SG-1000 II

From Sega Retro

SG1000Mk2.jpg
SG-1000 II
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code
SG-1000
JP
¥15,00015,000
SG-1000
TW

The SG-1000 II is an updated version of the SG-1000 video game console, and was released by Sega in 1984. It is not a new system per se - internally it is identical to the original SG-1000, though it sports a number of cosmetic changes and largely replaced the original unit.

The biggest change was the controller. While the original SG-1000 used a small joystick controller, the SG-1000 II introduced a new thumbstick pad, which was innovative for featuring a stick controlled solely the thumb, though it was digital rather than analog. It was succeeded by the Sega Master System, which significantly upgraded the hardware (including the CPU, GPU and RAM) and changed the controller to a more intuitive D-pad design similar to the NES.

Hardware

Like the original SG-1000, the SG-1000 II runs all SC-3000 games and applications, with the exception of Music and Basic Cartridges. The expansion port has been moved to the front (as it is only used by the SK-1100 add-on), and rather than hard-wiring the first controller, it is detachable like the second. The SG-1000 II also shipped with updated SJ-150 controllers, which can be housed on the sides of the console, a design concept inspired by the Nintendo Famicom. Controllers are plugged in to the back of the unit this time.

The SG-1000 II design would go on to influence the Sega Mark III, which acts as a completely new video game system.

Models

Main article: SG-1000 consoles.

Technical specifications

See SG-1000's technical specifications for full specifications.

History

As the system failed to deliver any meaningful improvements for the Japanese public, the SG-1000 II, like its predecessor, faced stiff competition from Nintendo's Famicom and failed to pick up much steam in that region. As far as we know, it was not released in as many regions as the original SG-1000 - most would jump ahead to the Sega Master System.

Aaronix distributed the console in Taiwan starting in 1986, though the legalities surrounding this release are not yet known. Aaronix produced their own software with this console in mind, often converting games from the MSX (potentially without a license to do so). At least three revisions of the console are known to exist, one without the expansion port.

Games

Main article: List of SG-1000 games.

Promotional material

Photo gallery

External links

Sega SG-1000 Hardware
 SG-1000 Variations   SG-1000 | SG-1000 II | SC-3000 | SC-5000 | Othello Multivision | Pasocom Gakushuudzukue | SD-G5 | Arcade
Add-ons   Super Control Station SF-7000 | 4 Color Plotter Printer | Data Recorder SR-1000 | Sega Keyboard
Game Controllers   Joystick (SJ-200) | Joystick (SJ-300) | Joypad (SJ-150) | SJ-151 | Handle Controller | Bike Handle | Sega Graphic Board | Pasoko-1000
Misc. Hardware   Card Catcher | Extension Cable Kit (JC-100) | SD-80 | Sega Compact Floppy Disk
Unlicensed Clones   Dina 2 in one | Fullwis Video Game FR-II‎
Sega Home Video Game Systems
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SG-1000 SG-1000 II Mega Drive Mega Drive II
SC-3000 Mega-CD Mega-CD II Genesis 3
Sega Mark III 32X Dreamcast
Master System Master System II
AI Computer Game Gear
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