Handle Controller

Handle Controller
Made for: Sega Master System
Manufacturer: Hori (JP), Sega (EU)
Release Date RRP Code JP 1989 HJ-15 EU 1990-01 3041

For the Japanese SG-1000 peripheral, see Handle Controller (SH-400).

The Handle Controller (ハンドルコントローラ) is a peripheral for the Sega Master System (though is also compatible with the SG-1000 and Sega Mega Drive. It was designed primarily for racing games, with the D-Pad mapped to the steering mechanism and the and buttons being placed on top of each handle.

The peripheral requires a special connector cable in order to fit into the Master System's DE-9 controller ports. This was due to the fact that the Handle Controller was designed originally for Nintendo's Family Computer and connected into the console's expansion port. The cable required to use the controller on the Master System, the HJ-15C came included with the device in the west, but was sold separately in Japan (where the Handle Controller was promoted as a Mega Drive peripheral, as the Mark III/Master System was discontinued in the region by 1989). It also contains turbo switches. Despite the overlay, the controller does not detect in-game values, so the visible numbers on the dashboard are just for show and unused.

The Handle Controller was manufactured and distributed by Hori in Japan, but when brought to the west it was given official Sega branding. It sold for £39.95 in the UK.

Gallery

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  Back of unit

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  Underside of unit

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  Hori version of the Handle Controller

Physical Scans

Master System, EU
Cover

Master System, JP
Cover