Handle Controller

From Sega Retro

HandleController1.jpg
Handle Controller
Made for: Sega Master System
Manufacturer: Hori (Japan), Sega (Europe)
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Master System
JP
¥4,9804,980 HJ-15
Sega Master System
EU
3041
Sega Master System
UK
£39.9539.95[2][3] 3041
For the Japanese SG-1000 peripheral, see Handle Controller (SH-400).

The Handle Controller (ハンドルコントローラ) is a peripheral for the Sega Master System (though is also compatible with the SG-1000 and Sega Mega Drive). It was designed primarily for racing games, with the D-Pad mapped to the steering mechanism and the 1 and 2 buttons being placed on top of each handle. It also contains turbo switches. Despite the overlay, the controller does not detect in-game values, so the visible numbers on the dashboard are purely decorative. When used on a Mega Drive, the two large buttons on the handles serve as B and C buttons, whereas the two smaller buttons on the left side of the base serve as the  START  and A buttons.

The Handle Controller was manufactured and distributed by Hori in Japan, but when brought to Europe it was given official Sega branding. The Hori version was sold primarily as a Famicom peripheral, with support for Sega platforms (specifically marketed for the Mega Drive) available as an option. This was made possible due to the fact that the device itself has a DA-15 port for detachable cords. The Hori version was bundled with the Famicom cord, while the DE-9-compatible cord (HJ-15C) was sold separately. The Sega version on the other hand was marketed strictly as a Master System peripheral without any mention of Mega Drive compatibility (which wasn't released in Europe at the time) and came bundled with the required DE-9 cord.

Magazine articles

Main article: Handle Controller/Magazine articles.

Gallery

Physical scans

Mega Drive, JP
HandleController SMS JP Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngHandleController SMS JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
Master System, EU
HandleController SMS EU Box Front.jpg
Cover

References

Sega Master System
Topics Sega Master System | Technical Specifications (Hardware Comparison) | History | Boot ROM | Magazine articles | Promotional material | Merchandise
Hardware Asia | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Australasia | Africa

Sega Mark III | Sega Game Box 9 | Master System Girl | Master System Super Compact | Kiosk | Sega System E

Add-ons Demo Unit II | Telecon Pack | FM Sound Unit | 3-D Glasses
Controllers SJ-152 | Control Pad | 3-D Glasses | Control Stick | Handle Controller | Light Phaser | Paddle Control | Rapid Fire Unit | Sports Pad | SG Commander
Misc. Hardware Action Replay | Card Catcher | Action Case | Freedom Connection | Playkit
Unreleased Floppy Disk Drive
Consoles-on-a-chip Arcade Gamer Portable | TF-DVD560 | DVD Karaoke Game DVT-G100 | Fun Play 20-in-1 | Handheld Electronic Games | Master System 3 Collection | Master System 3 | Master System Evolution | Master System Handy | PlayPal Plug & Play | Poga