Master System consoles in South America

The Master System failed to make a dent in the Japanese and North American markets, but Sega's distributor Tectoy made it count in Brazil, thanks to limited competition from Nintendo. The Master System was also a success in Europe, but by the time the Sega Mega Drive came along it was starting to be phased out in favour of the superior console. In Brazil, this wasn't the case, and Tectoy still produce Master Systems to this day to complement their Mega Drive rereleases.

Brazil saw many exclusive versions of the Sega Master System, all of which were released by Tectoy. This page documents them all. It does not include the Master System Super Compact series, the Master System Girl or the Master System Handy, or any of the non-cartridge based machines.

Master System

When the Master System debuted in other countries, there were two versions, a "Base System" and a "Master System", the former package being cancelled early on in the console's lifespan. In Brazil, only the enhanced Master System package was sold at launch, with two controllers and everything looking like their North American and European counterparts. Built-in to the console was Hang On and Safari Hunt, and the secret game, Snail Maze. Strangely despite showing a pair of 3-D Glasses and a Light Phaser, on the box, neither was included with the console.

Master System 3D

Essentially the same as the above release, Tectoy bundled in a Missile Defense 3D cartridge so that people would be inspired to use the 3D glasses, the only problem being the 3D glasses were still not bundled with the console. Hang On, Safari Hunt and Snail Maze are still built-in.

Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World)

The same console, but now given an extra "II. Similar to Tectoy's Mega Drive II, the Master System II looks identical to a Master System I, but has a slight logo change on the unit. One controller, and Alex Kidd in Miracle World is the only built-in game.

Master System II (with Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Jogos de Verão)

Same as above, but now with Jogos de Verão included as a cartridge.

Master System III Compact (wiith Alex Kidd in Miracle World) (white box)

The redesigned Master System II console seen elsewhere in the world was brought to Brazil under the name of "Master System III Compact". The photos of peripherals not included with the console were removed and the console saw a price drop. It is also the first console to acknowledge Sega on the front of the box.

Master System III Compact (wiith Alex Kidd in Miracle World) (blue box)

Tectoy changed the style of its Master System games so that rather than use the same white grid design used in other parts of the world, the packaging would now be blue. As such, this is just a packaging change.

Master System III Compact (wiith Sonic the Hedgehog) (white box)

At the same time as the Alex Kidd Master System III Compact package was released, a Sonic the Hedgehog package was released also. The specs otherwise are identical, though the console unit can be identified by a picture of Sonic printed next to the Sega logo.

Master System III Compact (wiith Sonic the Hedgehog) (blue box)

Again, the packaging needed to be changed when Tectoy moved to blue.

Master System III Compact (wiith Sonic the Hedgehog and 20 built-in games)

Tectoy upped the specs of the previous release with 20 built-in games to go along with Sonic the Hedgehog (which this time was released on cartridge).

Master System III Compact (wiith Light Phaser and Bart Vs. The World)

For one reason or another, Tectoy decided to scrap the "III Compact" from the box title, though this can still be found on the unit itself. This package came with Bart Vs. The World on cartridge, and interestingly, a Light Phaser. Also returning is Hang On and Safari Hunt as built in games, and Snail Maze can be activated through the BIOS.

Master System III Compact (wiith Light Phaser and Global Gladiators)

Exactly the same, but with Global Gladiators on cartridge rather than Bart Vs. The World.

Master System III Collection (with 74 built-in games)

With a new logo comes a new set of Master Systems, this time with a bigger emphasis on built-in games. Their first release in the "Master System III Collection" has 74-built in games. Though almost identical in shape to the Master System III compact (and Master System II in other territories), the system has now been coloured white, given a Tec Toy logo and been paired with a set of black Sega Mega Drive six button controllers (which of course are compatible with the Master System). Tectoy would keep bundling six button controllers with further Master System releases, despite the fact none of the bundled games needed that many buttons.

Tectoy are bending the truth with these numbers. Though there are technically 74 games here, there are a couple of compilations such as 20 in 1 which are bringing up the number.

Master System III Collection (with 105 built-in games)

A bigger version of the above, now sporting 105 built-in games.

Master System III Collection (with 112 built-in games)

An even bigger version of the above, now sporting 105 built-in games.

Master System III Collection (with 120 built-in games)

An even bigger version of the above, now sporting 120 built-in games with a yellow/white finish.

Master System III Collection (with 131 built-in games)

131 games included this time, but sadly this would by Tectoy's last console to come with a cartridge slot. Still comes with two six button controllers and a blue finish though.