Master System consoles in North America

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	Distributor	Date & Price	Console	Label	Hardware	Software	Documentation	Comments
	The Sega Base System	Sega of America	US: (198x)			Control Pad (x2)
	The Sega Master System	Sega of America	US: (1986)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser	Hang-On / Safari Hunt	Instruction Manual
	The Sega Base System	Sega of America	US: (1987)			Control Pad (x2)
	The Sega Master System	Sega of America	US: (1987)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser	Hang-On / Safari Hunt
	Video Game System	Tonka	US: (1988)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser 3-D Glasses	Missile Defense 3-D
	Base System 3005	Tonka	US: (198x)			Control Pad (x2)
	Master System 3000	Tonka	US: (198x)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser	Hang-On / Safari Hunt
	SegaScope 3-D System 3001	Tonka	US: (1988)	3010-C		Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser 3-D Glasses	Missile Defense 3-D
	Master System II	Sega of America	US: $49.9549.95 (199x)			Control Pad	Alex Kidd in Miracle World

Canada

Box	Name	Distributor	Date & Price	Console	Label	Hardware	Software	Documentation	Comments
	The Sega Master System	Irwin Electronics	CA: (1987)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser	Hang-On / Safari Hunt		Made in Japan
	The Sega Master System	Irwin Electronics	CA: (198x)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser	Hang-On / Safari Hunt		Made in Hong Kong
	The Sega Master System	Irwin Electronics	CA: (198x)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser	Hang-On / Safari Hunt		Made in China
	Master System	Irwin Electronics	CA: (19xx)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser	Hang-On / Safari Hunt
	Master System	Irwin Electronics	CA: (19xx)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser	Hang-On / Safari Hunt
	Master System II	Irwin Electronics	CA: (199x)			Control Pad	Alex Kidd in Miracle World

Mexico

Box	Name	Distributor	Date & Price	Console	Label	Hardware	Software	Documentation	Comments
	Sega Master System	DISAM	MX: (≥ 1990)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser	Hang-On/Safari Hunt	Manual Seal (Box)
	SegaScope 3-D System	DISAM	MX: (≥ 1990)			Control Pad (x2) Light Phaser 3-D Glasses	Missile Defense 3-D	Manual Catalogue
	Master System II	DISAM	MX: (≥ 1992)			Control Pad	Alex Kidd in Miracle World	Manual
	Master System II	DISAM	MX: (≥ 1992)			Control Pad	Alex Kidd in Miracle World	Manual