Difference between revisions of "Power Base Converter"

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{{AccessoryBob
 
{{AccessoryBob
 
| accessoryimage=SegaMegaAdaptor.jpg
 
| accessoryimage=SegaMegaAdaptor.jpg
−
| imgwidth=300
 
 
| title=Power Base Converter/Mega Adaptor/Master System Converter
 
| title=Power Base Converter/Mega Adaptor/Master System Converter
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
 
| madefor=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| madefor=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
−
| releases={{releases
+
| releases={{releasesMD
 +
| md_date_jp=1989-01-26{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130215062323/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/adapter.html}}
 +
| md_rrp_jp=4,500
 +
| md_code_jp=HAA-2600
 
| md_date_us=1989
 
| md_date_us=1989
−
| md_rrp_us=35.00 {{fileref|GamePro US 029.pdf|page=50}} <!--If we could get a price from the actual release date rather than 1991, that'd be swell. -->
+
| md_rrp_us=34.99{{magref|sv|6|38}} <!--If we could get a price from the actual release date rather than 1991, that'd be swell. -->
−
| md_date_eu=1990
+
| md_code_us=1620
−
| md_rrp_uk=29.99 {{fileref|MegaDrive UK PrintAd 1990-10.jpg}}
+
| md_date_uk=1990
−
| md_type_eu_1=II
+
| md_code_uk=1620
−
| md_date_eu_1=1993
+
| md_rrp_uk=29.99{{magref|ace|37|50}}
 +
| md_date_it=1990
 +
| md_rrp_it=85,000{{fileref|K IT 22.pdf|page=21}}
 +
 
 +
| md_type_uk_1=II
 +
| md_date_uk_1=1993
 
| md_rrp_uk_1=29.99
 
| md_rrp_uk_1=29.99
−
| md_rrp_de_1=69,95{{fileref|SegaMagazin DE 09.pdf|page=79}}
+
| md_code_uk_1=MK-1621-50
−
| md_date_jp=1989-01-26
+
| md_type_de_1=II
−
| md_rrp_jp=4,500 {{ref|http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/adapter.html}}
+
| md_date_de_1=1993
−
| md_code_jp=HAA-2600
+
| md_rrp_de_1=69.95{{magref|segamagazin|9|79}}
 +
| md_date_as=199x
 
| md_date_br=1990
 
| md_date_br=1990
 +
| md_date_ca=19xx
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
The '''Power Base Converter''', known as '''Mega Adaptor''' (メガアダプタ) in Japan, '''Master System Converter''' in Europe and '''Adaptador Para os Jogos Master System''' in Brazil, is a peripheral for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] allowing it to play [[Sega Master System]] [[Sega Card|cards]] or cartridges.  
 
The '''Power Base Converter''', known as '''Mega Adaptor''' (メガアダプタ) in Japan, '''Master System Converter''' in Europe and '''Adaptador Para os Jogos Master System''' in Brazil, is a peripheral for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] allowing it to play [[Sega Master System]] [[Sega Card|cards]] or cartridges.  
  
 +
==Hardware==
 
One of the key design features of the Mega Drive is its compatibility with its immediate predecessor, the Master System, as the Mega Drive's design is based upon the Master System's design, albeit enhanced and extended in many areas. As the cartridge slot of the Mega Drive is shaped differently than that of the Master System, and because its games could not be played directly through the Mega Drive, Sega released the Power Base Converter, an accessory that is placed between a Master System cartridge and the Mega Drive, allowing the user to play the previous generation of Sega games without the need for an extra console.
 
One of the key design features of the Mega Drive is its compatibility with its immediate predecessor, the Master System, as the Mega Drive's design is based upon the Master System's design, albeit enhanced and extended in many areas. As the cartridge slot of the Mega Drive is shaped differently than that of the Master System, and because its games could not be played directly through the Mega Drive, Sega released the Power Base Converter, an accessory that is placed between a Master System cartridge and the Mega Drive, allowing the user to play the previous generation of Sega games without the need for an extra console.
  
−
The Power Base Converter does not contain any Master System components but acts as a pass-through port. The converter contained 2 slots. The top slot was for cartridge based games. The front slot was for card based games and accessories. The Power Base Converter would be fully compatible with the cost-reduced Mega Drive II, were it not for the different shape of the Mega Drive II's casing.
+
The Power Base Converter does not contain any Master System components but acts as a pass-through port. The converter contains two slots; a top slot for cartridge-based titles and a front slot for card-based games and accessories. The Power Base Converter would be fully compatible with the cost-reduced Mega Drive II, were it not for the different shape of the Mega Drive II's plastic casing.
 +
 
 +
In Europe the differently shaped '''Master System Converter II''' was released in order to satisfy Mega Drive II owners. This accessory is also fully compatible with the original Mega Drive, but lacks the ability to run cards.
  
−
One can remove or modify the PBC casing, allowing it to work on a Mega Drive II. The alternative is the differently shaped '''Master System Converter II''', though this accessory was only released in Europe. The Master System Converter II is also fully compatible with the original Mega Drive, but lacks the ability to run cards.
+
Both 2-button Master System pads and standard Mega Drive pads can be used to play the majority of Master System games. Like the Master System, the PAUSE button is not part of the gamepad connector and instead is implemented as a push-button switch on the Power Base Converter or similar devices.
  
 +
===Technical information===
 
In order to achieve backwards compatibility, the original Master System central processor and sound chip (the [[Z80]] and [[SN76489]]) are included in the Mega Drive/Genesis and the new Video Display Processor is capable of the Master System VDP's mode 4 (though it cannot run in modes 0, 1, 2, or 3, so cannot run [[SG-1000]] games). Once a Master System game is inserted, the system's bus controller chip (later integrated with the I/O chip into a single multi-purpose ASIC) will put the Z80 in control leaving the [[68000]] idle.
 
In order to achieve backwards compatibility, the original Master System central processor and sound chip (the [[Z80]] and [[SN76489]]) are included in the Mega Drive/Genesis and the new Video Display Processor is capable of the Master System VDP's mode 4 (though it cannot run in modes 0, 1, 2, or 3, so cannot run [[SG-1000]] games). Once a Master System game is inserted, the system's bus controller chip (later integrated with the I/O chip into a single multi-purpose ASIC) will put the Z80 in control leaving the [[68000]] idle.
  
−
Both 2-button Master System pads and standard Mega Drive pads can be used to play SMS games. Due to slight differences in how the Mega Drive pads operate, some Master System games may inadvertently cause the wrong set of inputs to be selected in a 3/6-button pad and prevent input from working properly. In this case a Master System controller must be used. Like the Master System, the PAUSE button is not part of the gamepad connector and instead is implemented as a pushbutton switch on the Power Base Converter or similar devices.
+
==Incompatible games==
 +
Due to slight differences in how the Mega Drive control pads operate, some Master System games may inadvertently cause the wrong set of inputs to be selected and prevent the input from working properly. In these cases a Master System controller must be used. The need for Master System controllers caused some problems, particularly in the US, where at the time the Power Base Converter was being sold in stores, Sega had withdrawn separate Master System controllers from general sale. As a result, consumers were forced to contact Sega directly{{magref|sv|1|9}}.
 +
 
 +
The list of games which require a Master System control pad is as follows:
 +
*''[[Alien Syndrome]]''
 +
*''[[Bomber Raid]]''
 +
*''[[Great Volleyball]]''
 +
*''[[Montezuma's Revenge]]''
 +
*''[[Penguin Land]]''
 +
*''[[Shanghai]]''
 +
*''[[Tennis Ace]]''
 +
*''[[Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?]]''
 +
*''[[Wonder Boy in Monster Land]]''
 +
 
 +
All of these games will play properly with a Mega Drive controller on a Japanese Mega Drive or a console modified with a region switch (set to Japanese mode).
 +
 
 +
''[[Alien 3]]'', ''[[FA Tetris]]'' and ''[[F-16 Fighting Falcon]]'' are completely incompatible with the Power Base Converter. F-16 Fighting Falcon in particular relies on a graphics mode designed for [[SG-1000]] games.
  
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Sega_PBC_US.jpg|Power Base Converter (US)
+
Sega PBC US.jpg|Power Base Converter (US)
−
Image:Sega_PBC_US_open.jpg|Cartridge flap opened (US)
+
Sega PBC US open.jpg|Cartridge flap opened (US)
−
Image:Sega_PBC_US_underside.jpg|Underside (US)
+
Sega PBC US underside.jpg|Underside (US)
−
Image:Sega_PBC_US_MD1.jpg|Attached to Genesis 1 (US)
+
Sega PBC US MD1.jpg|Attached to Genesis 1 (US)
−
File:MasterSystemCoverter EU.jpg|Master System Converter (EU)
+
MasterSystemCoverter EU.jpg|Master System Converter (EU)
−
File:Master System Converter II.jpg|Master System Converter II (EU)
+
Master System Converter II.jpg|Master System Converter II (EU)
−
File:SegaMegaAdaptor.jpg|Mega Adaptor (JP)
+
SegaMegaAdaputa.jpg|Mega Adaptor (JP)
 +
MasterSystemCoverter BR.jpg|Master System Converter (BR)
 +
MasterSystemCoverter BR Underside.jpg|Underside (BR)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
==Promotional Material==
+
==Magazine articles==
−
<gallery>
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
−
File:PowerBaseConverter MD ES PrintAdvert.jpg|ES print advert
+
 
−
MegaDrive UK PrintAd 1990-10.jpg|UK print advert
+
==Promotional material==
−
MegaDrive UK PrintAd 1990-11.jpg|UK print advert
+
{{gallery
−
SegaEuropesNo1 SMS MD UK PrintAd.jpg|UK print advert
+
|{{gitem|Sega HK advert BGI 2.png|HK advert}}
−
</gallery>
+
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|ace|37|50-51
 +
|cvg|107|122-123
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|cvg|108|50-51
 +
|ace|38|36-37
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|cvg|111|74
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|segaklubi|2|8}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|segaklubi|3|8
 +
|segaklubi|4|8}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|megaforcees|11|88
 +
}}
 +
{{GalleryPrintAd
 +
|topmd|2|116
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=JP
 +
| front=Megaadaptor box.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
Line 58: Line 118:
 
| back=
 
| back=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| spinemissing=
−
| disc=
+
| square=yes
 +
| manual=Power Base Converter US Manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=EU
 
| region=EU
 
| front=sega_megadrive_baseconverter_box.jpg
 
| front=sega_megadrive_baseconverter_box.jpg
−
| back=
+
| back=MasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Back.jpg
−
| spinemissing=
+
| spine=MasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Spine.jpg
−
| disc=
+
| spine2=MasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Spine2.jpg
 +
| top=MasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Top.jpg
 +
| bottom=MasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Bottom.jpg
 +
| square=yes
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
Line 73: Line 137:
 
| spinemissing=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
−
| disc=
 
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=JP
+
| region=BR
−
| cover=Megaadaptor box.jpg
+
| front=APoJMS MD BR Box Front.jpg
 
| back=
 
| back=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| spinemissing=
−
| disc=
+
| square=yes
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=BR
+
| region=CA
−
| front=APoJMS MD BR Box Front.jpg
+
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| spinemissing=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=AS
 +
| front=
 
| back=
 
| back=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| spinemissing=
−
| disc=
+
| square=yes
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==External links==
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/adapter.html Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
−
 
−
==External Links==
 
−
* [http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/adapter.html Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)]
 
  
 
{{MegaDrive}}
 
{{MegaDrive}}

Revision as of 12:47, 5 May 2024

SegaMegaAdaptor.jpg
Power Base Converter/Mega Adaptor/Master System Converter
Made for: Sega Mega Drive
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥4,5004,500 HAA-2600
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$34.9934.99[2] 1620
Sega Mega Drive
DE
(II) 		DM 69.9569.95[5]
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£29.9929.99[3] 1620
Sega Mega Drive
UK
(II) 		£29.9929.99 MK-1621-50
Sega Mega Drive
IT 		85,000£85,000[4]
Sega Mega Drive
CA
Sega Mega Drive
BR
Sega Mega Drive
AS

The Power Base Converter, known as Mega Adaptor (メガアダプタ) in Japan, Master System Converter in Europe and Adaptador Para os Jogos Master System in Brazil, is a peripheral for the Sega Mega Drive allowing it to play Sega Master System cards or cartridges.

Hardware

One of the key design features of the Mega Drive is its compatibility with its immediate predecessor, the Master System, as the Mega Drive's design is based upon the Master System's design, albeit enhanced and extended in many areas. As the cartridge slot of the Mega Drive is shaped differently than that of the Master System, and because its games could not be played directly through the Mega Drive, Sega released the Power Base Converter, an accessory that is placed between a Master System cartridge and the Mega Drive, allowing the user to play the previous generation of Sega games without the need for an extra console.

The Power Base Converter does not contain any Master System components but acts as a pass-through port. The converter contains two slots; a top slot for cartridge-based titles and a front slot for card-based games and accessories. The Power Base Converter would be fully compatible with the cost-reduced Mega Drive II, were it not for the different shape of the Mega Drive II's plastic casing.

In Europe the differently shaped Master System Converter II was released in order to satisfy Mega Drive II owners. This accessory is also fully compatible with the original Mega Drive, but lacks the ability to run cards.

Both 2-button Master System pads and standard Mega Drive pads can be used to play the majority of Master System games. Like the Master System, the PAUSE button is not part of the gamepad connector and instead is implemented as a push-button switch on the Power Base Converter or similar devices.

Technical information

In order to achieve backwards compatibility, the original Master System central processor and sound chip (the Z80 and SN76489) are included in the Mega Drive/Genesis and the new Video Display Processor is capable of the Master System VDP's mode 4 (though it cannot run in modes 0, 1, 2, or 3, so cannot run SG-1000 games). Once a Master System game is inserted, the system's bus controller chip (later integrated with the I/O chip into a single multi-purpose ASIC) will put the Z80 in control leaving the 68000 idle.

Incompatible games

Due to slight differences in how the Mega Drive control pads operate, some Master System games may inadvertently cause the wrong set of inputs to be selected and prevent the input from working properly. In these cases a Master System controller must be used. The need for Master System controllers caused some problems, particularly in the US, where at the time the Power Base Converter was being sold in stores, Sega had withdrawn separate Master System controllers from general sale. As a result, consumers were forced to contact Sega directly[6].

The list of games which require a Master System control pad is as follows:

All of these games will play properly with a Mega Drive controller on a Japanese Mega Drive or a console modified with a region switch (set to Japanese mode).

Alien 3, FA Tetris and F-16 Fighting Falcon are completely incompatible with the Power Base Converter. F-16 Fighting Falcon in particular relies on a graphics mode designed for SG-1000 games.

Gallery

  • Power Base Converter (US)

  • Cartridge flap opened (US)

  • Underside (US)

  • Attached to Genesis 1 (US)

  • Master System Converter (EU)

  • Master System Converter II (EU)

  • Mega Adaptor (JP)

  • Master System Converter (BR)

  • Underside (BR)

Magazine articles

Main article: Power Base Converter/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Sega HK advert BGI 2.png
HK advert
Sega HK advert BGI 2.png
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in ACE (UK) #37: "October 1990" (1990-09-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #108: "November 1990" (1990-10-16)
also published in:
  • ACE (UK) #38: "November 1990" (1990-10-xx)[8]
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #111: "February 1991" (1991-01-16)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Klubilehti (FI) #2: "2/91" (1991-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Klubilehti (FI) #3: "1/92" (1992-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Mega Force (ES) #11: "Marzo 1993" (1993-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Top Mega-Drive (TW) #2: "xxxx xxxx" (199x-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Mega Drive, JP
Megaadaptor box.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, US
PowerBaseConverter MD US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Power Base Converter US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
MasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Top.jpg
MasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Back.jpgMasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Spine.jpgSega megadrive baseconverter box.jpgMasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Spine2.jpg
MasterSystemConverter MD EU Box Bottom.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, EU (II)
MasterSystemConverterII MD EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, BR
APoJMS MD BR Box Front.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, CA

Mega Drive, AS†

External links

References

  1. ↑ http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/adapter.html (Wayback Machine: 2013-02-15 06:23)
  2. ↑ Sega Visions, "Fall 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 38
  3. ↑ ACE, "October 1990" (UK; 1990-09-xx), page 50
  4. ↑ File:K IT 22.pdf, page 21
  5. ↑ Sega Magazin, "August 1994" (DE; 1994-07-13), page 79
  6. ↑ Sega Visions, "June/July 1990" (US; 1990-xx-xx), page 9
  7. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "October 1990" (UK; 1990-09-16), page 122
  8. ↑ ACE, "November 1990" (UK; 1990-10-xx), page 36
  9. ↑ Sega Klubilehti, "2/92" (FI; 1992-xx-xx), page 8


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