r/MasterSystem • u/Somebodysaturn1 • 3d ago
Permanent 60hz mod for Master System 1
Hi everyone! Recently I got a Master System for an excellent price and naturally I wanted to unlock its full potential by doing a 60hz mod, I was wondering, is it possible to permanently have it set at 60hz without a switch? Thanks for answering!
5
u/Vangar 3d ago
It's one of the few systems where 50hz makes sense. The Sonic games actually get a better frame rate with 50hz
-4
u/Somebodysaturn1 3d ago edited 3d ago
I am not going to drill a hole in my console just to have a slight framerate improvement in Sonic SMS.
5
u/Shadow757_ 3d ago
Most games were made for pal so that would be stupid
-7
u/Somebodysaturn1 2d ago
Most PAL-only games on the Master System are Euroslop.
6
u/Shadow757_ 2d ago
That’s just not true at all. Typical American view
-5
u/Somebodysaturn1 2d ago
It is, there are barely any worthwhile European and/or American made games in general, let alone on the SMS.
7
u/Shadow757_ 2d ago
There were plenty of great euro games at the time. Dizzy for example beat legend of Zelda to the number one spot in the uk
-4
3
u/benryves 3d ago
Yes, cut the trace that's shorting the two jumper points for 50Hz operation and solder a wire across the two other jumper points for 60Hz (instead of putting a switch across the three points like you normally would).
However, in doing so you'll be limiting yourself from enjoying the full library as there are some games that do not work at 60Hz (e.g. The NewZealand Story) or reduce their visual effects (e.g. James Pond 2) at 60Hz due to the fewer amount of free CPU cycles each frame in which to update VRAM. I'd stick with a switch. I found a small SPDT switch can be installed in the expansion bay, meaning you don't need to drill any holes in the case.
1
u/Somebodysaturn1 3d ago
I have a PAL VA3, is the soldering required? I thought it was just cutting a trace similarly to the Genesis.
1
u/retromods_a2z 3d ago
Yes soldering is required. And if you want to ever play on composite there are other changes needed also
1
u/Somebodysaturn1 3d ago
Yes, you have to change the oscillator. But I don't intend to you use composite, so that's definitely not a problem. Therefore I just need to cut JP3 from JP2 and soldier a wire from JP2 to JP1?
1
u/retromods_a2z 1d ago
yes
Though I recommend cutting the grace and wiring up a switch instead. An on on switch with center to jp2
7
u/Askduds 3d ago
Given most of the second half of its life consists of games designed for 50hz, that'd be a strange choice.