Difference between revisions of "Master Gear Converter"

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{{AccessoryBob
 
{{AccessoryBob
 
| accessoryimage=MasterGearConverter front.jpg
 
| accessoryimage=MasterGearConverter front.jpg
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| imgwidth=320
 
 
| title=
 
| title=
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| maker=
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| maker=[[Kalplus]]
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| madefor=
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| distributor=[[Euromax Electronics]], [[Freetron]], [[Vidis]], {{company|[[Tec Toy]]|region=BR}}
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| releases={{releases
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| madefor=[[Sega Game Gear]]
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| gg_date_us=199x
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| releases={{releasesGG
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| gg_date_us=1992
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| gg_code_us=2117
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| gg_rrp_us=19.95{{magref|sv|9|63}}
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| gg_date_us_alt=199x
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| gg_code_us_alt=G-233
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| gg_date_eu=1991
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| gg_code_eu=MK-10004
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| gg_date_eu_2=199x
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| gg_code_eu_2=MG-2000
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| gg_date_uk=1991-10{{magref|segapro|1|9}}
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| gg_code_uk=MK-10004
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| gg_rrp_uk=34.99{{fileref|SegaForce UK 02.pdf|page=64}}{{magref|segapower|28|14}} <!--19.99{{magref|segapro|5|24}}-->
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| gg_date_uk_Phase 9=199x
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| gg_date_de_Vidis=199x
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| gg_code_de_Vidis=V-110
 
| gg_date_br=199x
 
| gg_date_br=199x
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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The '''Master Gear Converter''', sometimes known simply as the '''Master Gear''', '''Gear Master Converter''' or in Brazil, '''Master Gear Adaptor''' is an accessory for the [[Sega Game Gear]], allowing the unit to play [[Sega Master System]] games. At the present time it is not known exactly where the technology stems from, but there are many different varieties of this device, some officially branded by [[Sega]].
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The '''Master Gear Converter''', sometimes known simply as the '''Master Gear''', '''Gear Master Converter''' or in Brazil, '''Master Gear Adaptor''' is an accessory for the [[Sega Game Gear]], allowing the unit to play [[Sega Master System]] games.
  
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The Master System Converter is a simplistic device which fits into the Game Gear's cartridge slot, which in turn allows for western-style Master System cartridges to be placed inside and run on the Game Gear, similar in nature to the [[Power Base Converter]] for the [[Sega Mega Drive]]. The Game Gear is essentially an upgraded Master System and thus has no trouble playing Master System games, however is unable to offer any other advantages such as FM Sound offered by the [[FM Sound Unit]]. It also cannot run [[Sega Cards]] natively, though cuold in theory do when armed with a [[Card Catcher]] and [[Master System Region Converter]].
+
The history of the device is not fully understood. It was developed by the Hong Kong company, [[Kalplus]] and originally released in late 1991. However, there are many different varieties of this device, some officially branded by [[Sega]], so the distribution chain remains a mystery. Kalplus filed a US patent for the device in late 1991, which they held for a brief period between 1993 and 1994, and they also held the "Master Gear" trademark for a while.
  
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When playing Master System games, the output is resized to fit the Game Gear's smaller screen. This can make some games more difficult to play, as smaller sprites become difficult to make out such as bullets or text. There is also no way of inserting a second controller in order to play two player games. Games which rely on the [[Light Phaser]] or [[3D Glasses]] will also struggle.
+
==Hardware==
 +
The Master System Converter is a simplistic device which fits into the Game Gear's cartridge slot, which in turn allows for western-style Master System cartridges to be placed inside and run on the Game Gear, similar in nature to the [[Power Base Converter]] for the [[Sega Mega Drive]]. The Game Gear is essentially an upgraded Master System and thus has no trouble playing Master System games, however is unable to offer any other advantages such as FM Sound offered by the [[FM Sound Unit]]. It also cannot run [[Sega Card]] natively, though could in theory do when armed with a [[Card Catcher]] and a Master System Region Converter.
 +
 
 +
When playing Master System games, the output is resized to fit the Game Gear's smaller screen. This can make some games more difficult to play, as smaller sprites become difficult to make out such as bullets or text. The [[Master Link Cable]] can be used to use a controller to play two player mode in compatible games. Games which rely on the [[Light Phaser]] or [[3D Glasses]] will also struggle. All Game Gears are region free, so the converters are likewise region free.
  
 
Some games are not fully compatible with the Master System Converter for various reasons, such as ''[[Lord of the Sword]]'', ''[[Phantasy Star]]'' and ''[[Outrun]]''. The unit will also not function in a late 90s [[Majesco]] Game Gear, however the updated version of the unit, the '''Master System Converter 2''', will. The Master System Converter 2 is otherwise identical to the original model - plans were once put in place to allow a second control pad to be inserted, but no such feature can be found in the final release.
 
Some games are not fully compatible with the Master System Converter for various reasons, such as ''[[Lord of the Sword]]'', ''[[Phantasy Star]]'' and ''[[Outrun]]''. The unit will also not function in a late 90s [[Majesco]] Game Gear, however the updated version of the unit, the '''Master System Converter 2''', will. The Master System Converter 2 is otherwise identical to the original model - plans were once put in place to allow a second control pad to be inserted, but no such feature can be found in the final release.
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It is currently unknown exactly who made the Master System Converter, and the legalities surrounding it. It is suspected to originate from the "Asian" region, most likely Taiwan or Hong Kong, and the fast majority of models were not officially licensed. There are, however, official variants in North America, Europe and Brazil, though these are surprisingly less common than the unofficial alternatives. All Game Gears are region free, so the converters are likewise region free. Some boxes credit a company known as [[N.E.S.I.]].
 
  
 
The [[Gear Master]] by [[Beeshu]] and [[Nuby Converter]] by [[Nuby]] fulfil the same role as the Master System Converter in slightly different ways.
 
The [[Gear Master]] by [[Beeshu]] and [[Nuby Converter]] by [[Nuby]] fulfil the same role as the Master System Converter in slightly different ways.
  
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==Gallery==
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==Photo gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
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File:MasterGearConverter front.jpg|Master System Converter (front)
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MasterGearConverter front.jpg|Master System Converter (front)
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File:MasterGearConverter back.jpg|Master System Converter (back)
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MasterGearConverter back.jpg|Master System Converter (back)
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File:MGC2 GG.jpg|Master System Converter (front; Sega)
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MGC2 GG.jpg|Master System Converter (front; Sega)
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File:MasterGearConverter2 EU front.jpg|Master System Converter 2 (front)
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MasterGearConverter2 EU front.jpg|Master System Converter 2 (front)
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File:GMC GG.jpg|Gear Master Converter (front)
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GMC GG.jpg|Gear Master Converter (front)
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File:MasterGearAdaptor GG BR.jpg|Master Gear Adaptor (front)
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MasterGearAdaptor GG BR.jpg|Master Gear Adaptor (front)
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File:MasterGearAdaptor GG BR Back.jpg|Master Gear Adaptor (back)
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MasterGearAdaptor GG BR Back.jpg|Master Gear Adaptor (back)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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==Physical Scans==
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==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 
 +
==Physical scans==
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
 
| front=MasterGearConverter GG US Box Front.jpg
 
| front=MasterGearConverter GG US Box Front.jpg
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| back=
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| back=MasterGearConverter GG US Box Back.jpg
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| spinemissing=yes
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| square=yes
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}}
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{{Scanbox
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| console=Game Gear
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| region=CA
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| front=MasterGearConverter US Box front.jpg
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| back=MasterGearConverter US Box back.jpg
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| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
 
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{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
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| region=EU
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| console=Game Gear
 
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| region=BR
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| region=DE (Vidis)
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| front=MasterGearAdaptor GG BR Box Front.jpg
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| front=MGC GG Box Front 1.jpg
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| back=
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| back=MGC GG Box Back 1.jpg
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{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
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| region=??
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| region=UK (Phase 9)
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| front=MasterGearConverter US Box front.jpg
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| front=MGC2 GG Box Front 1.jpg
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| back=MasterGearConverter US Box back.jpg
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| back=MasterSystemConverter2 GG Box Front Phase9.jpg
 
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{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
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| region=??
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| region=BR
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| front=MasterGearConverter JP Box front.jpg
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| front=MasterGearAdaptor GG BR Box Front.jpg
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| back=MasterGearConverter JP Box back.jpg
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| back=MasterGearAdaptor GG BR Box Back.jpg
 
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}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
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| region=??
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| region=AS
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| front=MGC GG Box Front 1.jpg
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| front=MasterGearConverter JP Box front.jpg
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| back=
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{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
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| region=??
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| region=HK (WKK)
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| front=GMC GG Box Front.jpg
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| front=MasterGearConverter2 HK Box Front.png
 
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| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
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| region=?? (2)
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| region=HK (Freetron)
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| front=MasterGearConverter2 US Box box.jpg
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| front=MasterGearConverter2 EU Box front.jpg
 
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{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
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| region=?? (2)
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| region=??
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| front=GMC GG Box Front.jpg
 
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| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| region=?? (2)
 
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| front=MasterGearConverter2 US Box box.jpg
 
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}}
 
}}
  
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==References==
 +
<references />
 
{{GameGear}}
 
{{GameGear}}
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[[Category:Game Gear Accessories]]
 

Latest revision as of 09:19, 16 November 2024

MasterGearConverter front.jpg
Master Gear Converter
Made for: Sega Game Gear
Manufacturer: Kalplus
Distributor: Euromax Electronics, Freetron, Vidis, Tec Toy (BR)
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Game Gear
US 		$19.9519.95[1] 2117
Sega Game Gear
US
(alt) 		G-233
Sega Game Gear
EU 		MK-10004
Sega Game Gear
EU
(2) 		MG-2000
Sega Game Gear
DE
(Vidis) 		V-110
Sega Game Gear
UK 		£34.9934.99[3][4] MK-10004
Sega Game Gear
UK
(Phase 9)
Sega Game Gear
BR

The Master Gear Converter, sometimes known simply as the Master Gear, Gear Master Converter or in Brazil, Master Gear Adaptor is an accessory for the Sega Game Gear, allowing the unit to play Sega Master System games.

The history of the device is not fully understood. It was developed by the Hong Kong company, Kalplus and originally released in late 1991. However, there are many different varieties of this device, some officially branded by Sega, so the distribution chain remains a mystery. Kalplus filed a US patent for the device in late 1991, which they held for a brief period between 1993 and 1994, and they also held the "Master Gear" trademark for a while.

Hardware

The Master System Converter is a simplistic device which fits into the Game Gear's cartridge slot, which in turn allows for western-style Master System cartridges to be placed inside and run on the Game Gear, similar in nature to the Power Base Converter for the Sega Mega Drive. The Game Gear is essentially an upgraded Master System and thus has no trouble playing Master System games, however is unable to offer any other advantages such as FM Sound offered by the FM Sound Unit. It also cannot run Sega Card natively, though could in theory do when armed with a Card Catcher and a Master System Region Converter.

When playing Master System games, the output is resized to fit the Game Gear's smaller screen. This can make some games more difficult to play, as smaller sprites become difficult to make out such as bullets or text. The Master Link Cable can be used to use a controller to play two player mode in compatible games. Games which rely on the Light Phaser or 3D Glasses will also struggle. All Game Gears are region free, so the converters are likewise region free.

Some games are not fully compatible with the Master System Converter for various reasons, such as Lord of the Sword, Phantasy Star and Outrun. The unit will also not function in a late 90s Majesco Game Gear, however the updated version of the unit, the Master System Converter 2, will. The Master System Converter 2 is otherwise identical to the original model - plans were once put in place to allow a second control pad to be inserted, but no such feature can be found in the final release.

The Gear Master by Beeshu and Nuby Converter by Nuby fulfil the same role as the Master System Converter in slightly different ways.

Photo gallery

  • Master System Converter (front)

  • Master System Converter (back)

  • Master System Converter (front; Sega)

  • Master System Converter 2 (front)

  • Gear Master Converter (front)

  • Master Gear Adaptor (front)

  • Master Gear Adaptor (back)

Magazine articles

Main article: Master Gear Converter/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

Game Gear, US
MasterGearConverter GG US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngMasterGearConverter GG US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, CA
MasterGearConverter US Box back.jpgNospine-small.pngMasterGearConverter US Box front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, EU
MGC GG EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, DE (Vidis)
MGC GG Box Back 1.jpgNospine-small.pngMGC GG Box Front 1.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, UK (Phase 9)
MasterSystemConverter2 GG Box Front Phase9.jpgNospine-small.pngMGC2 GG Box Front 1.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, BR
MasterGearAdaptor GG BR Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngMasterGearAdaptor GG BR Box Front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, AS†
MasterGearConverter JP Box back.jpgNospine-small.pngMasterGearConverter JP Box front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, HK (WKK)
MasterGearConverter2 HK Box Front.png
Cover
Game Gear, HK (Freetron)
MasterGearConverter2 EU Box front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, ??
GMC GG Box Front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, ?? (2)
MasterGearConverter2 US Box box.jpg
Cover

References

  1. ↑ Sega Visions, "August/September 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 63
  2. ↑ Sega Pro, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-xx-xx), page 9
  3. ↑ File:SegaForce UK 02.pdf, page 64
  4. ↑ Sega Power, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-06), page 14
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