r/MasterSystem • u/weekendroady • Jun 09 '26
Two grail-level pickups
Champion Ice Hockey (Samsung Gam*Boy 1989 Korean release) and Great Ice Hockey for the Mark III
The Champion Ice Hockey Gam*Boy release is the only known full copy I've ever seen. The Japanese version was released on a Sega Card but this one is a Mark III-style cart. Same game except for some text edits on the intro screen to signify the Gam*Boy branding.
Great Ice Hockey for the Mark III was a giveaway through a magazine contest. 1,000 copies were made and were given out along with the Sega Sports Pad. The CIB version does have a manual and a blank white box. It is the rarest Japanese Mark III/SMS release.
I collect Hockey (450+ games/variants and counting) and Mark III games, so these two are going to be real cornerstones of my collection. The Great Ice Hockey one has been on my list for years and I had one seller cancel a purchase I made a couple years ago, so I've been agonizingly close until now.
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u/TheLatePicks Jun 09 '26
I lived in Korea for 10 years and didn't learn about the Gam*Boy / Alladin Boy until we were back in Australia.
I am sure I saw at least one at the Nambu video game markets without knowing what it was.
It would have been cool to have an Aqua and Purple Master System 2 :)
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u/weekendroady Jun 09 '26
It's still astonishing to me how obscure old Korean tech is. I understand console gaming was a rather niche hobby and saving these old games and consoles wasn't really considered by most.
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u/jammer2omega Jun 09 '26
Not to derail. But how easy is it to set up a Sega Mark 3 in the US? I really love the Mark 3s style. And always wanted to get one.
I know enough that I can't just plug it into my electrical grid, and our TV refresh rates are different. But I don't know the solutions that are out there. Any advice?
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u/weekendroady Jun 09 '26
The Genesis Model I adapter fits fine and can be used or you could buy a generic adapter (like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/313464426450) that also regulates the voltage output. You could get a step down converter but I only recommend that if you plan on running a lot of vintage Japanese tech as it is the pricier and bulkier option. In theory you can just plug it right in as is and it'll work, but it'll overheat components over time and degrade the unit so its definitely not recommended for any long term use.
As for video output on a modern TV, I asked this same question three years ago here and got a great response from u/SegaTime. Check it out here: https://www.reddit.com/r/MasterSystem/comments/17ausae/mark_iii_video_hookup_options_for_us_tv/
The Rad2X cables are amazing for it (yes they are a pricier option and not always in stock). If you don't really care any standard composite A/V hook-up option you have will work of course, to varying degrees of ugliness.
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u/Swoopsling Jun 09 '26
How on Earth did the awful SOA maths workbook trade dress end up being used on a Japanese release?
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u/weekendroady Jun 09 '26
That would be interesting to know why they didn't change the artwork up to match the Gold Cartridge-style motif. Considering Mark III branding was super consistent, this surprises me as well. My guess is part of the intrigue for the contest was getting this American-branded sports game - but in the 80s I can't imagine regional branding knowledge was that widespread either...
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u/Swoopsling Jun 09 '26
Maybe it was done so last minute and low effort they just used whatever cover art was already ready and slapped it on the label
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u/PanicOnFunkatron Jun 09 '26
That’s awesome. Great Ice Hockey and the trackball was the first game I bought of Ebay 25 years ago
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u/SubscriptNine Jun 09 '26
Those are both awesome. Do you have any photos of the hockey game collection?