Master System consoles in North America

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.

The Sega Base System

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.

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.

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Console Control Pad (x2)

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.

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Console Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser Hang-On / Safari Hunt

The Sega Base System (Revision)

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.

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Console Control Pad (x2)

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.

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Console Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser Hang-On / Safari Hunt

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Console Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser Hang-On / Safari Hunt

Base 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. What's also notable is the inclusion of built-in games as opposed to separate cartridges bundled with the console - these replace the hidden Snail Maze game seen in earlier models.

This "Base System" is again the most basic model, but this time has Hang-On built-in (mis-represented by the screenshot on the front of the box). US packaging 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.

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Console Control Pad (x2)

SegaScope 3-D System

Sega also released a model attempting to push their 3-D Glasses accessory, with Missile Defense 3-D built in. The "SegaScope 3D System" package inlcudes were two controllers, a Light Phaser and a pair of 3-D glasses.

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Console Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser 3-D Glasses

Master System

The updated Master System package is similar to the old bundle, just that this time, Hang-On and Safari Hunt are built-in.

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Console Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser

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Console Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser

Master System II

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.

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.

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Console Control Pad