1987
SEGA

MASTER SYSTEM

MESA
MASTER SYSTEM

📜 History & Legacy

The Master System, released by SEGA in 1987, marked the company's first serious foray into the home console market in North America. It was an 8-bit console designed to compete directly with the dominant Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). While it never achieved the same level of market share as the NES in North America and Japan, the Master System found considerable success in Europe and Brazil, where it became a dominant force in the gaming landscape.

Despite its technical capabilities, which were arguably superior to the NES in some aspects, the Master System struggled to gain traction initially due to Nintendo's strong grip on the market and exclusive deals with retailers. However, the console boasted a library of memorable games and introduced innovative features like built-in games (such as Alex Kidd in Miracle World on later models) and the use of SEGA Cards as a cheaper alternative to cartridges. The Master System's legacy continues to be celebrated by retro gaming enthusiasts for its unique library and contributions to the early console wars.

⚙️ Specifications

  • ❖ CPU: Zilog Z80 8-bit processor @ 3.58 MHz
  • ❖ GPU: Custom SEGA Video Display Processor (VDP)
  • ❖ RAM: 8 KB (128 KB for the Japanese version)
  • ❖ Storage: Cartridges, SEGA Cards
  • ❖ Media: Cartridge, Card
  • ❖ Resolution: 256 x 192 pixels
  • ❖ Sound: Texas Instruments SN76489 PSG

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • ★ Alex Kidd in Miracle World
  • ★ Phantasy Star
  • ★ Wonder Boy
  • ★ Wonder Boy in Monster Land
  • ★ Sonic the Hedgehog
  • ★ Shinobi
  • ★ Golden Axe Warrior
  • ★ R-Type
  • ★ Streets of Rage
  • ★ Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

🎥 Video Review

💡 Curiosities

  • ? Did you know? The Master System was originally released in Japan as the **SG-1000** and then the **SG-1000 II** before being redesigned and rebranded for international markets.
  • ? Did you know? The **Light Phaser** light gun was a popular accessory for the Master System, used in games like **Shooting Gallery** and **Safari Hunt**.
  • ? Did you know? The Master System had a built-in FM sound chip in Japan and Europe, offering enhanced audio capabilities compared to the North American version.
  • ? Did you know? **SegaScope 3-D Glasses** were available for the Master System, allowing players to experience a limited number of games in stereoscopic 3D.
  • ? Did you know? The Master System was incredibly popular in Brazil, where it continued to be produced and sold well into the 1990s and beyond.
  • ? Did you know? The Master System's successor, the **Genesis/Mega Drive**, was designed to be backwards compatible, but this feature was ultimately scrapped before release.
  • ? Did you know? The **Master System II**, a redesigned and cheaper version of the console, was released in 1990 and featured a built-in game, **Alex Kidd in Miracle World**.
  • ? Did you know? Some Master System games were released on both cartridge and SEGA Card formats, with the SEGA Card versions often being slightly cheaper.
  • ? Did you know? The Master System was marketed with the slogan 'The Power is On!'
  • ? Did you know? The Master System's controller had a unique design with two face buttons and a directional pad.