Handle Controller

From Sega Retro

HandleController1.jpg
Handle Controller
Made for: Sega Master System
Manufacturer: Hori (JP), Sega (EU)
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Master System
JP
¥4,9804,980 HJ-15
Sega Master System
EU
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 1 and 2 buttons being placed on top of each handle. It also contains turbo switches. Despite the overlay, the controller does not detect in-game values, so the visible numbers on the dashboard are purely decorative. When used on a Mega Drive, the two large buttons on the handles serve as B and C buttons, whereas the two smaller buttons on the left side of the base serve as the  START  and A buttons.

The Handle Controller was manufactured and distributed by Hori in Japan, but when brought to Europe it was given official Sega branding. The Hori version of the peripheral was marketed as being compatible with both, the Family Computer and the Mega Drive (since the Mark III/Master System was already discontinued in Japan by 1989) due to the detachable cords that could be plugged into the device's DA-15 port. The Hori version of the Handle Controller was bundled with the Famicom cord, while the Mega Drive cord (HJ-15C) was sold separately. The Sega version on the other hand was marketed strictly as a Master System peripheral (as the platform was still strongly supported in Europe) without any mention of Mega Drive compatibility and came bundled with the required DE-9 cord.

Gallery

Physical scans

Master System, EU
HandleController SMS EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
Master System, JP
HandleController SMS JP Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngHandleController SMS JP Box Front.jpg
Cover

References

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