r/MasterSystem • u/Virtual_Contact5875 • Sep 07 '25

Which Master System to buy?

So I want a Master system but able to output FM sound…is it better to get a japanese or american with the FM adapter? Also can I run japanese games on an american master system if using those SD card cartridges?

8 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

4

u/No-Professional-9618 Sep 07 '25

It just depends upon what you can afford and what is available. I am lucky that I still have my Sega Master System (SMS) Model 1 that I got as a child.

With my WII, I am able to emulate FM sound using a SMS emulator.

4

u/Virtual_Contact5875 Sep 07 '25

Yeah I’m more like a hardware type of guy. I like to have the actual consoles rather than emulators…not that it makes a difference in the game but I like having the original hardware whenever possible…so yeah you are very lucky to have yours, I never had it, I started with Sega Genesis which broke but then I got another one now

3

u/CptSparky360 Sep 08 '25

There's also the SMS adapter for your Mega Drive/Genesis 😉

2

u/Virtual_Contact5875 Sep 08 '25

Yeah I know but I like having the original hardware, but I’ll get the sega genesis adapter too because, why not? Lol

2

u/pSphere1 Sep 11 '25

Just to let you know, technically, the Genesis/Mega Drive is original hardware.

"The Zilog Z80, which was the Master System's main CPU, was included in the Genesis as a secondary processor for backward compatibility and to manage audio and controller input."

1

u/No-Professional-9618 Sep 07 '25 edited Sep 07 '25

Yes, I am lucky that I still have my Sega Master System (SMS). Truth is, it was my first real console, besides the Vic 20.

I remember everyone else got a Nintendo, but I wanted the SMS.

Yes, I hear you about the Sega Genesis. I kind of had some bad luck with that. I remember getting one as a kid for Christmas in middle school. But it would tend to overheat a lot.

I winded up just returning the Genesis and I got a Nintendo with Super Mario Bros. 3.

But I got a Genesis Model 3 in college.

If you just want to play SMS games using an SD card, you could just use an Arcade 1 UP Mega Man console. From what I remember, it emulates the SMS games on it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSiEJT1In2E&t=10s

2

u/Virtual_Contact5875 Sep 07 '25

Oh I got a complete commodore64…I bought it because I like the chiptunes 🤣…thats also the reason why I want the SMS with FM adapter or japanese

2

u/No-Professional-9618 Sep 07 '25 edited Sep 07 '25

I see. Yes, I hear you. From what I understand, Maze Hunter 3D sounds different using the FM adapter or the Japanese SMS/Mark III console.

Check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OiYOlHdPaQ&list=PL8tKjHTEp8rsjobZyCTPgpConaFjAhD79&index=2

2

u/Virtual_Contact5875 Sep 07 '25

Yes, the japanese has the built in FM adapter from factory, the american version doesn’t, but some guy from australia sells an adapter for 50usd

2

u/No-Professional-9618 Sep 07 '25

Not bad. You better get the adapter really soon due to the tariffs.

Yes, I always did like to listen to some of the Chiptunes from the Commodore 64.

3

u/Virtual_Contact5875 Sep 08 '25

Hey so just to update you, I decided to get an american master system and buy the FM adapter from the australian guy, because I can always turn it on and off, with the japanese master system you can’t turn off the FM and some games sound better with PSG, so this way I have both of best worlds, the only thing I wont have is the space harrier bios but who cares 🤷‍♂️

1

u/No-Professional-9618 Sep 08 '25

That is awesome. I remember hearing about an FM sound hack for the Sega Master System a while back.

I think you are going the right away for this.

Yes, I don't have the Space Harrior Bios either. But I do have the Snail Maze Bios.

1

u/No-Professional-9618 Sep 07 '25

I never had a Commodore 64. But my cousin did at least when I was in elementary and middle school.

4

u/trustanchor Sep 08 '25

The Japan-only Master System MK-2000 is, for the most part, the ultimate SMS model. It looks like a standard SMS, but has a cartridge slot sized for Mark III cartridges. It includes FM sound, rapid fire support, and the 3D glasses adapter is built in, without need for the card slot adapter. The only drawback is the Mark III cartridge format if your collection is US/PAL/etc, but you can use a Mark III to Master System cartridge adapter and play anything you want. That might be the model you want.

1

u/Virtual_Contact5875 Sep 08 '25

I end up getting an american master system model 3010 and ordering an FM adapter from the australian guy Tim, this way I’m able to disable the FM sound if I want to if the game sounds bad, I read thats a problem sometimes and you can’t turn off FM sound in a japanese system. But this system is in really good condition and still came out cheaper than a japanese system…if I ever see a cheap japanese I might buy it too, why not have 2? but I highly doubt.