Difference between revisions of "Master System consoles"

From Sega Retro

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As Sega started to see some success in other markets with the Sega Master System, the SG-1000 Mark III was replaced with the western model in 1987, altered for a Japanese audience. Notable differences between this and the western models include the Japanese-style cartridge slot and the fact it outputs a NTSC-J TV signal. There are two controllers, but no games built-in or otherwise.
 
As Sega started to see some success in other markets with the Sega Master System, the SG-1000 Mark III was replaced with the western model in 1987, altered for a Japanese audience. Notable differences between this and the western models include the Japanese-style cartridge slot and the fact it outputs a NTSC-J TV signal. There are two controllers, but no games built-in or otherwise.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS JP 1.jpg|Contents of box
 +
File:SMS JP Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 +
File:SMS JP Box Top.jpg|Top of box
 +
File:SMS JP Box Bottom.jpg|Bottom of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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The original 1986 US release of the console was split into two different packages - the Sega Base System and the Sega Master System, with the latter having its name adopted for all further products. This was the original release, before [[Tonka]] took control of US distribution, and features an incorrect screenshot on the box.
 
The original 1986 US release of the console was split into two different packages - the Sega Base System and the Sega Master System, with the latter having its name adopted for all further products. This was the original release, before [[Tonka]] took control of US distribution, and features an incorrect screenshot on the box.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SBS US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==The Sega Master System (with ''[[Hang-On]]'')==
 
==The Sega Master System (with ''[[Hang-On]]'')==
 
A version of the Master System with ''[[Hang-On]]'' built in.
 
A version of the Master System with ''[[Hang-On]]'' built in.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:TSMSHangon US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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A version of the Master System with ''[[Hang-On]]'' and ''[[Safari Hunt]]'' built in, along with a [[Light Phaser]].
 
A version of the Master System with ''[[Hang-On]]'' and ''[[Safari Hunt]]'' built in, along with a [[Light Phaser]].
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:TSMSHOSH US Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 +
File:TSMSHOSH US Box Back.jpg|Back of box
 +
File:TSMSHOSH US Box Top.jpg|Top of box
 +
File:TSMSHOSH US Box Bottom.jpg|Bottom of box
 +
File:TSMSHOSH US Box Side.jpg|Side of box
 +
File:TSMSHOSH US 2.jpg|Sega Power Base
 +
File:TSMSHOSH US 1.jpg|Contents of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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Sega's Canadian distributor [[Irwin]] initially gave the Sega Master System to Canada in 1986. This model can be identified by the green underline on the logo and the "IRWIN" text in the top left.
 
Sega's Canadian distributor [[Irwin]] initially gave the Sega Master System to Canada in 1986. This model can be identified by the green underline on the logo and the "IRWIN" text in the top left.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS CA Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==The Sega Master System==
 
==The Sega Master System==
 
Released in 1987 also by Irwin, this is the Canadian equivalent to the standard Power Base. Again, it can be distinguished by the IRWIN logo in the top left.
 
Released in 1987 also by Irwin, this is the Canadian equivalent to the standard Power Base. Again, it can be distinguished by the IRWIN logo in the top left.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:TSMS CA Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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In a dearing feat by Sega, the original Sega Master System was released to a Hong Kong audience, making this the only legitimate Chinese language Master System console.
 
In a dearing feat by Sega, the original Sega Master System was released to a Hong Kong audience, making this the only legitimate Chinese language Master System console.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS HK Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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=Europe=
 
=Europe=
 
 
==Master System II==
 
==Master System II==
 
The redesigned Master System II hit European stores in 1990. This model is easily spotted as it lacks any references to games on the front, and indeed comes with no bulit-in or packed-in titles. The European Master System II is a shade darker than its North American cousin, and of course, outputs a PAL signal. This particular package was not out for long until Sega started bundling games with the unit.
 
The redesigned Master System II hit European stores in 1990. This model is easily spotted as it lacks any references to games on the front, and indeed comes with no bulit-in or packed-in titles. The European Master System II is a shade darker than its North American cousin, and of course, outputs a PAL signal. This particular package was not out for long until Sega started bundling games with the unit.
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]''==
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]''==
 
Sega soon bundled the Master System with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' built-in. Initially a simple sticker was added to the previous models' box to shift old stock, but soon the package got a box design of its own. Sega would keep releasing this system with new games (on cartridge) for the years that followed.
 
Sega soon bundled the Master System with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' built-in. Initially a simple sticker was added to the previous models' box to shift old stock, but soon the package got a box design of its own. Sega would keep releasing this system with new games (on cartridge) for the years that followed.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2AK EU Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[The Lucky Dime Caper]]'')==
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[The Lucky Dime Caper]]'')==
 
Another Master System II with built-in ''Alex Kidd'' bundle that shipped with ''[[The Lucky Dime Caper Starring Donald Duck]]'' on cartridge.
 
Another Master System II with built-in ''Alex Kidd'' bundle that shipped with ''[[The Lucky Dime Caper Starring Donald Duck]]'' on cartridge.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2AKLDC EU Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Master Games I]]'')==
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Master Games I]]'')==
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Same as above, now with '[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. Debuted in 1991. It also comes with an extra controller.
 
Same as above, now with '[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. Debuted in 1991. It also comes with an extra controller.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2AKS1 EU Box.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'')==
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'')==
 
Same as above (though without the extra controller) and now with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''. Debuted in 1992.
 
Same as above (though without the extra controller) and now with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''. Debuted in 1992.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2AKS21.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II Double Action Pack (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Double Dragon]]''==
 
==Master System II Double Action Pack (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Double Dragon]]''==
 
Yet another version of the above, this time with ''[[Double Dragon]]'' on cartridge.
 
Yet another version of the above, this time with ''[[Double Dragon]]'' on cartridge.
 
+
<gallery>
 +
File:SMS2DAP EU Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 +
File:SMS2DAP EU Box Back.jpg|Bottom of box
 +
</gallery>
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'')==
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'')==
 
''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' replaces ''Alex Kidd'' as the built-in game. Otherwise, this console is identical.
 
''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' replaces ''Alex Kidd'' as the built-in game. Otherwise, this console is identical.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2S1 EU Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'')==
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'')==
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A very rare version of the console, this Master System II came bundled with ''[[The Jungle Book]]''. It was distributed as standard Master System box inside of a Jungle Book themed box cover.
 
A very rare version of the console, this Master System II came bundled with ''[[The Jungle Book]]''. It was distributed as standard Master System box inside of a Jungle Book themed box cover.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2JB Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 +
File:SMS2JB Box Back.jpg|Bottom of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II Extreme==
 
==Master System II Extreme==
 
An extremely rare variation of the Master System II released in 1993. It is unknown what pack-in games came with it (if any).
 
An extremely rare variation of the Master System II released in 1993. It is unknown what pack-in games came with it (if any).
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2Extreme EU Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II Pack (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Master Games 1]]'')==
 
==Master System II Pack (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Master Games 1]]'')==
 
Sega released this one before but now it comes with its own name and fancy box cover. It is otherwise identical.
 
Sega released this one before but now it comes with its own name and fancy box cover. It is otherwise identical.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2Pack ES Box Front.jpg|Front of box (ES)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II Pack ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Master Games 1]]''==
 
==Master System II Pack ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Master Games 1]]''==
 
The same once more, but this time with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' built in.
 
The same once more, but this time with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' built in.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2Pack2 ES Box Front.jpg|Front of box (ES)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II Plus (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Operation Wolf]]''==
 
==Master System II Plus (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Operation Wolf]]''==
 
Bigger box as now the system was being bundled with a [[Light Phaser]] and a copy of ''[[Operation Wolf]]''. The Italian version is slightly different in design and doesn't contain ''Operation Wolf''.
 
Bigger box as now the system was being bundled with a [[Light Phaser]] and a copy of ''[[Operation Wolf]]''. The Italian version is slightly different in design and doesn't contain ''Operation Wolf''.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2Plus FR Box Front.jpg|Front of box (FR)
 +
File:SMS2Plus IT Box Front.jpg|Front of box (IT)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II Tandy Pack (with four games)==
 
==Master System II Tandy Pack (with four games)==
 
A Master System II with [[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' built-in, but also bundled with ''[[Global Gladiators]]'', ''[[The Lucky Dime Caper]]'' and ''[[Trivial Pursuit]]''.
 
A Master System II with [[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' built-in, but also bundled with ''[[Global Gladiators]]'', ''[[The Lucky Dime Caper]]'' and ''[[Trivial Pursuit]]''.
 
+
<gallery>
 +
File:SMS2TP UK Box Front.jpg|Front of box (UK)
 +
</gallery>
  
 
=Exclusive to France=
 
=Exclusive to France=
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A standard Master System II with ''Alex Kidd'' built in, but also paired with ''[[Shinobi]]'' on cartridge. This might have existed in other regions of Europe too, but thus far none have been found.
 
A standard Master System II with ''Alex Kidd'' built in, but also paired with ''[[Shinobi]]'' on cartridge. This might have existed in other regions of Europe too, but thus far none have been found.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2AKShinobi FR Box Side.jpg|Side of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'')==
 
==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'')==
 
Identical to the European package with the same games, but without the extra controller.
 
Identical to the European package with the same games, but without the extra controller.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2AKMG1 FR Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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A special release for the 1992 holiday season, this is a standard Master System II (with ''Alex Kidd in Miracle World'' built-in) bundled with ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' and ''[[Tennis Ace]]'' on cartridge. The standard box was packaged within a larger green box.
 
A special release for the 1992 holiday season, this is a standard Master System II (with ''Alex Kidd in Miracle World'' built-in) bundled with ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' and ''[[Tennis Ace]]'' on cartridge. The standard box was packaged within a larger green box.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS2PlusX.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 191: Line 204:
 
==The Sega Master System==
 
==The Sega Master System==
 
A regular Master System, just with a box and instructions entirely in Italian.
 
A regular Master System, just with a box and instructions entirely in Italian.
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:TSMS IT Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 +
</gallery>
  
  
Line 197: Line 213:
 
The main language of Brazil is Portuguese, and so it made perfect sense for Sega's Portuguese branch to import hardware and software manufactured by Sega's Brazillian distributor [[Tectoy]]. In 1994 the Master System III compact was released in Portugal, sporting an unusal purple grid design and with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' built-in. Its limited availability makes this version of the Master System extremely rare.
 
The main language of Brazil is Portuguese, and so it made perfect sense for Sega's Portuguese branch to import hardware and software manufactured by Sega's Brazillian distributor [[Tectoy]]. In 1994 the Master System III compact was released in Portugal, sporting an unusal purple grid design and with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' built-in. Its limited availability makes this version of the Master System extremely rare.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMS3PT.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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Sega went through a phase of bundling older units with newer games. This is a standard Master System with a copy of ''[[Michael Jackson's Moonwalker]]''.
 
Sega went through a phase of bundling older units with newer games. This is a standard Master System with a copy of ''[[Michael Jackson's Moonwalker]]''.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
+
File:SMSPlusSE UK Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>

Revision as of 15:22, 11 August 2010

Despite not being one of Sega's most popular consoles, the Sega Master System saw a plethora of re-releases throughout its run. Also, unlike the SG-1000, the Master System was distributed in many more markets, seeing successes where Nintendo refused to market their NES.

Contents

Japan

SG-1000 Mark III

The Master System started off life as the SG-1000 Mark III, sold as an update to the SG-1000 and SG-1000 Mark II models in Japan. It has a Japanese-style cartridge slot, a card slot and shipped with two Mark III controllers.

The Sega Master System

As Sega started to see some success in other markets with the Sega Master System, the SG-1000 Mark III was replaced with the western model in 1987, altered for a Japanese audience. Notable differences between this and the western models include the Japanese-style cartridge slot and the fact it outputs a NTSC-J TV signal. There are two controllers, but no games built-in or otherwise.


United States

Sega Base System

The original 1986 US release of the console was split into two different packages - the Sega Base System and the Sega Master System, with the latter having its name adopted for all further products. This was the original release, before Tonka took control of US distribution, and features an incorrect screenshot on the box.

The Sega Master System (with Hang-On)

A version of the Master System with Hang-On built in.

The Sega Master System (with Hang-On and Safari Hunt)

A version of the Master System with Hang-On and Safari Hunt built in, along with a Light Phaser.

Master System Plus

Another pre-Tonka model, now bundled with a Light Phaser and Safari Hunt and Hang On built in.


Canada

Sega Master System

Sega's Canadian distributor Irwin initially gave the Sega Master System to Canada in 1986. This model can be identified by the green underline on the logo and the "IRWIN" text in the top left.

The Sega Master System

Released in 1987 also by Irwin, this is the Canadian equivalent to the standard Power Base. Again, it can be distinguished by the IRWIN logo in the top left.


Brazil

Main article: Tectoy Master System


Asia

Sega Master System

The rest of Asia saw a Master System release too. It is virtually identical to the Japanese Sega Master System, but with Asian branding. This version of the Master System is also very rare.

Sega Master System II

Rarer still is the Asian Sega Master System II. Similar to its western counterparts the Asian SMS2 lacks a card slot, but still contains a Japanese-style cartridge slot.


Hong Kong

The Sega Master System

In a dearing feat by Sega, the original Sega Master System was released to a Hong Kong audience, making this the only legitimate Chinese language Master System console.


South Korea

Samsung Gam*Boy

It is unknown whether Samsung had the rights to distrubte Sega Master Systems within South Korea, but they exist nonetheless. The system was marketed under the title of "Gam*Boy", and borrows the shell of a Japanese Sega Master System, complete with Japanese-style cartridge slot. Unusually the Gam*Boy shipped with smaller, exclusive controllers with rounded edges.

Samsung Gam*Boy II

The redesigned Master System console also made it to South Korea, but in a different grey/blue colour scheme. It still sports the controllers of the Gam*Boy but these are now of a different colour. As usual, there is no card slot, but very few card-based games made it to the country anyway. The cartridge slot is still Japanese-style.


Europe

Master System II

The redesigned Master System II hit European stores in 1990. This model is easily spotted as it lacks any references to games on the front, and indeed comes with no bulit-in or packed-in titles. The European Master System II is a shade darker than its North American cousin, and of course, outputs a PAL signal. This particular package was not out for long until Sega started bundling games with the unit.

Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World

Sega soon bundled the Master System with Alex Kidd in Miracle World built-in. Initially a simple sticker was added to the previous models' box to shift old stock, but soon the package got a box design of its own. Sega would keep releasing this system with new games (on cartridge) for the years that followed.

Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and The Lucky Dime Caper)

Another Master System II with built-in Alex Kidd bundle that shipped with The Lucky Dime Caper Starring Donald Duck on cartridge.

Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Master Games I)

Same as above, now with Master Games 1.

Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Sonic the Hedgehog)

Same as above, now with 'Sonic the Hedgehog. Debuted in 1991. It also comes with an extra controller.

Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Sonic the Hedgehog 2)

Same as above (though without the extra controller) and now with Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Debuted in 1992.

Master System II Double Action Pack (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Double Dragon

Yet another version of the above, this time with Double Dragon on cartridge.

Master System II (with Sonic the Hedgehog)

Sonic the Hedgehog replaces Alex Kidd as the built-in game. Otherwise, this console is identical.

Master System II (with Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2)

A Master System II with two Sonic the Hedgehog games, the first being built in, the second being on cartridge.

Master System II (with The Jungle Book)

A very rare version of the console, this Master System II came bundled with The Jungle Book. It was distributed as standard Master System box inside of a Jungle Book themed box cover.

Master System II Extreme

An extremely rare variation of the Master System II released in 1993. It is unknown what pack-in games came with it (if any).

Master System II Pack (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Master Games 1)

Sega released this one before but now it comes with its own name and fancy box cover. It is otherwise identical.

Master System II Pack Sonic the Hedgehog and Master Games 1

The same once more, but this time with Sonic the Hedgehog built in.

Master System II Plus (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Operation Wolf

Bigger box as now the system was being bundled with a Light Phaser and a copy of Operation Wolf. The Italian version is slightly different in design and doesn't contain Operation Wolf.

Master System II Tandy Pack (with four games)

A Master System II with Sonic the Hedgehog built-in, but also bundled with Global Gladiators, The Lucky Dime Caper and Trivial Pursuit.

Exclusive to France

Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Shinobi)

A standard Master System II with Alex Kidd built in, but also paired with Shinobi on cartridge. This might have existed in other regions of Europe too, but thus far none have been found.

Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Sonic the Hedgehog)

Identical to the European package with the same games, but without the extra controller.


Exclusive to Germany

Master System II Plus X

A special release for the 1992 holiday season, this is a standard Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World built-in) bundled with Sonic the Hedgehog and Tennis Ace on cartridge. The standard box was packaged within a larger green box.


Exclusive to Italy

The Sega Master System

A regular Master System, just with a box and instructions entirely in Italian.


Exclusive to Portugal

Master System III Compact (with Sonic the Hedgehog)

The main language of Brazil is Portuguese, and so it made perfect sense for Sega's Portuguese branch to import hardware and software manufactured by Sega's Brazillian distributor Tectoy. In 1994 the Master System III compact was released in Portugal, sporting an unusal purple grid design and with Sonic the Hedgehog built-in. Its limited availability makes this version of the Master System extremely rare.


Exclusive to the United Kingdom

Master System Plus Special Edition (with Michael Jackson's Moonwalker)

Sega went through a phase of bundling older units with newer games. This is a standard Master System with a copy of Michael Jackson's Moonwalker.