Difference between revisions of "Master System consoles"

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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.
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Being one of Sega's most popular consoles in certain regions (such as Europe and South America), the [[Sega Master System]] saw a plethora of re-releases and bundles throughout its run. For this reason, this page has been split into different regions in the interests of simplicity.
  
=Japan=
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These lists cover traditional Master System consoles and bundles which contain a cartridge slot. [[:Category:Consoles on a chip|Consoles on a chip]] have not been included, nor have "special" versions of the console - the [[Sega Game Box 9]], [[Tectoy Master System Girl]], [[Tectoy Master System Super Compact]] etc.
==[[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.
 
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*[[Master System consoles in Asia|Japan/Asia]]
==The Sega Master System==
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*[[Master System consoles in North America|North America]]
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.
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*[[Master System consoles in Europe|Europe]]
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*[[Master System consoles in South America|South America]]
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*[[Master System consoles in Africa|Africa]]
  
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{{MasterSystem}}
  
 
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[[Category:Sega Master System]]
=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.
 
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==The Sega Master System (with ''[[Hang-On]]'')==
 
A version of the Master System with ''[[Hang-On]]'' built in.
 
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==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]].
 
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==Master System Plus==
 
Another pre-[[Tonka]] model, now bundled with a [[Light Phaser]] and ''[[Safari Hunt]]'' and ''[[Hang On]]'' built in.
 
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=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.
 
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==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.
 
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=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.
 
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==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.
 
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=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.
 
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=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.
 
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File:Samsunggamboy.jpg
 
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==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.
 
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File:Samsunggamboy2.jpg
 
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=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.
 
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==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.
 
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==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.
 
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==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Master Games I]]'')==
 
Same as above, now with ''[[Master Games 1]]''.
 
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==Master System II (with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'')==
 
Same as above, now with '[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. Debuted in 1991. It also comes with an extra controller.
 
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==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.
 
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==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 (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.
 
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==Master System II (with ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'')==
 
A Master System II with two Sonic the Hedgehog games, the first being built in, the second being on cartridge.
 
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==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.
 
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==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).
 
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==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.
 
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==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.
 
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==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''.
 
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==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]]''.
 
 
 
 
 
=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.
 
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==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.
 
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=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.
 
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=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 (8-bit)|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 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' built-in. Its limited availability makes this version of the Master System extremely rare.
 
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=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]]''.
 
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Latest revision as of 09:58, 7 May 2020

Being one of Sega's most popular consoles in certain regions (such as Europe and South America), the Sega Master System saw a plethora of re-releases and bundles throughout its run. For this reason, this page has been split into different regions in the interests of simplicity.

These lists cover traditional Master System consoles and bundles which contain a cartridge slot. Consoles on a chip have not been included, nor have "special" versions of the console - the Sega Game Box 9, Tectoy Master System Girl, Tectoy Master System Super Compact etc.


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