Difference between revisions of "Master System consoles in North America"

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Though there are similarities with European packaging, North American models are easier to spot than one might expect.
 
Though there are similarities with European packaging, North American models are easier to spot than one might expect.
  
==The Sega Base System==
+
==United States==
When the Master System debuted in North America in 1986, two packages were available, the simpler, cheaper option being this "Sega Base System". In this initial "set", most names are prefixed with the word "The". North American bundles can be identified by the blue square patterns on the right hand side.
+
{{ConsoleReleaseTable|
 
+
{{ConsoleRelease
The Base System contains merely a Power Base and a couple of controllers. Sega were not particularly honest in this region when it came to packaging - despite the existence of a cartridge on the front, there are no games included.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=US
 
 
| front=TSBS US Box Front.jpg
 
| front=TSBS US Box Front.jpg
| back=
+
| back=TSBS US Box Back.jpg
| spinemissing=
+
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=The Sega Base System
| item2=SMSControlPad 2.jpg
+
| distributor=[[Sega of America]]
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
+
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|US||1986}}
 +
 
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=3010
 +
 
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 2.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
 
 +
| soft1=HangOnAstroWarrior SMS US Box.jpg
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On / Astro Warrior]]''
 
}}
 
}}
 
+
{{ConsoleRelease
==The Sega Master System (with ''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]'')==
 
The other option, the Sega Master System, was more thoughtful, giving the user two control pads, a [[Light Phaser]] and the ''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]'' combo cartridge.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=US
 
 
| front=TSMSHOSH US Box Front.jpg
 
| front=TSMSHOSH US Box Front.jpg
 
| back=TSMSHOSH US Box Back.jpg
 
| back=TSMSHOSH US Box Back.jpg
| spinemissing=yes
+
| spine=TSMSHOSH US Box Spine.jpg
 +
| spine2=TSMSHOSH US Box Side.jpg
 +
| top=TSMSHOSH US Box Top.jpg
 +
| bottom=TSMSHOSH US Box Bottom.jpg
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=The Sega Master System
| item2=SMSControlPad 2.jpg
+
| distributor=[[Sega of America]]
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
+
 
| item3=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
+
| dateprice={{DatePrice|US||1986}}
| item3name=[[Light Phaser]]
+
 
| item4=HangOnSafariHunt SMS US Box.jpg
+
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
| item4name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
+
| consolecode=3010
 +
 
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 2.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
 
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
 
 +
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt SMS US Box.jpg
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
 +
 
 +
| doc1=SegaSystemInstructionManualSMSU.pdf
 +
| doc1name=Instruction Manual
 
}}
 
}}
  
==The Sega Base System (Revision)==
+
{{ConsoleRelease
Though the console was not changed, the controllers were. Initially the lead came out of the side, but here it was altered to come out of the top.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=US
 
 
| front=TSBS US Box Front Alt.jpg
 
| front=TSBS US Box Front Alt.jpg
| back=
+
| back=TSBS US Box Back Alt.jpg
| spinemissing=
+
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=The Sega Base System
| item2=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
+
| distributor=[[Sega of America]]
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
+
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|US||1987}}
 +
 
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=3010
 +
 
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 
}}
 
}}
 
+
{{ConsoleRelease
==The Sega Master System (with ''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]'') (Revision)==
 
A similar story for the Master System bundle. Both were released 1987 and are the models Canada adopted.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=US
 
 
| front=TSMS US Box Front Alt.jpg
 
| front=TSMS US Box Front Alt.jpg
 
| back=TSMS US Box Back Alt.jpg
 
| back=TSMS US Box Back Alt.jpg
 +
| top=TSMS US Box Front Top.jpg
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=The Sega Master System
| item2=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
+
| distributor=[[Sega of America]]
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
+
 
| item3=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
+
| dateprice={{DatePrice|US||1987}}
| item3name=[[Light Phaser]]
+
 
| item4=HangOnSafariHunt SMS US Box.jpg
+
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
| item4name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
+
| consolecode=3010
}}{{Scanbox
+
 
| console=Master System
+
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
| region=CA
+
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
| front=TSMS CA Box Front.jpg
+
 
| back=
+
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
| spinemissing=
+
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
| square=yes
+
 
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt SMS US Box.jpg
| item1name=Console
+
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
| item2=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 
| item3=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 
| item3name=[[Light Phaser]]
 
| item4=HangOnSafariHunt SMS CA Box.jpg
 
| item4name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
 
 
}}
 
}}
==Video Game System==
 
These "second generation" Master System bundles arrived a couple of years down the line in 1988, and were distributed by Tonka in the US. They have a different typeface describing the system (underlined in colour) and the "SEGA" logo replaces the "The Sega" text seen in earlier models.
 
  
Initially Tonka marketed just the one model, and called it the "Sega Video Game System", complete with a [[Light Phaser]] and [[3-D Glasses]] and ''[[Missile Defense 3-D]]''.
+
{{ConsoleRelease
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=US
 
 
| front=SVGS US Box Front.jpg
 
| front=SVGS US Box Front.jpg
 
| back=SVGS US Box Back.jpg
 
| back=SVGS US Box Back.jpg
| spinemissing=
+
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| top=SVGS US Box Top.jpg
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=Video Game System
| item2=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
+
| distributor=[[Tonka]]
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
+
 
| item3=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
+
| dateprice={{DatePrice|US||1988}}
| item3name=[[Light Phaser]]
+
 
| item4=Sms 3d glasses.jpg
+
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
| item4name=''[[3-D Glasses]]''
+
| consolecode=3010
| item5=MissileDefense3D US cover.jpg
+
 
| item5name=''[[Missile Defense 3-D]]''
+
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
| hard3=Sms 3d glasses.jpg
 +
| hard3name=''[[3-D Glasses]]''
 +
 
 +
| soft1=MissileDefense3D US cover.jpg
 +
| soft1name=''[[Missile Defense 3-D]]''
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Base System==
+
{{ConsoleRelease
Tonka then decided to go back to the old method, marketing several bundles at once and calling them different things. Some games are built-in to these consoles this time too. The "Base System" returns and again is the most basic model of the set, but this time has ''[[Hang-On]]'' built-in (mis-represented by the screenshot on the front of the box). US packaging of this nature can be identified by the text in the bottom left - in the US, the console is described as the "Best" system, while in Europe, it is the "Sega" system.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=US
 
 
| front=SBS US Box Front.jpg
 
| front=SBS US Box Front.jpg
| back=
+
| back=SBS US Box Back.jpg
| spinemissing=
+
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 
 +
| name=Base System
 +
| code=3005
 +
| distributor=[[Tonka]]
 +
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|US||1988}}
 +
 
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=3010-B
 +
 
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
 
 +
| soft1=HangOn SMS Title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On]]''
 +
}}
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=SMS US Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=SMS US Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=Master System
| item2=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
+
| code=3000
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
+
| distributor=[[Tonka]]
 +
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|US||1988}}
 +
 
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=3010-A
 +
 
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
 
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
 
 +
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
 
}}
 
}}
  
==SegaScope 3-D System==
+
{{ConsoleRelease
A repackaging of their earlier Video Game System, Tonka released this "SegaScope 3-D System" to once again push the 3D features. ''[[Missile Defense 3-D]]'' is now a built-in game rather than a separate cartridge.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=US
 
 
| front=SegaScope3D System.jpg
 
| front=SegaScope3D System.jpg
| back=
+
| back=SS3DS US Box Back.jpg
| spinemissing=
+
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 
 +
| name=SegaScope 3-D System
 +
| code=3001
 +
| distributor=[[Tonka]]
 +
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|US||1988}}
 +
 
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=3010-C
 +
 
 +
| hard1=Sms joypad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
| hard3=Sms 3d glasses.jpg
 +
| hard3name=''[[3-D Glasses]]''
 +
 
 +
| soft1=MissileDefense3D title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Missile Defense 3-D]]''
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=SMS2 US Box Front AlexKidd.jpg
 +
| back=SMS2 US Box Back AlexKidd.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 
 +
| name=Master System II
 +
| distributor=[[Sega of America]]
 +
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|US|49.95|1990}}
 +
 
 +
| console=SMS2 US.jpg
 +
| consolecode=MK-3006
 +
 
 +
| hard1=Sms joypad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]]
 +
 
 +
| soft1=Alex Kidd in Miracle World Title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]''
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Canada==
 +
{{ConsoleReleaseTable|
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=TSMS CA Box Front MadeinJapan.jpg
 +
| back=TSMS CA Box Back MadeinJapan.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 
 +
| name=The Sega Master System
 +
| distributor=[[Irwin Electronics]]
 +
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|CA||1987}}
 +
 
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=
 +
 
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
 
 +
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt SMS CA Box MadeinJapan.jpg
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
 +
| comments=Made in Japan
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=TSMS CA Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=TSMS CA Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=The Sega Master System
| item2=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
+
| distributor=[[Irwin Electronics]]
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
+
 
| item3=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
+
| dateprice={{DatePrice|CA||1987}}
| item3name=[[Light Phaser]]
+
 
| item4=Sms 3d glasses.jpg
+
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
| item4name=''[[3-D Glasses]]''
+
| consolecode=
 +
 
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
 
 +
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt SMS CA Box.jpg
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
 +
| comments=Made in Hong Kong
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Master System==
+
{{ConsoleRelease
The updated Master System package is similar to the old bundle, just that this time, ''[[Hang-On]]'' and ''[[Safari Hunt]]'' are built-in.
+
| front=TSMS CA Box Front MadeinChina.jpg
{{Scanbox
+
| back=TSMS CA Box Back MadeinChina.jpg
| console=Master System
 
| region=US
 
| front=SMS US Box Front.jpg
 
| back=SMS US Box Back.jpg
 
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=The Sega Master System
| item2=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
+
| distributor=[[Irwin Electronics]]
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
+
 
| item3=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
+
| dateprice={{DatePrice|CA||1987}}
| item3name=[[Light Phaser]]
+
 
}}{{Scanbox
+
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
| console=Master System
+
| consolecode=
| region=CA
+
 
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
 
 +
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt SMS CA Box MadeinChina.jpg
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
 +
| comments=Made in China
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 
| front=SMS CA Box Front.jpg
 
| front=SMS CA Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=SMS CA Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=Master System
 +
| distributor=[[Irwin Electronics]]
 +
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|CA||1988}}
 +
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=
 +
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
 +
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=SMS CA Box Front Alt.jpg
 +
| back=SMS CA Box Back Alt.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=Master System
 +
| distributor=[[Irwin Electronics]]
 +
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|CA||1988}}
 +
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=
 +
 +
| hard1=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
 +
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On / Safari Hunt]]''
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=SMS2 CA Box Front AlexKidd.jpg
 +
| back=SMS2 CA Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=Master System II
 +
| distributor=[[Irwin Electronics]]
 +
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|CA||1990}}
 +
 +
| console=SMS2 US.jpg
 +
| consolecode=MK-3006-22
 +
 +
| hard1=Sms joypad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]]
 +
 +
| soft1=Alex Kidd in Miracle World Title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]''
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Mexico==
 +
{{ConsoleReleaseTable|
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=SMSP MX Box Front.png
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
 +
| name=Sega Master System
 +
| distributor=[[DISAM]]
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|MX||{{gte}} 1990}}
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=3010-A
 +
 +
| hard1=Sms joypad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
 +
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On/Safari Hunt]]''
 +
 +
| doc1=SMS MX Manual.png
 +
| doc1name=Manual
 +
 +
| doc2=SMSP MX seal.png
 +
| doc2name=Seal (Box Front)
 +
}}
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=SMSP MX Box Front alt.png
 
| back=
 
| back=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=MasterSystem1.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=Sega Master System
| item2=SMSControlPad 1.jpg
+
| distributor=[[DISAM]]
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
+
| dateprice={{DatePrice|MX||{{gte}} 1990}}
| item3=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
+
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
| item3name=[[Light Phaser]]
+
| consolecode=
 +
 
 +
| hard1=Sms joypad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
 
 +
| soft1=HangOnSafariHunt title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Hang-On/Safari Hunt]]''
 +
 
 +
| doc1=SMS MX Manual.png
 +
| doc1name=Manual
 +
 
 +
| doc2=SMSP MX seal.png
 +
| doc2name=Seal (Box Front)
 +
}}
 +
{{ConsoleRelease
 +
| front=SMS SegaScope 3D MX box front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
 
 +
| name=SegaScope 3-D System
 +
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|MX||{{gte}} 1990}}
 +
 
 +
| console=MasterSystem1.jpg
 +
| consolecode=
 +
| distributor=[[DISAM]]
 +
| hard1=Sms joypad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]] (x2)
 +
| hard2=Sega Master System lightphaser.jpg
 +
| hard2name=[[Light Phaser]]
 +
| hard3=Sms 3d glasses.jpg
 +
| hard3name=''[[3-D Glasses]]''
 +
 
 +
| soft1=MissileDefense3D title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Missile Defense 3-D]]''
 +
 
 +
| doc1=SMS MX Manual.png
 +
| doc1name=Manual
 +
 
 +
| doc2=SMS MX Catalogue.jpg
 +
| doc2name=Catalogue
 +
 
 +
| doc3=SMSP MX seal.png
 +
| doc3name=Seal (Box Front)
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Master System II==
+
{{ConsoleRelease
North America received the redesigned Sega Master System II around 1990, this time with ''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]'' built in. North American Master System IIs are a different colour than their European counterparts - they are grey with white buttons, as opposed to solid black.
+
| front=SMS II AK MX box.png
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
 
 +
| name=Master System II
 +
| distributor=[[DISAM]]
 +
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|MX||{{gte}} 1992}}
 +
 
 +
| console=SMS2 US.jpg
 +
| consolecode=
 +
 
 +
| hard1=Sms joypad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]]
 +
 
 +
| soft1=Alex Kidd in Miracle World Title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]''
  
Big changes occur in this bundle. There is only one control pad, and it is a cost-reduced version without the extra thumbstick attachment. Likewise this is the first bundle not to contain a [[Light Phaser]]. The console has also settled on the name "Master System" - though the unit is still called the Power Base, the Master System name would be used from here on out.
+
| doc1=SMSII MX Manual.png
{{Scanbox
+
| doc1name=Manual
| console=Master System II
+
}}
| region=US
+
{{ConsoleRelease
| front=SMS2 US Box Front AlexKidd.jpg
+
| front=SMS II AK MX box alt.png
| back=SMS2 US Box Back AlexKidd.jpg
+
| back=
| spinemissing=yes
+
| spinemissing=
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
| item1=SMS2 US.jpg
+
 
| item1name=Console
+
| name=Master System II
| item2=Sms joypad.jpg
+
| distributor=[[DISAM]]
| item2name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]]
+
 
 +
| dateprice={{DatePrice|MX||{{gte}} 1992}}
 +
 
 +
| console=SMS2 US.jpg
 +
| consolecode=
 +
 
 +
| hard1=Sms joypad.jpg
 +
| hard1name=[[Control Pad (Master System)|Control Pad]]
 +
 
 +
| soft1=Alex Kidd in Miracle World Title.png
 +
| soft1name=''[[Alex Kidd in Miracle World]]''
 +
 
 +
| doc1=SMS MX manual alt.png
 +
| doc1name=Manual
 +
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 +
==References==
 +
<references />
  
 
{{MasterSystem}}
 
{{MasterSystem}}
  
 
[[Category:Master System hardware]]
 
[[Category:Master System hardware]]

Latest revision as of 20:24, 2 December 2023

Though the Sega Master System always played second-best to the Nintendo Entertainment System (so much so that few even remember the Master System's existence in this region), many bundles and console revisions were given to the North American audience.

There are three confirmed "sets" of North American Master System; early consoles distributed by Sega, late 80s consoles distributed by Tonka, and a third set for the redesgined Master System II, also distributed by Sega. Canada changed packaging when the US changed distributors, but all consoles in that country were distributed by Irwin Electronics.

Contrary to popular belief, until the advent of the Sega Master System II, Sega did not call the console the "Sega Master System" in North America. Instead the console was referred to as the "Sega System", a rather vague and confusing title which was inevitably scrapped. The console unit itself is often referred to as the "Power Base" (similar to the NES' "Control Deck"), though for unknown reasons the text printed on the top of the unit reads "Master System/Power Base". The "Master System" name clearly stuck, and became the official title for the console in later revisions.

Though there are similarities with European packaging, North American models are easier to spot than one might expect.

United States

Box Name Distributor Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation Comments
TSBS US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngTSBS US Box Front.jpg
The Sega Base System Sega of America
United States of America US: (1986)
MasterSystem1.jpg
3010
TSMSHOSH US Box Top.jpg
TSMSHOSH US Box Back.jpgTSMSHOSH US Box Spine.jpgTSMSHOSH US Box Front.jpgTSMSHOSH US Box Side.jpg
TSMSHOSH US Box Bottom.jpg
The Sega Master System Sega of America
United States of America US: (1986)
MasterSystem1.jpg
3010
SegaSystemInstructionManualSMSU.pdf
Instruction Manual
TSBS US Box Back Alt.jpgNospine-small.pngTSBS US Box Front Alt.jpg
The Sega Base System Sega of America
United States of America US: (1987)
MasterSystem1.jpg
3010
TSMS US Box Front Top.jpg
TSMS US Box Back Alt.jpgNospine-small.pngTSMS US Box Front Alt.jpg
The Sega Master System Sega of America
United States of America US: (1987)
MasterSystem1.jpg
3010
SVGS US Box Top.jpg
SVGS US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSVGS US Box Front.jpg
Video Game System Tonka
United States of America US: (1988)
MasterSystem1.jpg
3010
SBS US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSBS US Box Front.jpg
Base System
3005
Tonka
United States of America US: (1988)
MasterSystem1.jpg
3010-B
SMS US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSMS US Box Front.jpg
Master System
3000
Tonka
United States of America US: (1988)
MasterSystem1.jpg
3010-A
SS3DS US Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSegaScope3D System.jpg
SegaScope 3-D System
3001
Tonka
United States of America US: (1988)
MasterSystem1.jpg
3010-C
SMS2 US Box Back AlexKidd.jpgNospine-small.pngSMS2 US Box Front AlexKidd.jpg
Master System II Sega of America
United States of America US: $49.9549.95 (1990)
SMS2 US.jpg
MK-3006

Canada

Box Name Distributor Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation Comments
TSMS CA Box Back MadeinJapan.jpgNospine-small.pngTSMS CA Box Front MadeinJapan.jpg
The Sega Master System Irwin Electronics
Canada CA: (1987)
MasterSystem1.jpg
Made in Japan
TSMS CA Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngTSMS CA Box Front.jpg
The Sega Master System Irwin Electronics
Canada CA: (1987)
MasterSystem1.jpg
Made in Hong Kong
TSMS CA Box Back MadeinChina.jpgNospine-small.pngTSMS CA Box Front MadeinChina.jpg
The Sega Master System Irwin Electronics
Canada CA: (1987)
MasterSystem1.jpg
Made in China
SMS CA Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSMS CA Box Front.jpg
Master System Irwin Electronics
Canada CA: (1988)
MasterSystem1.jpg
SMS CA Box Back Alt.jpgNospine-small.pngSMS CA Box Front Alt.jpg
Master System Irwin Electronics
Canada CA: (1988)
MasterSystem1.jpg
SMS2 CA Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSMS2 CA Box Front AlexKidd.jpg
Master System II Irwin Electronics
Canada CA: (1990)
SMS2 US.jpg
MK-3006-22

Mexico

Box Name Distributor Date & Price Console Label Hardware Software Documentation Comments
SMSP MX Box Front.png
Sega Master System DISAM
Mexico MX: (≥ 1990)
MasterSystem1.jpg
3010-A
SMS MX Manual.png
Manual
SMSP MX seal.png
Seal (Box Front)
SMSP MX Box Front alt.png
Sega Master System DISAM
Mexico MX: (≥ 1990)
MasterSystem1.jpg
SMS MX Manual.png
Manual
SMSP MX seal.png
Seal (Box Front)
SMS SegaScope 3D MX box front.jpg
SegaScope 3-D System DISAM
Mexico MX: (≥ 1990)
MasterSystem1.jpg
SMS MX Manual.png
Manual
SMS MX Catalogue.jpg
Catalogue
SMSP MX seal.png
Seal (Box Front)
SMS II AK MX box.png
Master System II DISAM
Mexico MX: (≥ 1992)
SMS2 US.jpg
SMSII MX Manual.png
Manual
SMS II AK MX box alt.png
Master System II DISAM
Mexico MX: (≥ 1992)
SMS2 US.jpg
SMS MX manual alt.png
Manual

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