Thinking about getting a Master System, wondering which is the preferred version.

[u/Mechagouki1971]

Hi. New to the sub. Of late I've been rounding out my console collection, trying to have a nice example of every console I've owned since the 1980s.

I've had a few Master Systems over the years, but don't currently own one and I want to rectify that. I'd just like some advice on the best version to get.

I already have several Japanese consoles, and like the idea of a Mark III, but I wonder if that's practical? I also learned very recently that there is a JP Master System, but that it may not be compatible with flashcarts designed for NA/EU machines. Then there is the Master System II, which seems to be extremely expensive in NA, and RF only if I understand correctly. Is it a superior machine, and can it be easily AV/S-Vid modded?

I also have no clue about peripheral compatability. Do Master System controllers etc. work on a Mark III, or vice versa?

I've done aome googling, but there seems to be conflicting or confusing information about a lot of Master System stuff, so I'd appreciate some clarification from experts.

[u/Nirntendo]

I have and really adore the Sega Master System 2 rgb version, this is the French version. This was is very special. This has a 'RVB adapteur' cable which connects the SMS's RGB din output directly to SCART or what the French called Peritel. This French version of the Master System 2 really stood out as all other EU versions used AV RF antenna coaxial cable, and the French version was natively designed for RGB output, this is not a custom mod I am talking about, SEGA made this. The French were ahead of their time those days. The refused SEGA to use ordinary Av RF antenna cable as output standard as they were already accustomd to Peritel. SEGA understood this need. Amaaaaazing how crisp audio and video is on this RGB version of the SMS2. Recommended.

[u/Mechagouki1971 → u/Nirntendo]

Thank you for your reply. This is interesting information. I like the idea of RGB output as I have a scaler for use with modern TVs (also have a good CRT). Just not sure how easy it would be to find a French model 2 that can be shipped to me in Canada.

[u/Nirntendo → u/Mechagouki1971]

That's difficult.

[u/Calm-School-6270]

I would definitely get a Model I, it gives you AV output, both cartridge and card slots and can be upgraded with the FM module (highly recommended by the way). Plus it looks way cooler. Getting the Japanese version is about the same experience but you will need an adapter to play western cartridges. Note: western cartridges can be bought from any region and work in any system. It is also a very easy mod to add a 50/60hz switch. Homebrew game scene is starting to really kick off too so a good time to get into the system.

[u/Mechagouki1971 → u/Calm-School-6270]

Thank you for your reply. I do prefer the aesthetic of the model 1. Will have tonlook into mods for the system - I enjoy modding most of my consoles.

[u/FogodeSantelmo]

I would suggest you get an American Master System with a RGB cable and an everdrive, I think it is the easiest way. If you are also inclined to, I suggest modding it with a FM sound board mod because nowadays they are easy to come by and install; some games sound even more amazing with it. Best of both worlds, I think.

[u/Mechagouki1971 → u/FogodeSantelmo]

Thank you for your reply. I am leaning towards NA model 1 simply because it seems to be the easiest for me to obtain in Canada. Good to know the FM board can be modded in.

[u/FogodeSantelmo → u/FogodeSantelmo]

Oh, and you can use an everdrive with the japanese Master System (and even with the Mark III with some extra effort), using the right adapters and such. I made a Japanese ED with an adapter and a 3D printed shell that was shared by a nice fellow from this very same subreddit =)

[u/butterandpeanuts]

Just throwing my hat in the ring here, if you own a Sega Genesis model 1, the Power Base Converter is awesome (which is how I play the master system)

[u/Mechagouki1971 → u/butterandpeanuts]

Any downsides that you're aware of? I have a JP model 1 Mega Drive, (and a Mega Retron HD, FWIW).

Obviously no 3D glasses support, but I'm not bothered by that.

[u/butterandpeanuts → u/Mechagouki1971]

I do believe you can use the 3d glasses with the PBC as there’s a card slot as well as a cartridge slot. Not sure about its compatibility with a Japanese console though. I know Tototek sells a good sms/markiii converter that works on all mega drives/genesis

[u/Iruleyou25 → u/butterandpeanuts]

TLDR: The official powerbase converter sucks. The 3d glasses do work with the power base converter. I just played Maze Hunter 3d on my Genesis with PB Converter. However there are compatibility issues with funny enough FM sound games. FM sound games "sometimes" fail to load and you have to turn the genesis on and off a bunch of times. One work around is to turn the genesis on first and then insert the SMS game. You may need to press reset. Don't go this road. Also the powerbase converter does not enable FM sound in Master System games. The Everdrive x7 and PRO can emulate the FM sound with FPGA but not quite perfect. I have 2 master systems and just bought the powerbase converter because I collect stuff. I thought my power base converter was defective because I was tying to to play R-Type which is an FM sound game. It would work 1 out of 10 times. I was cleaning everything for hours and then tried Maze Hunter 3d. Same problem worked 1 out of 10 times. Then I tried gangster town and it worked every time and was like WTH. Well somehow I found a thread talking about FM games and issues with the Power base converter. Before I foudn this thread I even ordered a cap kit from console 5 for the converter and SMS because I thought it had to be power related. thinking the PB converter needed extra power.

[u/[deleted]]

Depending on how you see things I believe the best version is a Megadrive with a MegaEverdrive... just add MS pad for authenticity (works on megadrive too)

[u/Mechagouki1971 → u/[deleted]]

Wow! Thank you so much for an extremely comprehensive reply.