SEGA Console: The Master System II

The Master System: SEGA's 3rd generation console to rival the NES/ Famicom. This console was released in 1985 and although lost the battle to dominate the American market, was very successful in Europe and Japan (where Nintendo was not so famous).

I personally feel that the Master System was an equally good console to the NES, and it has better features than the Famicom. Game titles wise is just as good, and I remember playing Operation Wolf using an emulator when I was actively playing PC games.

I only managed to get the Master System II, and a loose/unboxed one. Honestly I prefer the design of the first release, the Master System I, but I hope to be able to buy one (with a reasonable price *cough *cough *cheap) one day.

Well here's the machine: 

It's not as elegant as the Master System I or even the Mark III, but I do think it looks better than the Famicom.

Here's the main console:

The SEGA logo is actually a lid protecting the port where you insert the cartridge. 

But when I use the controller, it feels a bit odd, since it does not have a designated Start or Select button, just an A and B, like in the first picture.

Specifications

• Video/ Audio : RF (Radio Frequency) output
• The original one comes with a cable that you need to screw to an old television set and change to a channel 95, but you can just change to a regular RF cable where you plug into the aerial socket of your TV, and search for the channel

• To search, use manual search instead of auto, the TV will cycle UHF to VHF continuously until it finds the picture

• RF is, however, well known for having background noise even when you get a good picture

• Controllers: 
• 2 Standard detachable controllers connected to the front of the console with a long cable ~ 2 meters each
• Each controller has the buttons 1 (with start) and 2 and a Directional-Pad
• You cannot store the controllers anywhere
• The controller can be replaced with a Light Phaser (the gun)

• Extra controller port: None

• Power supply: 240V AC adaptor

• Media: 8-bit Cartridge
• This console has a built in Alex Kidd game (you can have either Alex Kidd or Sonic the Hedgehog as a built in game)
• The console has a lid which you can close to prevent dust accumulation, with no ejector so it's gonna be a bit hard to yank the cart from its port

• Game Save capabilities: None, but some games provide passwords to save basic achievement like cleared stages

Comparing the Famicom Cartridge (left) and the Master System Cartridge (right)

Controller

Here's a picture of the controller for the Master System II, like I described earlier

The D-pad is very soft and comfortable, which paved the way for a better D-pad in SEGA's Mega Drive/ Genesis later on

Functional Differences compared to Master System I

• Unable to read games in card form, which is another available media for Master System games
• Does not support the 3D glasses

Alright, although I mentioned my preference to Master System I over this version, I still think that this is a good 8-bit gaming console.

Titles like Alex Kidd, Operation Wolf, Black Belt and many more great memorable games can be played. A list of its games can be viewed here:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Master_System_games

2. http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?29198-Official-List-of-Sega-Master-System-games-by-Region (this is a forum by avid fans)

As usual, my blog is not really meant to give a complete historical and technical account on these consoles, but rather my views and opinions. If you want to know more, you can go to these sites:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_System

2. http://segaretro.org/Sega_Master_System

If you want to help me out obtain the Master System I, or you want me to help you out to obtain the Master System II, or cartridges, or have anything to comment on my reviews, leave a comment below.

That's it for now from the Game Doc