Master System

Master System



  • Top: North American/European Master System
  • Middle: Japanese Sega Mark III
  • Bottom: Master System II
Also known asSEGA Master System
DeveloperSega
ManufacturerSega
TypeHome video game console
GenerationThird
Release date
October 20, 1985
Lifespan
  • JP: 1985–1991
  • NA: 1986–1992
  • EU: 1987–1996
  • KO: 1988–1994
  • BR: 1989–present[9]
Introductory price¥16,800 (equivalent to ¥20,000 in 2019)
US$200 (equivalent to $570 in 2024)
£99.95 (equivalent to £360 in 2023)
Units sold10-13 million[10][11][a]
MediaROM cartridge, Sega Card
CPUZilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
Memory8 KB RAM
16 KB VRAM
Display256 × 192 resolution, 32 colors on-screen
SoundTexas Instruments SN76489 PSG via VDP
Yamaha YM2413[b]
Backward
compatibility		SG-1000[b]
PredecessorSG-1000[b]
SuccessorSega Genesis
RelatedGame Gear

The Master System[c] is an 8-bit home video game console manufactured and developed by Sega. It was originally a remodeled export version of the Sega Mark III, the third iteration of the SG-1000 series of consoles, released in Japan in 1985. The Master System launched in North America in 1986, followed by Europe in 1987 and Brazil and Korea in 1989. A Japanese version was launched in 1987, with additions including a built-in FM audio chip, a rapid-fire switch, and a dedicated port for the 3D glasses. The Master System II, a cheaper model, was released in 1990 in North America, Australasia, and Europe.

The original Master System models use both cartridges and a credit card-sized format, Sega Cards. Accessories include a light gun and 3D glasses that work with specially designed games. The later Master System II redesign removed the card slot, turning it into a strictly cartridge-only system, and is incompatible with the 3D glasses.

As a third-generation console, the Master System was released in competition with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Its library is smaller and with fewer well-reviewed games than the NES, due in part to Nintendo licensing policies requiring platform exclusivity. Though the Master System had newer, improved hardware, it failed to overturn Nintendo's market share advantage in Japan and North America. However, it attained greater success in other markets, including Europe, Brazil, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia.

The Master System is estimated to have sold between 10-13 million units worldwide. In addition, Tectoy has sold 8 million licensed Master System variants in Brazil. Retrospective criticism has recognized its role in the development of the Sega Genesis, and a number of well-received games, particularly in PAL (including PAL-M) regions, but is critical of its limited library in the NTSC regions, which were dominated by the NES.

  1. ^ "家庭用 컴퓨터 시판". 매일경제. October 13, 1988. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference MK3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Gamers High! Futabasha Super Mook (in Japanese). Futabasha. 2015. p. 55. ISBN 978-4-575-45554-0.
  4. ^ "Sega Release Schedule to November 1987 - UK" (PDF). Computer and Video Games. No. 73. November 1987. p. 132.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference CE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference MS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Korea1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference brasil_lancamento was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ "The SEGA Master System in Brazil: History of a Forgotten Video Game Console". Munib Rezaie: Media Blog and Academic Portfolio. January 25, 2022. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
  10. ^ Forster, Winnie (2005). The Encyclopedia of Game Machines: Consoles, Handhelds, and Home Computers 1972–2005. Magdalena Gniatczynska. p. 139. ISBN 3-00-015359-4.
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference GENSNES was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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  15. ^ Cite error: The named reference Korea was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sega MegaZone was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ Cite error: The named reference MDB was invoked but never defined (see the help page).


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