The original machine which evolved into the Master System on its Mark III release
Original version released in Japan.
US and European version, contains card slot in addition to cartridge slot
Cut down version which removed a card port, power
light, reset button, expansion port and logo or music upon activation
of the system. Also has Alex Kidd game built in or Sonic
the hedgehog.
Games which support these include Missile Defence 3-D, Zaxxon 3-D and Maze Hunter 3-D.
Sega Cards, could be used in the card slot of version 1 Master Systems.
There are loads of classic arcade games converted to
the Master System such as Golden Axe as shown here. Other titles include
Space Harrier, Smash TV and Pacmania.
All the usual Sega games such as Sonic, Tennis, Super
Hang-on and PGA Tour Golf also made it to the Master System.
Some early RPG's are available such as Ultima as shown
here.
- Black Belt
- Rambo
- Phantasy Star
- Alex Kidd in Miracle World
- Wonder Boy III
- Golden Axe Warrior
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Spellcaster
- Wonder Boy in Monster Land
- Michael Jackson's Moonwalker
The SG1000 was released the same month as Nintendo's Famicon. It had a free built
in game called "snail maze". Back to the drawing board and the next year saw the
unremarkable release of Sega SG-1000 Mark II. Released with a joystick and optional
plug in keyboard - even the accessories still could not sell it!
In 1985, Sega introduced the Sega SG-1000 Mark III (or just Mark III) into Japan.
It was now a bare bones 8 bit console which played either cartridges or cards.
For its USA launch, the console was renamed Sega Master System and came preloaded with
Hang On, Safari Hunt or Missile Defence 3D.
Sega could not compete with Nintendo, so it handed its North American Distribution
rights to Tonka Toys. Tonka had no experience in the games marketplace. It seemed
like a good idea at the time but it failed miserably. Less than a million consoles
were sold over a two year stretch. Even after adding over a 100 game titles to the
catalogue which included: Reggie Jackson's Baseball and Double Dragon Shinobi. Tonka
gave up. Two years down the line Tonka quietly gave Sega its rights back with loads
of unsold games and consoles.
Master system flourished. Sega teamed up with the UK firm Mastertronic.
It was sold at a bargain price of £99 with a budget range of games
at £9.99 each to go along side it. The TV campaign advertised it as
" The Ultimate Home Video Arcade System". Sega now was going in for the kill
after loosing out twice to Nintendo and the Master System won hands down.
This was a cosmetic redesign of the master system in 1990. It was sold for £59.99
with either Alex Kidd in Miracle World or Sonic the Hedgehog pre-installed.
Sega removed the card slot
These were found only in Brazil and were distributed by Tec Toy. Master System was a
huge success in Brazil and games were still being released in 1995.
On the free game Alex Kidd in Miracle world. Two versions of the game were installed.
On the Japanese model he is eating a rice ball, but on the American and European model he
is eating a hamburger
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker was loosely based on his moonwalker video. It followed him
exploring graveyards and pool halls all too synthesised versions of his hits - Billie Jean,
Thriller, Bad, and Smooth Criminal
Jackson was quoted in saying that "Genisis was the first game console powerful enough to
handle his music" He was wrong Master system was
When Sega tackled the marketing of Sega master system in America, they set up a stand at the
Summer CES in Chicago, some attendees mistook Sega for Saga Foods, saying "its strange
having a food distributor at a video games conference"
Chilloutgames