Master System:Master System Model Differences: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:Master_System]]
[[Category:Lynx]]
'''Page content & researching partially taken from [https://io55.net/wiki/eop/video_game_consoles-home/3rd_generation/sega_master_system io55.net's Sega Master System page] with permission, in collaboration.'''
'''Page content & researching collaboratively taken from [https://io55.net/wiki/eop/video_game_consoles-portable/4th_generation/atari_lynx io55.net's Lynx page] with permission.'''


There are two released models of the Master System, and no minor/internal revisions.
There are two released models of the Lynx, and five revisions which only impact system modding.


== Models ==
== Models ==
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''Models are arranged chronologically.''  
''Models are arranged chronologically.''  


=== Mark III (1985-1987) ===
=== Model 1 (1989-1991) ===


This is the original release of the Master System hardware, released in Japan on October 20, 1985. The Mark III cosmetically resembles its predecessor, the SG-1000 II, and is roughly the same size as that earlier console. Located on the left-hand side is an expansion port carried over from the SG-1000 line, used to connect the SK-1100 keyboard and the later FM Sound Unit (note that this expansion port is ''not'' the same used on later international consoles). Two controller ports are located on the right-hand side (which are numbered in opposite order compared to other consoles) as well as a built-in card slot for reading games on the Sega Card/MyCard format. On the back are the power switch, RF out and AV out. The Mark III is also backwards compatible with SG-1000 games, but the color palette is vastly different compared to an original SG-1000 console and may make playing certain games difficult.
The original version of the Lynx. Featuring an absolutely gargantuan form factor, the Model 1 Lynx is generally a little bit worse than the Model 2 in certain features, unless you have massive hands and don't care about these things - which is completely understandable. To be specific, the Model 1 has shorter battery life (at 4-5 hours), mono instead of stereo audio, and a slightly worse screen (although neither model's screen is exactly “good” nowadays). Outside of this, the Model 1 and 2 are the same in crucial functionality, such as region lock (both have none), and hacking/modding capability: both models are capable of receiving all important mods and can use flashcarts.


The Mark III was also the first Sega console to possess RGB output, but it is unamplified and requires external circuitry or modification to make it suitable for most displays. Sega did not sell an official RGB cable in Japan.
=== Model 2 (1991-1995) ===


=== Master System (1986-1991) ===
Released at the relative peak of the Lynx's life, the Model 2 is generally the better system in all ways but form factor (for people who have large hands). Featuring an improved battery life (at 5-6) hours, stereo audio, a vaguely better screen, power saving functions (can turn off the backlight - if you hate yourself), and “rubber hand grips”, the Model 2 is a bit nicer and appears to be about as common as the Model 1 within the 2nd hand market. While these changes do make it a slightly better system, it doesn't really matter if one ends up getting the Model 1, as the 2's improvements are pretty minor and will probably be a target for user modding anyways.


The original release of the Master System hardware for the rest of the world. Although largely internally identical to the Mark III, the Master System is vastly different cosmetically, featuring a black and red color scheme, and is larger than the Mark III. Located on the front are the power switch, controller ports and Sega Card slot. The international Master System also has amplified RGB output and a different expansion port, which never saw use. Sega also changed the cartridge port and shape for the West, so Japanese cartridges and SG-1000 games are not compatible.
== Revisions ==


Earlier revisions of the console only have a secret Snail Maze game built-in. Beginning in late 1987/early 1988, Sega began including Hang-On or Hang-On/Safari Hunt as a built-in game for most bundles, with the SegaScope 3D bundle including a console with Missile Defense 3-D built-in. Very late original European models also have Alex Kidd in Miracle World built-in.
While both the Model 1 and Model 2 feature motherboard revisions, these revisions have no impact to external functionality and thus, will only be important to system modding. This section will be expanded and linked into other Lynx modding pages when they have been created. Pages relating to Lynx motherboard revisions have been linked below.


=== Master System (MK-2000, Japan) (1987-1988) ===
https://atarigamer.com/pages/hardware-details


For the Japanese market in late 1987, Sega replaced the Mark III with a revised version of the international Master System with extra hardware features. It very closely resembles its non-Japanese counterpart, but does have some crucial differences. The FM Sound Unit, 3-D glasses adapter and Rapid Fire Unit are all built-in to this console, adding extra value; these were all optional accessories for the Mark III. It still uses the same cartridges as the Mark III and is also backwards compatible with SG-1000 games. This console also has a very distinctive BIOS which plays a rendition of the Space Harrier theme (using both FM and PSG sound) when no game is inserted.
https://atarilynxdeveloper.wordpress.com/2013/09/01/lynx-model-2-hardware-revisions/
 
This model was also the basis for the Samsung Gam-Boy, released in South Korea in 1989.
 
=== Master System II (1990-1993) ===
 
A cost-conserving slimmed down version of the Master System, released in 1990 in North America and 1991 for PAL regions. Noticeably smaller than the original, this version lacks the card slot (meaning no 3-D glasses support), expansion port, composite out, and reset button (French Master System IIs still possess RGB output, albeit unamplified). The cartridge port is also hidden behind a clear plastic sliding door displaying the console name. Most PAL models feature an all-black color scheme while all NTSC and some Australian consoles have a light gray top half with a white pause button.
 
Most SMS IIs have Alex Kidd in Miracle World built-in (including all NTSC consoles) while later PAL models have Sonic the Hedgehog built-in.


== References ==
== References ==


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_System
https://www.retrorgb.com/lynx.html
 
https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/5908108
 
https://gametrog.com/sega-master-system-information-specs/


https://segaretro.org/Master_System_consoles_in_North_America
https://atarigamer.com/pages/atari-lynx


https://gametrog.com/sega-powerbase-converter-information-specs/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Lynx

Revision as of 20:38, 1 August 2022

Page content & researching collaboratively taken from io55.net's Lynx page with permission.

There are two released models of the Lynx, and five revisions which only impact system modding.

Models

Models are arranged chronologically.

Model 1 (1989-1991)

The original version of the Lynx. Featuring an absolutely gargantuan form factor, the Model 1 Lynx is generally a little bit worse than the Model 2 in certain features, unless you have massive hands and don't care about these things - which is completely understandable. To be specific, the Model 1 has shorter battery life (at 4-5 hours), mono instead of stereo audio, and a slightly worse screen (although neither model's screen is exactly “good” nowadays). Outside of this, the Model 1 and 2 are the same in crucial functionality, such as region lock (both have none), and hacking/modding capability: both models are capable of receiving all important mods and can use flashcarts.

Model 2 (1991-1995)

Released at the relative peak of the Lynx's life, the Model 2 is generally the better system in all ways but form factor (for people who have large hands). Featuring an improved battery life (at 5-6) hours, stereo audio, a vaguely better screen, power saving functions (can turn off the backlight - if you hate yourself), and “rubber hand grips”, the Model 2 is a bit nicer and appears to be about as common as the Model 1 within the 2nd hand market. While these changes do make it a slightly better system, it doesn't really matter if one ends up getting the Model 1, as the 2's improvements are pretty minor and will probably be a target for user modding anyways.

Revisions

While both the Model 1 and Model 2 feature motherboard revisions, these revisions have no impact to external functionality and thus, will only be important to system modding. This section will be expanded and linked into other Lynx modding pages when they have been created. Pages relating to Lynx motherboard revisions have been linked below.

https://atarigamer.com/pages/hardware-details

https://atarilynxdeveloper.wordpress.com/2013/09/01/lynx-model-2-hardware-revisions/

References

https://www.retrorgb.com/lynx.html

https://atarigamer.com/pages/atari-lynx

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Lynx

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