Difference between revisions of "Master System consoles in North America"
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Revision as of 00:27, 6 July 2014
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 | Date & Price | Console | Hardware | Software | Documentation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Sega Base System |  |
 Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
     |
The Sega Master System | |
Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
  |
The Sega Base System | |
 Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
  |
The Sega Master System | |
Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
  |
Video Game System | |
Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
  |
Base System | |
Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
  |
Master System | |
Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
  |
SegaScope 3-D System | 3010-C |
 Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
  |
Master System II |  |
Canada
| Box | Name | Date & Price | Console | Hardware | Software | Documentation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
The Sega Master System | |
Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
  |
Master System | |
Control Pad (x2) |
||||||
 |
Master System II | |
| 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 |