user base]] in [[Western Europe]] was 6.25 million units, larger than that of the [[Sega Mega Drive]]'s 5.73 million base that year.<ref name="digest_60">{{cite book|title=Screen Digest|year=1995|publisher=[[Screen Digest]]|page=60|month=March|chapter=Sega Consoles: Active installed base estimates}} ([[cf.]] [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=L0UeT47oMouEhQeoldjNDQ&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=sega+active+installed here], [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=XjkeT5KCHImJhQe45eiBDg&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=8-bit+16-bit+32-bit here], and [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=L0UeT47oMouEhQeoldjNDQ&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=%22UK+600+1.100%22&q=%22UK+600%22 here])</ref> The Master System thus accounted for nearly half of the active installed base for consoles in Western Europe in 1993 (13.51 million), and combined with the Mega Drive, Sega represented nearly 90% of the console user base in Western Europe that year.<ref name="digest_61">{{cite book|title=Screen Digest|year=1995|publisher=[[Screen Digest]]|page=61|month=March|chapter=Total 8-bit and 16-bit Catridge Consoles: Active installed base estimates}} ([[cf.]] [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=L0UeT47oMouEhQeoldjNDQ&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=sega+active+installed&q=nintendo+active+installed#search_anchor here] and [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=200eT4yAK8y1hAfsncjRDQ&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=%22EU+as+listed+%3A+6730+10430+10460+7.410%22&q=%22Western+Europe+8550+13390+13510+9570%22#search_anchor here])</ref> The Master System's largest markets in the region were France and the United Kingdom, which had active user bases of 1.6 million and 1.35 million, respectively, in 1993. The combined total for the peak active user bases in all Western European markets (600,000 for [[Belgium]] in 1991, 400,000 for [[Italy]] in 1992, and 5.8 million combined for the other markets in 1993) add up to 6.8 million units in Western Europe between 1991 and 1993.<ref name="digest_60"/>
As late as 1993, the Master System's active [[Installed base|installed user base]] in [[Western Europe]] was 6.25 million units, larger than that of the [[Sega Mega Drive]]'s 5.73 million base that year.<ref name="digest_60">{{cite book|title=Screen Digest|year=1995|publisher=[[Screen Digest]]|page=60|month=March|chapter=Sega Consoles: Active installed base estimates}} ([[cf.]] [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=L0UeT47oMouEhQeoldjNDQ&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=sega+active+installed here], [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=XjkeT5KCHImJhQe45eiBDg&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=8-bit+16-bit+32-bit here], and [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=L0UeT47oMouEhQeoldjNDQ&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=%22UK+600+1.100%22&q=%22UK+600%22 here])</ref> The Master System thus accounted for nearly half of the active installed base for consoles in Western Europe in 1993 (13.51 million), and combined with the Mega Drive, Sega represented the majority of the console user base in Western Europe that year.<ref name="digest_61">{{cite book|title=Screen Digest|year=1995|publisher=[[Screen Digest]]|page=61|month=March|chapter=Total 8-bit and 16-bit Catridge Consoles: Active installed base estimates}} ([[cf.]] [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=L0UeT47oMouEhQeoldjNDQ&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=sega+active+installed&q=nintendo+active+installed#search_anchor here] and [http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=200eT4yAK8y1hAfsncjRDQ&id=jFnvAAAAMAAJ&dq=%22EU+as+listed+%3A+6730+10430+10460+7.410%22&q=%22Western+Europe+8550+13390+13510+9570%22#search_anchor here])</ref> The Master System's largest markets in the region were France and the United Kingdom, which had active user bases of 1.6 million and 1.35 million, respectively, in 1993. The combined total for the peak active user bases in all Western European markets (600,000 for [[Belgium]] in 1991, 400,000 for [[Italy]] in 1992, and 5.8 million combined for the other markets in 1993) add up to 6.8 million units in Western Europe between 1991 and 1993.<ref name="digest_60"/>


The last licensed release in Europe was ''[[The Smurfs: Travel the World]]'', released by [[Infogrames]] in 1996. Its successor, the [[Sega Mega Drive|Mega Drive]], which was also successful in Europe, was supported up until this time as well. However, both were discontinued so that Sega could concentrate on the [[Sega Saturn]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sega Master System/SG-1000 Mark III Console Information|publisher=Console Database |url=http://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/segamastersystem/ |quote=There was lots of third party support for the system in Europe and it outdid the NES...The console was supported by Sega in Europe up until 1996 when it was discontinued so that Sega could concentrate on the Saturn.}}
The last licensed release in Europe was ''[[The Smurfs: Travel the World]]'', released by [[Infogrames]] in 1996. Its successor, the [[Sega Mega Drive|Mega Drive]], which was also successful in Europe, was supported up until this time as well. However, both were discontinued so that Sega could concentrate on the [[Sega Saturn]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sega Master System/SG-1000 Mark III Console Information|publisher=Console Database |url=http://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/segamastersystem/ |quote=There was lots of third party support for the system in Europe and it outdid the NES...The console was supported by Sega in Europe up until 1996 when it was discontinued so that Sega could concentrate on the Saturn.}}

Revision as of 07:15, 24 June 2012

Sega Master System
マスターシステム

Above: The North American version of SMS. Below: The PAL version of SMS II
ManufacturerSega
TypeVideo game console
GenerationThird generation
Introductory priceUS$ 100[4]
DiscontinuedJP 1989
NA 1992
EU and CAN 1996
Units soldWorldwide: 10-13 million[5][6]
Japan: 1 million (as of 1986)[7]
United States: 2 million[8] (as of 1993)[9]
Western Europe: 6.8 million (estimated as of December 1993)[10]
Brazil: 2 million (as of 2005)[11]
MediaROM cartridge and card
CPU8-bit Zilog Z80 at 3.58 MHz (3.579545 MHz)[12]
Memory64 kbits (8 KB)[13][14]
StorageSega Card (256 kbits max. capacity)
DisplayNTSC or PAL based on the TMS9918 video chip
Controller input2 controller ports[15][15]
1 expansion slot[15]
Best-selling gameAlex Kidd in Miracle World[16]
PredecessorSG-1000
SuccessorSega Mega Drive/Genesis

The Master System (マスターシステム, Masutā Shisutemu) (abbreviated to SMS) is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan (as the Sega Mark III), 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe.

The original SMS could play both cartridges and the credit card-sized "Sega Cards," which retailed for cheaper prices than cartridges but had lower storage capacity. The SMS also featured accessories such as a light gun and 3D glasses which were designed to work with a range of specially coded games.

The Master System was released as a direct competitor to the Nintendo Entertainment System in the third videogame generation. The SMS was technically superior to the NES, which predated its release by nine months in North America,[17] but failed to overturn Nintendo's significant market share advantage in Japan and North America.[18]

In the European, Oceanic and Brazilian markets, this console allowed Sega to outsell Nintendo, due to its wider availability. It enjoyed over a decade of life in those territories[19] and was supported in Europe up until 1996.[20] Up until 1994, it was the console with the largest active installed user base in Western Europe, peaking at 6.25 million units in 1993.[10][21]

The console was redesigned several times both for marketing purposes and to add features, most notably in Brazil. The later Sega Game Gear is effectively a hand-held Master System, with a few enhancements.[19]

In 2009, the Master System was named the 20th best video game console of all time (out of 25) by the video gaming website IGN, behind both its competitors, the Atari 7800 (ranked 17th best) and the Nintendo Entertainment System (1st). They cited the Master System's small games library, coupled with the highly uneven quality of the few games that were released: "Months could go by between major releases and that made a dud on the Master System feel even more painful."[22]

History

Hideki Sato designed the Sega Game 1000 (エスジーセン, Esujī Sen) (SG-1000), a cartridge-based system first released to the Japanese market on Friday, July 15, 1983 for ¥15,000 (US$241.50).

The SG-1000, along with its direct successor the SG-1000 II, marked Sega's first entry into the home video game hardware business, though neither system was popular.[23]

Japan

The Sega Mark III, the original Japanese version of the Master System
The Mark III controllers

The Sega Mark III was released in Japan on Sunday, October 20, 1985 at a price of ¥15,000 as a competitor to Nintendo's Family Computer.

Games for the console came in two formats; ROM cartridges and Sega Game Cards. The cards held only 256 kilobits of data (cartridges held at least 4 times that amount, e.g. the early "mega cartridge" games with 1 mbit / 128 kbit), but were cheaper to manufacture and sold for less than the carts did. The console also featured games built into the system BIOS that played whenever a cart or card was not inserted; the different models of the console each featured different built-in titles. The Mark III was also backwards compatible with SG-1000 software.

In 1987 a redesigned version of the console, now branded as the Master System, was released and featured the addition of a built-in Yamaha YM2413 FM sound chip, a rapid fire unit and 3-D glasses; all of which had been separate accessories for the Mark III.

Despite a strong start, selling 1 million units in its first year on sale in Japan,[7] neither the Mark III nor its Master System variant ever posed a serious challenge to Nintendo's near-total domination of the Japanese console market.

The last licensed title in Japan was Bomber Raid, released by Sega on February 4, 1989.

North America

The Mark III was redesigned by Sato for release in other markets. This was mainly a cosmetic revamp and the internal components of the console remained largely the same, although the cartridge port on the SMS has a somewhat different pinout than the Mark III and games cannot be exchanged between the two without an adapter.

The Master System was released in the United States in June 1986, hitting the market less than a year after the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released and pre-dating the re-branded Japanese release. The console sold for $200.

By 1988, Nintendo commanded 83% of the North American video game market share.[24] Sega did not want to risk challenging Nintendo directly and instead contracted Tonka to market the Master System in North America. However, as a toy manufacturer, Tonka had no experience or knowledge of electronic games and their marketing skills proved extremely poor.[25] One of Nintendo's policies was that its third-party licensees could not release any video game on competing consoles and the resultant lack of third-party support left the Master System deprived of many arcade and NES hit titles. Activision and Parker Brothers were the only two third-party companies publishing for the Master System in North America, but both companies withdrew their support in 1989 and neither company had released more than five video game titles for the platform.

In 1989, Sega was preparing to release the new 16-bit Sega Genesis in North America, and displeased with Tonka, took over marketing duties itself. It designed the Sega Master System II, a low-cost Master System that lacked several of the original's features (including the card slot). In an effort to counter Nintendo's Super Mario Bros, the new system included Alex Kidd in Miracle World playable without any cartridges; hence replacing the built-in Snail Maze and Hang-On/Safari Hunt of the original system. Sega marketed the Master System II heavily; nevertheless, the unit sold poorly in North America, especially since it had already been superseded by the Genesis. In 1991, Nintendo was found guilty of violating United States antitrust law and forced to abandon some of its licensing practices, but the Master System had already been eclipsed long ago with no signs of ever recovering. By early 1992, the Master System's sales were virtually nonexistent in North America and production ceased. The Master System had sold 2 million units in the United States.[9]

The last licensed release in the United States was Sonic the Hedgehog, released by Sega in October 25, 1991. Some European games were released in Canada for some time after.[26]

Europe

In sharp contrast to its performance in Japan and North America, the Master System was very successful in Europe. Sega marketed this console in many European countries, including several in which Nintendo did not sell its consoles. It enjoyed strong third party support in the continent, including from American video game publishers that had not released titles for the platform in North America. It had some success in Germany, where it was distributed by Ariolasoft beginning in winter 1987. In France, the console was distributed in 1987 by Mastertronic France, from September 1988 until September 1991 by Virgin Loisirs, and then from September 1991 onwards by Sega France.

In the United Kingdom, it was distributed by Mastertronic (which later merged with the Virgin Group), and in Italy it was distributed by Giochi Preziosi. In its first years it overshadowed the Nintendo Entertainment System but wasn't as successful as the Atari ST and Amiga 500 Personal Computers, which were mostly used as gaming machines. The NES only gained a good market share in these territories later in its lifespan, after the release of the Sega Mega Drive. The console was produced far longer in Europe than in Japan and North America. It was eventually a major success in Europe, where it outsold the NES by a considerable margin.[10][21] Because of the success in Europe, Sega decided to open its Sega Europe division.

As in North America, Sega launched the redesigned Sega Master System II in 1990. This system included Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and later Sonic the Hedgehog, as a built-in game.

As late as 1993, the Master System's active installed user base in Western Europe was 6.25 million units, larger than that of the Sega Mega Drive's 5.73 million base that year.[10] The Master System thus accounted for nearly half of the active installed base for consoles in Western Europe in 1993 (13.51 million), and combined with the Mega Drive, Sega represented the majority of the console user base in Western Europe that year.[21] The Master System's largest markets in the region were France and the United Kingdom, which had active user bases of 1.6 million and 1.35 million, respectively, in 1993. The combined total for the peak active user bases in all Western European markets (600,000 for Belgium in 1991, 400,000 for Italy in 1992, and 5.8 million combined for the other markets in 1993) add up to 6.8 million units in Western Europe between 1991 and 1993.[10]

The last licensed release in Europe was The Smurfs: Travel the World, released by Infogrames in 1996. Its successor, the Mega Drive, which was also successful in Europe, was supported up until this time as well. However, both were discontinued so that Sega could concentrate on the Sega Saturn.[27]

Brazil

Sega Master System III compact: Brazilian variation of Master System II

Brazil was the most successful market for the Master System. Tec Toy, Sega's distributor in Brazil, was responsible for marketing and sales. Both the Master System I and II have slight differences in the external appearance of the console, but are still extremely similar to the Master System outside of Brazil.

At least five versions of the console were released between 1989 and 1995 and several games had been translated into Portuguese. Phantasy Star was the first game completely translated to the Brazilian Portuguese. Brazil also produced many original games, like Sítio do Pica Pau Amarelo (based on the works of Monteiro Lobato), Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum (from the TV Cultura series) and TV Colosso (from the Rede Globo series).

By 1996, Tec Toy had sold 2 million Master System and Mega Drive units in Brazil.[28] In Brazil, the Master System had a larger install base than the Mega Drive and outsold later consoles up until the 2000s.[29] By 2005, the Master System and Mega Drive had sold more than 2 million units each in Brazil.[11] As of 2010, both Master System and Sega Mega Drive are still being produced in Brazil, now with several games running direct from the memory, and, as of 2006, the cartridge slots have been removed from the Master System, as the cartridges aren't marketed anymore.

The latest version is called Master System Evolution, and includes 132 built-in games.

In 2002, Tec Toy, motivated by the success of the Sega Master System in the Brazilian market, decided to continue producing more games. By the end of the 1990s, there were well over 70 Brazilian variants of the original Master System games. The system was re-released again by changing the color of the console to a white hue. A number of games were exclusively released in the Brazilian market for the Master System.[30]

Later, Game Gear games were ported to the Master System and several original Brazilian titles were made for the system. Tec Toy also produced a licensed version of the fighting game Street Fighter II for the Master System. The console production was familiar to the Brazilians, which explains the success in that market.

One of the more notable Master System consoles in Brazil was wireless Master System Compact developed by Tec Toy. The console transmits the A/V signal through RF, dispensing cable connections. It was produced from 1994 to 1997 and is still a target for console collectors. A similar version, called Master System Girl, was also released in an attempt to attract female consumers. The only difference in this version is a strong pink casing and pastel buttons.

In 2009, Master System Evolution (a new version) was released in Brazil.

Technical specifications

CPU
  • The Master System's CPU is an 8-bit Zilog Z80.[31] The maximum addressable memory is 64 kB.
Video
  • Graphics: VDP (Video Display Processor) derived from Texas Instruments TMS9918A
    • Up to 32 simultaneous colors available (one 16-color palette for sprites or background, an additional 16-color palette for background only) from a palette of 64 (can also show 64 simultaneous colors using programming tricks)
    • Screen resolutions 256×192 and 256×224. PAL/SECAM also supports 256×240
    • 8×8 pixel characters, max 463 (due to VRAM space limitation)
    • 8×8 or 8×16 pixel sprites, max 64
    • Horizontal, vertical, and partial screen scrolling
Audio
  • Sound (PSG): Texas Instruments SN76489 (note that the Sega Master System, Game Gear, and Mega Drive used a slightly altered clone of the newer SN76489A, while the older SG-series used the original SN76489)
  • Sound (FM): Yamaha YM2413
    • Mono FM synthesis
    • Switchable between 9 tone channels or 6 tone channels + 5 percussion channels
    • Included as a built-in "accessory" with the Japanese Master System (1987)
    • Supported by certain games only
Onboard RAM
  • Boot ROM: 64 kbit (8 KB) to 2048 kbit (256 KB), depending on built-in game
  • Main RAM: 64 kbit (8 KB), can be supplemented by game cartridges
  • Video RAM: 128 kbit (16 KB)
  • Game Card slot (not available in the Master System II)
  • Game Cartridge slot (not included on newer Brazilian models, as these have built-in games)
    • Japanese and South Korean consoles used 44-pin cartridges, the same shape as SG-1000 cartridges
    • All other consoles use 50-pin cartridges[32] with a wider shape
    • The difference in cartridge style is a form of regional lockout
  • Expansion slot
    • Unused, pinout compatible with 50-pin cartridges (but opposite gender) in all regions
Dimensions
  • Width: 365 mm
  • Depth: 170 mm
  • Height: 69 mm:[33]

Media input

One of the most unusual features of the Sega Master System is its dual media inputs: one cartridge slot and one card slot. The card slot accepted small cards about the size of a credit card, much like the later PC Engine/TurboGrafx.

The cards and cartridges both serve the purpose of holding software. However, the cartridges had a much higher capacity, while the cards were much smaller (holding a maximum of 32k). Sega used the cards for budget games, priced lower than the typical game.

Almost all cards are games, but the 3-D glasses card served an entirely different purpose. The 3-D glasses plug into the console via the card slot, and allow 3-D visual effects for specially designed cartridge games. In this fashion, both media inputs worked in tandem.

The card slot was removed in the redesigned Master System II, providing support for only cartridges. This helped to reduce the cost of manufacturing the console since the cards were unpopular and few card-based games were made. Most of the card games were later re-released as cartridges.

A floppy disk drive add-on for the original Master System was developed but was never released.

Peripherals

Game controllers

The Control Stick
  • Controller 3: 2 buttons, hole for a screw-in thumbstick
  • Controller 4: 6 buttons, very similar to the Mega Drive's 6 button pad; released in Brazil only.
  • Control Stick: 2 buttons and a stick similar to a gear stick, but on the right side and the buttons are on the left side.
  • Light Phaser: Light gun, not compatible with Mega Drive light gun games.
  • Sega Remote Control System: remote controller
  • Sega Sports Pad: trackball controller
  • Sega Handle Controller: (Steering Wheel controller for driving-/airplane games)
  • SG Commander: a standard controller with built-in rapid fire.

Standard controllers

Two Master System controllers, with and without thumb stick

The Master System controller has only 2 buttons, one of which additionally performs the function of the traditional "Start" button; the pause button is on the game console itself. The original controllers, like Sega's previous systems, has the cord emerging from the side; in 1987 the design was changed to the now-typical top emerging cord. Some controllers also include a screw-in thumb stick for the D-pad.

The controller uses the prevailing de facto standard Atari-style 9-pin connector and can be connected without modification to all other machines compatible with that standard, including the Atari 2600, Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum with Kempston interface or similar.

When Street Fighter II was released (in Brazil only), a new six-button controller similar to the Mega Drive controller was also released. The current Brazilian Master System consoles come with two six-button controllers.

The later Mega Drive controllers generally work fine on the Master System, with buttons B and C corresponding to 1 and 2 respectively and the other buttons not doing anything. A few Master System games, such as Alien Syndrome will not function properly with these controllers unless a modification is performed on the Mega Drive controller,[34] even on a Mega Drive equipped with a Power Base Converter.

Light Phaser

The Sega Light Phaser
Assault City Light Phaser version

The Light Phaser was a light gun created for the Sega Master System, modeled after the Zillion gun from the Japanese anime series of the same name. The phaser was heavier than its Nintendo counterpart, the Nintendo Zapper, but considered by some to have a more responsive trigger and more accurate targeting. As with the Japanese-market Nintendo Zapper, the Light Phaser looked realistic enough to warrant parental pressure to alter the device so that police would not confuse it with a real gun. Altered Light Phasers are distinguished by a hand-painted neon orange tip and are much rarer than their solid color counterparts. Tec Toy also released a blue Light Phaser in Brazil.

For the Master System there were a lot of games in development that specifically can be played with the Light Phaser, among others the following:[35]

  1. Marksman Shooting
  2. Trap Shooting
  3. Safari Hunt
  4. Shooting Gallery
  5. Gangster Town
  6. Missile Defense 3-D
  7. Rescue Mission
  8. Rambo III
  9. Wanted
  10. Operation: Wolf
  11. Assault City
  12. Laser Ghost
  13. Space Gun

There are two versions of Assault City; the other version can also be played with a gamepad.[36]

SegaScope 3-D Glasses

See also: List of stereoscopic video games
3-D Glasses and card adapter

The LCD shutter glasses rapidly alternate between the left and right lenses being opaque, used in tandem with two different alternating images flashed from the TV synchronized with the switching of the 3-D Glasses to create a natural stereoscopic 3D effect. The Master System glasses can only be used in the original Master System, since it hooks up directly to the card port not found in the Master System II. This system allows 3-D graphics in full color. The technology takes advantage of the interlaced video output of contemporary CRT televisions, displaying the left image in the top field and the right image in the bottom field. A similar unit was produced for the Nintendo Famicom, called the Famicom 3D System. Only eight Master System games are 3-D compatible.

With the use of the Power Base Converter, all peripherals are fully compatible with the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis).

Remote Control System

The remoteler is a joypad with a built infrared system and a receiver for the signals. Manufactured by WKK Industries, it is not an official product from Sega and was distributed only in small quantities.

Variants

Main article: variations of the Sega Master System

During its lifespan, the Master System was built in several variations.

Mark III

The Mark III was built similarly to the SG-1000 II, with the addition of improved video hardware and an increased amount of RAM.

The system was backwards compatible with earlier SG-1000 titles. As well as the standard cartridge slot, it had a built-in slot, formerly known as expansion slot for Sega My Cards, which were physically identical to the cards for the Sega SG-1000 "Card Catcher" add-on. While in Japan there were many titles in this format published for both the SG-1000 and Mark III, only a few were published in the West.

Sega Master System game cartridges released outside Japan had a different shape and pin configuration from the Japanese Master System/Mark III cartridges. This may be seen as a form of regional lockout.

Master System II

Sega Master System II

In 1990, Sega was having success in North America with its Sega Genesis and as a result took back the rights from Tonka for the Master System. It designed the Sega Master System II, a low-cost Master System that lacked the reset button, expansion port (which was never used), and card slot of the original. Since the card slot was used as a connector to synchronize the 3D glasses with the original Master System, the SMS2 couldn't use the 3D glasses.

Master System 3

Master System Compact: wireless variant developed in Brazil
The Master System Girl

The latest version is the "Master System 3" (a completely different unit to the original "Master System III" which was a grey Master System II) released by Tec Toy. It has a brand new modern black design, with details in blue. Even with the visual changes, it was not renamed, save switching the roman number in the name to a decimal number. Although outwardly similar to the Master System II, the Master System 3 featured internal changes that allowed it to handle cartridges up to 8 megabits (1024 kilobytes) in size.

The Master System 3 came with 131 games built in, including games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd and Golden Axe.

Re-release

The Sega Master System was re-released in a smaller handheld form factor in late 2006. This small handheld device is powered by 3 AAA batteries, has a brighter active matrix screen, and contained 20 Game Gear and Sega Master System games. It was released under several brands including Coleco[37] and PlayPal.[38]

Game Gear

Main article: Game Gear

The Master System technology lived on in Sega's Game Gear, which was based on the technology found in the Master System. Due to its architectural similarity to the Game Gear, software companies were easily able to make versions of their games for both the Master System and Game Gear. In fact, many Game Gear titles that were released in North America and Japan, were released alongside Master System versions of those games in Europe.

Compatibility

Power Base Converter on a model 1 Genesis
See also: Power Base Converter

The Mark III was backwards compatible with earlier SG-1000 titles. As well as the standard cartridge slot, it had a built-in slot, formerly known as expansion slot for Sega My Cards, which were physically identical to the cards for the Sega SG-1000 "Card Catcher" add-on.

The Mega Drive is backward compatible with the Master System, despite having a differently shaped cartridge slot. Sega developed a pass-through device for the Mega Drive, allowing Master System cartridges to be played on the newer system. It was called the Power Base Converter in the US, the Mega Adapter in Japan and the Master System Converter in Europe. The somewhat large device plugs into the Mega Drive's cartridge slot, covering the entire circular top of the system. Master System cartridges and cards can then be inserted into the device and played on the Mega Drive using Mega Drive controllers. Due to its size and shape, the converter will not fit properly with the Mega Drive II, necessitating the use of the Europe-only Master System Converter II, or a third-party converter cartridge.

Games

See also: List of Sega Master System games

On the original release of the Master System, a hidden game known as Snail Maze is built in the console, which was a number of labyrinth puzzles with a time limit. This game can be accessed from the system BIOS by starting the system without a game cartridge inserted and holding Up and buttons 1 and 2 simultaneously.[39]

Astro Warrior is integrated into one version of the console (the Sega Base System, which was slightly less expensive and lacked the Light Phaser). Hang-On and Safari Hunt are also integrated into another version of the console. Additionally, the original North American release of the console (which included the built-in Snail Maze) came bundled with a cartridge containing both Hang On and Safari Hunt. Some versions only had Hang-On built in. Alex Kidd in Miracle World is integrated into Master System II consoles in North America, Australia and Europe. Sonic the Hedgehog is integrated into newer PAL Master System II consoles. It was later ported to the Sega Game Gear.

A marketing agreement between Sega and the producers of the anime Zillion resulted in a game based on the anime series in which the protagonists use a pistol which is nearly identical to the Light Phaser, including the cable.

A number of Master System games are available for download on Nintendo's Wii Virtual Console in North America, PAL territories and Japan. The first game released for this service was Hokuto no Ken, on February 26, 2008, and later, Fantasy Zone, released on March 11. Both were released in Japan, at a standard cost of 500 Wii Points (though Hokuto no Ken costs 600 points, due to the game's source license). In North America, Wonder Boy was the first SMS game released for the service on March 31, 2008.[40] Fantasy Zone was also announced, but its release date was on April 14, 2008.[41] In Europe, both Fantasy Zone and Wonder Boy were released on the same day.[42] The option to switch to FM audio, for the handful of games that used it, is available for all regions.[43]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Release Information for Sega Master System". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
  2. ^ "Sega Master System hardware Encyclopedia [[Japanese writing system|jap]]:セガハード大百科 - マスターシステム". Sega. Retrieved 2008-08-11. Release Date: October 1987, Value Bundle: 16,800 yen, jap.:発売日:1987年10月 価括:16,800円 {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  3. ^ "Tectoy Blog". Retrieved 19 September 2011.
  4. ^ Shenglong, Bryan Chen (2007-07-01). "Gaming Timeline". Society of Simulation and Gaming of Singapore. Retrieved 2010-10-07. Sega began distributing the $200 Sega Master System in the United States only a few months after the NES had become widely available. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Forster, Winnie (2005). "Sega SG-1000 & Master System". The Encyclopedia of Game Machines. Magdalena Gniatczynska. pp. 80–81 [80]. ISBN 3-00-015359-4. Retrieved 2011-01-31. Units sold: 10 Million
  6. ^ Buchanan, Levi (2009-03-20). "Genesis vs. SNES: By the Numbers". IGN. Retrieved 2010-03-15. The Master System sold an anemic 13 million to the NES count of 62 million.
  7. ^ a b Nihon Kōgyō Shinbunsha (1986). "Amusement". Business Japan. 31 (7–12). Nihon Kogyo Shimbun: 89. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  8. ^ Joseph Lampel, Jamal Shamsie, Theresa K. Lant (2006). The business of culture: strategic perspectives on entertainment and media. [Google]. Retrieved 2012-01-24.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ a b Sheff, David (1993). [[Game Over (book)|Game Over]] (1st ed. ed.). New York: Random House. p. 349. ISBN 0-679-40469-4. Retrieved 16 January 2012. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help); URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  10. ^ a b c d e "Sega Consoles: Active installed base estimates". Screen Digest. Screen Digest. 1995. p. 60. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help) (cf. here, here, and here)
  11. ^ a b Alucard em Quarta-feira (2005-08-31). "A História do Mega Drive". GameHall Network (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2008-03-06. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help) (English translation)
  12. ^ "Sega Master System — Technical Specifications". smspower.org. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  13. ^ "Sega Master System (History, Specs, Pictures)". cyberiapc.com. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  14. ^ "Sega Master System / Game Gear Emulators". emulator-zone.com. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  15. ^ a b c "Sega Master System Specifications". retrogamingconsoles.com. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  16. ^ "Release Information for SEGA MARK III/Master System Games". jap-sai.com. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  17. ^ Kent, Steven (2001). The Ultimate History of Video Games. Roseville, California: Crown Publishing Group. p. XIV. ISBN 0-7615-3643-4. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  18. ^ Steven L. Kent (2010-03-03). "The Ultimate History of Video Games". (New York: Three Rivers Press, 2001), 303. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
  19. ^ a b Novak, Jeannie (2008). Play the game: the parent's guide to video games. Boston, MA: Course Technology. p. 29. ISBN 978-1-59863-341-2. Retrieved 2008-10-16. Provides parents with information on video games currently on the market, using video games to promote learning and social growth of children, game development as a career, and how to use video games to strengthen communication with their children. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ http://segaretro.org/Sega_Master_System
  21. ^ a b c "Total 8-bit and 16-bit Catridge Consoles: Active installed base estimates". Screen Digest. Screen Digest. 1995. p. 61. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help) (cf. here and here)
  22. ^ (2009). Top 25 Videogame Consoles of All Time: SEGA Master System is Number 20, IGN.
  23. ^ Kohler, Chris (2009). "Playing the SG-1000, Sega's First Game Machine". Wired News. Retrieved 2009-10-05. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  24. ^ McGill, Douglas C. (1988-12-04). "Nintendo Scores Big". NYT. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
  25. ^ "Steve Hanawa's Tech Talk Part IV". SMS Tributes. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  26. ^ "Foreign Sega Master FAQ". Classic Gaming.
  27. ^ "Sega Master System/SG-1000 Mark III Console Information". Console Database. There was lots of third party support for the system in Europe and it outdid the NES...The console was supported by Sega in Europe up until 1996 when it was discontinued so that Sega could concentrate on the Saturn.
  28. ^ Szczepaniak, John (2006). "Tec Toy". Retro Gamer (30): 52–3. In 1996 we reached the mark of 2MM consoles sold and our hotline was receiving 50 thousand calls a month.
  29. ^ Cowan, Danny (August 3, 2011). "Brazilian Sonic the Hedgehog is Kind of Scary". GameSetWatch. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
  30. ^ Simoes, Thiago (2004-02-04). "TecToy Games FAQ — Version 8.0". Gamefaqs. Retrieved 2010-07-04. EXCLUSIVE BRAZILIAN GAMES AND PERIPHERALS FOR SEGA CONSOLES + BONUS GUIDE INCLUDING KOREAN, AUSTRALIAN AND EUROPEAN-ONLY RELEASES AND PERIPHERALS FOR SEGA CONSOLES
  31. ^ "Z80 DOCUMENTATION". TiCalc.org. Retrieved 2008-04-03. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ "Cartridge Pinout". Gamesx.com. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  33. ^ "Technische Details des SMS" (in German). Edelzocker.de. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  34. ^ Barr, Adrienne. "Sega Master System". vidgame.net. Archived from the original on 2008-01-08. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  35. ^ "Best Sega Master System Light Phaser Games". www.racketboy.com. 2010-03-26. Retrieved 2010-07-09.
  36. ^ Morris, David (2008-01-05). "Review by Guard Master "Nothing to Assault Here"". Gamefaqs. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
  37. ^ "Sega-filled handheld". joystiq.com. 2006-10-26. Retrieved 2010-04-22.
  38. ^ "PlayPal Portable Player Review". vc-forums.com. 2008-01-05. Retrieved 2010-04-22.
  39. ^ Blood_of_Sokar (user on Gamefaqs). "How do I get the secret snail maze game?". Gamefaqs. Retrieved 2010-03-15. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ "Cruis'n USA and Wonder Boy Now Available on Wii Shop Channel!". Nintendo.com. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  41. ^ "Fantasy Zone Virtual Console release information". Vc.nintendolife.com. 2008-04-10. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  42. ^ "11th April 2008 Virtual Console releases". Vc.nintendolife.com. 2008-04-11. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  43. ^ "Virtual Console review round-up: Mega Drive — Wii Feature". palgn.com.au. 2007-08-23. Retrieved 2010-05-04.
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