Control Pad (Master System)

Control Pad
Made for: Sega Master System
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code JP 1987 3020 US 1986 3020 EU 1987 BR 1989 011770 KR 1989

The Master System Control Pad or Sega Control Pad (コントロールパッド) is the official controller which came packaged with Sega Master System consoles. The controller connects to the system via a DE-9 port, so it is also compatible with various other systems of the day including the Sega Mega Drive.

The control pad is very similar to the first generation of NES controllers, and all models contain a D-Pad and two buttons labeled and . Button also doubles up as a  START  button, meaning it is only possible to pause a game by pressing the pause button on the console itself. As with the Sega Mark III, the D-Pad is a rounded square to avoid legal issues with Nintendo's patented cross-shaped design.

Several versions of the control pad exist exist:

1. "Model 1": the original Master System Control Pad. The D-Pad has a hole in the centre which allows for a small "thumbstick" could be inserted (much like Sega's earlier consoles).Like the Famicom in Japan, the lead from the controller comes out at the right hand side of the unit.
2. "Model 2": Same as above, but now the lead comes out at the top.
3. "Model 3": The hole for the thumbstick is completely removed. This version is most commonly associated with the Sega Master System II when it was introduced and was the only model used in Brazil.
4. South Korean model: Samsung adopted their own controller for the console, which was given several new colour schemes throughout its lifespan.

Gallery

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  "Model 1" control pad, with thumbstick

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  "Model 2" control pad

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  "Model 3" control pad

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  "Model 3" Control Pad packaging

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  BR model

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  KR model (Gam*Boy)

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  KR model (Gam*Boy II)

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  KR model (Gam*Boy II; newer)

External links

• Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)