Hi everyone. Seems this video is somewhat...controversial! So let me respond. 1.) Genesis is "beefed up" Master System - This was poor wording on my part, and I apologize for that. My understanding of the Genesis is that it contains the Z80 chip, which is what the Master System used. So I wanted to basically say "yeah, the Genesis has the hardware to play Master System games, plus more!" I could have explained this better. Sorry! 2.) Power Base Converter Inflation - This just totally slipped my mind. I always forget to take inflation into account. But keep in mind, most PBC's you find for $50-$70 are used, not brand new. Just know that I read your comments and take them into consideration. I'm always looking to get better. Thank you!
Don't understand why people are getting angry about this. I knew exactly what you meant, I don't feel you needed to apologize. People seem to like making things a bigger deal then they usually are. Great vid as usual brother keep it up
It would certainly be accurate to say the Genesis VDP is a beefed up Master System VDP, which in itself is a beefed up Texas Instruments TMS9918 from the SG-1000 and many others.
+sethious1 I agree if people are taking there simple mistaken words that don't change the video much if at all just says You're doing your job so well that these people are basically nothing more than petty haters. stop watching unless it's a huge mistake that takes the viewer for a journey that isn't accurate I suggest that you just continue to do what you're doing . couldn't agree more🎮🎮
I miss the Sega Channel. I would love to see you do a video on it. I just discovered your channel yesterday. I have been binge watching the hell out of your content, LOVE it bud. It takes me back to my High School years. Keep it up homie.
We are working hard on another "big" episode of Gaming Historian. But rather than leave you hanging, here is a short overview of one of my favorite Genesis accessories, the Power Base Converter. Have a great weekend!
Another great video! I love the Power Base Converter. It was my only means of playing Master System games up until about a year ago when I finally got a dedicated system.
"...more expensive today than when it originally came out." You forgot inflation. That $34.97 in 1989 is around $68 in 2016. It's around the same price, which is kind of far out.
It would cost around $90 now, about 8 years after the time of the original comment. Honestly, $90 for backwards compatibility is still a pretty solid deal for some consoles.
Weeeellll...I mean the games from the Super Nintendo did need better hardware and all. One could make a case regarding preserving backwards-compatibility, but sometimes it is harder to do (not touching on if it *should* be done). Of course, this is a plus side to most manufacturers, since "hey, they need to buy a new system...and the new version of the game!"...though, again, nothing's preventing you from keeping the old system/game. Anyways I ramble...
That clip of that mother saying that she won't buy a SNES to her kid and explain to him how companies market their products is just hilarious to me, because she probably eventually caved and bought him one anyway. Parents severely underestimate just how naggy and persistent kids can really be.
It was the first time most people experienced having to buy a new box to play new games. The parents didn't know how much improvement it did. To them it was the same shit, the "Nintendo" their Japanese babysitter.
Yeah, I have to question her reasoning since wasn't Sega kinda doing the same thing with the Geniness though it was at least played the majority of the Master System games. Plus you would have to remove the adaptor to play the then fastest games from Sega. While it was a cheaper option, was it really worth the then 35 dollar price tag if you had to consider the flaws as well? Two being a Master System controller in order to play select games, and two, one game wouldn't had work. Meaning, if you had the game but no Master System, sorry.
Heh. I was probably one of the few Genesis owners in America who DID pick up the PBC and buy a few Master System games when I saw them cheap or something. I was an early adopter, so when there were only a couple dozen Genesis games, it did significantly expand the library for a pretty low cost.
***** I wouldn't know much about the history of MS in US, however more lists and reliable sources claim that the last games were released in 1991 over there. MS saw several releases until the end of 1994 or so. It also would be unfair to refer to it as a budget MD, the majority of successful and renowned games were semi-unique for the console (meaning several of them were also available for the GG) and games such as Sonic weren't inferior counterparts of their 16bit ones.
***** MS was released in late 87 in Europe, and MD was released in Europe in late 1990. At some point the MS was indeed advertised as a more affordable alternative to the MD, that didn't occurred until later on. And back in the 90s, most consoles had variations and ports of the most mainstream games. However MS didn't relied on those, and unique 3rd party games were more well received and praised than ports.
***** You fail to understand how market was. The MS was never promoted as a cheap alternative to the MD during it's release, because.. the MD was available three whole years later on. It's pretty much like say ten years from now, that the PS3 was released for those who wouldn't afford a PS4. While that's partially the truth right now, it wasn't the case back in the reigning era of the PS3.
***** Well I thought I was conversing with a sane grow up individual, apparently I was not. Listen up kiddo. MS was released in 1987 in Europe. It was never advertised as a poor's man MD, since MD made it to Europe three whole years later. That was even true in Japan, since Mark 3 was released in 1985, and MD was nowhere to be found. How Sega could ever advertised their product, as a cheap alternative for a more advanced system, which wasn't even designed back then in the first place, is beyond my imagination. I don't get why you kids think that five minutes of google and wikis can replace much of the lifetime of a person's experiences. Well, you better stick to your 9gag and stop pretending to be actually that old. Kiddo.
***** That's right kid, the majority of the companies do sell their previous gaming systems, even when a newer system hits the markets. That's how marketing works, they don't recall previous ones you see. The same thing happened with the MS, even though predated MD for several years, they kept selling it after the release of MD, and making games for it. And yes, since they want to make their newer system more competitive to the market, they tend to lower the prices to the previous ones, the same thing happened with the MS, it had a price drop when the MD was about to be released, in order to make it more favorable for the new buyers, and in order to still sale MS in a lower price. Now try to google more on what happened back then before you were alive, you'd be surprised.
F-16 Fighting Falcon doesn't work as essentially it uses the Master System's High-Res mode (AKA Mode 4) It's the only game to ever so so too strangely. What is bizarre is why the power base converter doesn't let you use the FM sound mode of Master System games when it's all built in :S
I always want you to have some kind of animation with your reviews because of your profile picture. Don't know how it would help, but Harry Partridge could use the work.
The FM chip wasn't build in the Genesis. Only the Z80 chip which was used in the MS is build on the board of the Genesis for extra help on the sound. The Z80 did both graphics and sound in the MS.
I love how this new version of your show kinda feels like it should be broadcast on PBS. It's got that everyman feel. Where it tries to simplify things for everyone to understand.
Yeah, Nintendo pretty much did an illegal cock-block on Sega (and any other competitor) in US stores during the NES days. Ultimately they were sued and were found liable for it, but this was well after the Master System died in the US. Considering how much of a lock Nintendo had on 3rd party support in the US, it's doubtful that Nintendo even needed to pull their shenanigans.
I was lucky to have a much older cousin who was a big gamer, and had a Master System back then,(still is a huge gamer with a dual monitor racing sim PC setup in his house) so while I did not directly own one, I was able to play it often enough that I got the experience of seeing new games come out for it, so when my mothr asked me what I wanted for Christmas 91 I said a Game Gear as I knew the Master System here was dead, and I would not have gotten a Genesis because of cost. But overall you are right most people here in America don't remember the Master System, and think of SEGA for their 80's Arcade games, the Genesis, and if you are lucky the Game Gear(only knew myself, and one other kid in my school who had a GG).
There were 114 games that eventually came out in the US. Many were released AFTER the Power Base Converter. I think a grand total of about 341 total games for the system exist.
Game Sack Still compared to the NES having over 800+ titles released in it's life, so that's not a lot when you think about it, and for how long the system was on the market in N. America, Europe, Japan, and Brazil.
This is how I first played the Master System's games. When our friend of the family brought his Genesis over that day, he had this and I played the likes of Transbot and Phantasy Star, among others. I wish Nintendo did this for SNES. Great video as always, Norm!
Hmm. I think it's pretty simplistic to say that the Genesis was essentially a beefed up Master System. The Master System had native SG-1000 compatibility due to integrating its components. The Genesis had native Master System compatibility due integrating its components (the power base converter was basically a glorified pass-through). The Genesis used the Master System CPU as a sound controller, and the Saturn used the Genesis CPU as a sound controller. It was good engineering practice to do this, and a philosophy Nintendo followed with their handheld systems all the way to today with the 3DS having both native GBA and DS hardware integrated into its motherboard.
I never had a Master System myself. If I were to start collecting games for it, I'd probably try to track down a power base converter to play them on. Great video!
Good video I wish Sega Master System was more popular state side because without a doubt it was a more powerful system then the NES.Honestly the box art hurt its potential the most which could be an episode in itself.
I grew up with Sega, and their consoles had a huge impact on my development as a gamer. It's for this reason I decided to start collecting the consoles and games several years ago, but buying a master system proved a little out of my price range, so I picked one of these bad boys up from eBay about 3 years ago for $20. I had to modify it to work on my model 2 Genesis, and there's a bit of tension since the shape doesn't quite conform to the model 2, but it does the job well. Great video GH, keep 'em coming!
Actually the Sega Genesis/ Mega Drive sales numbers are still being investigated. current numbers show that the Genesis out sold the SNES in every country except japan where Nintendo had huge marketing advantages over SEGA.
+Timothy Vreeland Depreciation is just a loss in value over time. It doesn't matter how it happens, depreciation is depreciation. A 2016 model car is going to be worth less than new in 2017, and a wrecked 2016 model is going to be worth less than that. They both still depreciated. Obviously one unused, new in box is going to appreciate. No mainstream first party video game console/peripheral ever is an exception. However I was referring to the search results he brought up in the video which were for used power base converters, not new in box; they were all less than $63.
+Timothy Vreeland It just amazes me why powerbase converters are so relatively expensive these days. There's very little to them in terms of circuitry, there are scematics online in case you want to make your own. It's just a pass-through essentially. I recommend to pickup an actual master system instead, it's better value for money. Mastersystem 2 systems may actually be cheaper then a powerbase converter.
I love your work man, I just wish your videos were longer lol. That being said one of my favourite subscriptions on UA-cam I always find your videos interesting and well presented. keep up the good work.
It's always so annoying to see parents and news reports back in the 90s complaining about the super nintendo, but I guess they didn't understand that systems have to be upgrade to play better games.
That was a new thing at the time. Remember the market crashed and burned for a few years thanks to Atari and 3rd parties, and then everyone went to computers for a little bit, then came back thanks to the NES.
huh? she didn't say anything unreasonable. she was right that companies market the consoles so you are compelled to buy one. even though SNES was a great console doesn't mean every family should spend money for one.
You have to understand the times. Most households still didn't have a computer. Most parents of that generation didn't use computers for much of anything. Most parents also didn't grasp the fact that video game consoles were nothing more than computers disguised as kids toys and like computers, the technology becomes obsolete after a few years. I think they saw video game machines as the equivalent of VCR's. Why would you need to buy a new one after only five years? They just didn't get it.
+Jon-Erich Smith yeah I agree, I had to wait forever to get an snes it was an expensive toy, the new game carts were expensive too and all the games already bought couldn't be played on it...so the appeal to my mom was, "um but it looks so much better," that didn't really seal the deal for me and I can understand the ladys frustration as well.
For that matter, one could also argue against a similar lack of reasoning from video game publishers, developers, and video game console manufacturers as well, as in why it is so stupid to replace video game consoles every five years, +Jon-Erich Smith. Also, you made a damn good point on consoles essentially being little more than computers that were disguised as kids' toys, so that statement alone essentially told both console AND PC fan whores to kindly shut the fuck up perfectly.
There was nothing inside it, it was just a slot adapter. The Genesis already was compatible with Master System software. The Genesis VDP was basically a 16-bit successor of the graphics chip used in the Master System (which was in turn based on the graphics chip used in the Coleco Vision and MSX computers). It had a 68000 CPU, a Z-80 CPU, the same PSG sound chip used in the Master System and a new FM sound chip. In Genesis mode the Z-80 was used to control the sound chips but in Master System mode the Z-80 ran the Master System software. Imo this was a mistake, the Genesis VDP was actually able to use 128k of video ram and use external color pallet RAM but this feature wasn't used and they only used the first bank of 64k to reduce costs. They would have been better off forgetting about backwards comparability eliminating the Z-80 and PSG and using the savings to add the second 64K bank of video ram and the extra color pallet RAM into the system.
Yeah, I guess needing an adapter at all comes down to the shape and stylings of cartridges, which in looking back seemed to be different for every system. For disc based systems, I suppose it's a matter of programming the hardware.
Jsaw71, Genesis needed the adapter because it needs more pins to address larger ROMs in the cartridge. There aren't any free pins in the SMS connector, and if you make the connector wider then SMS carts can't fit. There is no good way to solve that without an adapter.
I had one as a child, loved to play older mastersystem games. Somewhere along my childhood, it just disappeared. I would LOVE to find it again somewhere.
I never understood why they called Genesis instead of Mega Drive. Mega Drive sounds soooo nice to me. Yet, I had both Master System and Mega drive. Still love them.
@@fifaworldcup1994 Yeah they had some kind of trademark problems, additionally, the Genesis name ended up being a perfect fit for the North American market.
Fantastic video! I had a Sega Genesis, and I also had one of these Power Converter for the Genesis. The interesting thing is, while the Genesis and the Master System weren't very successful in the US, they were far more successful in Europe and Brazil. This brings back memories, because that's how I first played Phantasy Star, Alex Kidd and many more SMS games. Given how different SMS games usually were from Genesis games, it was double win for me.
I feel a bit sorry for fanboys of current gen consoles because there's so little real difference between Xbox and Playstation and get 99% of the same games that there just isn't the kind of playground fanboy fuel we had back in the day.
"Power Base Converter" is such an awesome name for a peripheral! I remember Nintendo doing damage control by including instructions in Nintendo Power on how to daisey-chain the NES and SNES RF Switches. Luckily, my dad loves technology as much as I do, so I had no issues asking for a SNES for Christmas 😄
+innoutraged "The Sega Genesis outsold the Super Nintendo in the United States nearly two to one during the 1991 holiday season. This success led to Sega having control of 65% of the 16-bit console market in January 1992, making it the first time Nintendo was not the console leader since December 1985. Sega was able to outsell Nintendo four Christmas seasons in a row due to the Genesis' head start, a lower price point, and a larger library of games when compared to the SNES at its release. Sega had ten games for every game on Super NES." "The Genesis made its biggest gains in the Americas which represent over half the Genesis's sales [including South America, not just the US]. The Genesis also did well in Europe building on the surprise success of the Master System. However it failed to gain traction in Japan despite being known as an arcade giant." So I'm talking the global market percentages. Japan has a disproportional amount of sales.
Recently some third party companies have made the Powerbase Mini FM which allows you to play Master System games with the FM tracks if the game had them available, it doesn't play the card games but is compatible with all official systems.
The power base converter was a big seller in places like Brazil and Austrailia where the Master System had a big install library. Sega even made a port of Sonic The Hedgehog for Master System for those markets.
I love your work GH , it's a bright spot amoung the many videos of people pretending to know stuff about video games and here you are with a well research and explored video . Makes he have hope for humanity
My parents bought me one of these at Sears Outlet on a whim when we saw one for cheap. It was the same store where we found a Genesis for $90 just months after release. Sometime later I got a Master Gear Converter from that same store. :)
I took my PBC and Genesis model 2 to a carpenter's workshop and they professionally measured and carved out a small block of space from that plastic panel to make it compatible. They even smoothed out the ends of the cut-away plastic. Best $30 I ever spent.
always informative, the pause button on the master system is something new to me since i only have the model 2 in my collection :) and i didn't notice a pause button, anw thanks for the video!
In addition, if you have a Sega Mark III to Master System cart converter, you can also play Mark III games unlike the Master System itself where they won’t play due to the BIOS, plus I wonder if they are any other games that don’t work on the converter besides F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Man, I remember my friend having one of those and that caused me to hate having an SNES and not a Genesis. Years later my friend got a GameShark for the N64, another accessory that I wish I had. It would be cool to learn about that forgotten piece of hardware.
I have one. I bought it at an old Electronics Boutique around 1995 (they had clearanced it for $4.99). Unfortunately at the time, I didn't realize it wouldn't properly fit on a Genny 2. so I made some....modifications to the casing. Essentially I opened the unit up to make sure there were no vitals in the back of the unit, then I took a hacksaw and took the back part off. Surprisingly, it still works great but I never seriously use it anymore, since I now have a Master System.
Hills was such an amazing store for me back in the early to mid 90''s until Ames took over and I managed to find some great games and action figures from that store, too!
I gotta say, they really knew what they were doing when they designed the power base converter, they made it fit the model ones design so well the seam attached to it is the only give away that the two are separate devices.
I like how the bottom of the converter is the same colour as the MS game label :) B cool if the screw your missing was that colour too. I like those lil details. Would look pimp as. Awesome vid Norm!!!!
A cool feature of the Retron 5 that isn't talked about as much is that it's actually compatible with this thing. That and easy controller storage are why the console has a divot in the back. _~The more you know! ♫_
The Powerbase converter was not produced to compete against the Super Nintendo, it's merely a passthrough to allow the correct physical connection with the Master System hardware already present inside the Mega Drive/Genesis. :)
Never seen that before, but this was Sega's first add-on to the Genesis where it plays Master System games. Sort of like the Colecovision where it has an expansion module add-on where you can play Atari VCS/2600 games. This add-on didn't last long until the early 1990's when Sega was introduced two add-ons for the Genesis. The Sega CD and the 32X.
I finally picked one of these up today. As my Master System 2 is RF only. I have the Mega Drive model 1 & model 2, so my model 2 will mount the Mega CD and the model 1 can be a 'beefed up Master System'.
I think a lot of people fail to realize that while there are other "options" to play SMS games on a Genesis (ie: Power Base Mini or even an Everdrive) there are no options at all to use Sega 3D Glasses with a Genesis.....except for the PBC. Yes, you can use the 3D glasses adapter on the PBC in order to play those few SMS 3D games. Is it worth it for a few (five I think) SMS 3D games? Damn straight it is!
Just an FYI it can also be used on a retron 5 to play SMS games, even with the list of games that are incompatible with a gen controller, it works with one on the Retron5
I love these videos. I already have a solid understanding of basic electronics. I have an Associates of Applied science in microelectronics. Basically it means I know how shit works and I can probably fix your car stereo. But don’t ask me to program anything for you. These videos make me want to go back to school and re-take the classes that I’d just gone through the motions with. As well as, take some coding classes to helps better understand how these systems work. I definitely remember as a young kid (9, 10 yrs old) trying to comprehend how these pieces of plastic could somehow show a picture on my TV. A picture that I could manipulate. I want comprehensive understanding of how video games have managed to give millions and millions of kids in the 80’s & 90’s so many memories and thousands of hours of entertainment.
I just got one recently... i love tht it not only works with my Genesis model 1, but it works with the Retron 5, so I can play SMS games in HD. Phantasy Star never looked so good!
I had something similar for the Game Gear minus the game card support. I found it at a outlet mall(around 1992 or so) and immediately bought it along with some SMS games. I noticed through a search that there are versions that allowed for the card format through a side slot. But being so long ago and it being lost to time I don't recall it being able to do that and can't check if it had a card slot. Though I'm pretty sure it didn't.
In Australia I seem to remember the PBC costing a lot more than $35 (even factoring exchange rates). I remember it being around AU$100 at the time. Maybe my memory is a little sketchy but it was expensive enough that I didn’t figure it worth buying it and keeping my substantial MS game collection when I upgraded to a Mega Drive later on. Of course, the MS did have a much bigger share of the market in Aus. at that time so they probably counted on a lot of MS owners upgrading to the MD anyway rather than switching teams to Nintendo.
I LOVE my Power Base Converter. Just an FYI, The Converter worked WELL with Sega Master 3D Glasses Games. Glasses in the Card Slot and game in the Cart NO ISSUES.
I do have a Genesis Model 1, a Power Base Converter, and a Master System controller. Even so, I won't need F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Master System. At the beginning of the month, I bought a SEGA Mark III (the Japanese Master System) for $210 and it's coming with seven games, one of them being an SG-1000 cartridge and the other six being SEGA My Card games. One of the six My Card games, interestingly and fortunately enough, is F-16 Fighting Falcon. Last time I checked, the system is still being prepared for shipment in Osaka, and it's been at that for a week and a half now, but it should arrive at my house before the month is out.
I have two Master System power base converters from the model one Megadrive, I bought it to play Sega Master System games but as a collector I later bought both the Master System one And two as well.
Hi everyone. Seems this video is somewhat...controversial! So let me respond.
1.) Genesis is "beefed up" Master System - This was poor wording on my part, and I apologize for that. My understanding of the Genesis is that it contains the Z80 chip, which is what the Master System used. So I wanted to basically say "yeah, the Genesis has the hardware to play Master System games, plus more!" I could have explained this better. Sorry!
2.) Power Base Converter Inflation - This just totally slipped my mind. I always forget to take inflation into account. But keep in mind, most PBC's you find for $50-$70 are used, not brand new.
Just know that I read your comments and take them into consideration. I'm always looking to get better. Thank you!
Don't understand why people are getting angry about this. I knew exactly what you meant, I don't feel you needed to apologize. People seem to like making things a bigger deal then they usually are. Great vid as usual brother keep it up
It would certainly be accurate to say the Genesis VDP is a beefed up Master System VDP, which in itself is a beefed up Texas Instruments TMS9918 from the SG-1000 and many others.
+sethious1 I agree if people are taking there simple mistaken words that don't change the video much if at all just says You're doing your job so well that these people are basically nothing more than petty haters. stop watching unless it's a huge mistake that takes the viewer for a journey that isn't accurate I suggest that you just continue to do what you're doing . couldn't agree more🎮🎮
I miss the Sega Channel. I would love to see you do a video on it.
I just discovered your channel yesterday. I have been binge watching the hell out of your content, LOVE it bud. It takes me back to my High School years. Keep it up homie.
+JJ Watt it's great!! I just discovered that SEGA had their own channel that sent games via the cable line. Once again SEGA wayyy ahead of their time
We are working hard on another "big" episode of Gaming Historian. But rather than leave you hanging, here is a short overview of one of my favorite Genesis accessories, the Power Base Converter.
Have a great weekend!
Take your time dude, the videos are worth the wait!
But smaller videos like these are always welcome ^_^
Have you done an episode on the Sega Genesis cards? And if not, are you going to do so at some point in the near-ish future?
I love your channel dude!
Short ass video
It's nice to have gaming channel that's calm and informative. Much appreciated. A lot of the other guys are too over the top.
Another great video! I love the Power Base Converter. It was my only means of playing Master System games up until about a year ago when I finally got a dedicated system.
"...more expensive today than when it originally came out."
You forgot inflation. That $34.97 in 1989 is around $68 in 2016. It's around the same price, which is kind of far out.
Wow nobody upvoted your comment. Forgetting inflation was really a pathetic rookie mistake he made.
@@DasAntiNaziBroetchen wanna forget that :)
@@DasAntiNaziBroetchen My dude stop using reddit for a while, its not upvotes, its likes.
It would cost around $90 now, about 8 years after the time of the original comment. Honestly, $90 for backwards compatibility is still a pretty solid deal for some consoles.
0:54 GAAAAWWWWDDDD!!! Mom, you don't underSTAND!!!! I NEEEEEEEEEEEED the new one!
Weeeellll...I mean the games from the Super Nintendo did need better hardware and all. One could make a case regarding preserving backwards-compatibility, but sometimes it is harder to do (not touching on if it *should* be done).
Of course, this is a plus side to most manufacturers, since "hey, they need to buy a new system...and the new version of the game!"...though, again, nothing's preventing you from keeping the old system/game. Anyways I ramble...
She denied her son some wonderful childhood memories!
I know, right? It's like when you get your kids a pair of Levis when they want a pair of Ralph Laurens.
Son:Oh I want a Super Nintendo for Christmas!
Dad:Don't you already have a Nintendo?
Son:Yeah but this one's 16 Bit!
Dad:What's that?
Son:I dunno
D. Barton 😂😂😂
This is like PBS... except on UA-cam... and it's about games... and I can't buy a mug for it.
Andy Eccentric eat pant
eat pant
Eat pant
_EAT PANT_
EaT pAnT!1!!
Wow, that ending thing "Funding for Gaming Historian was provided by..." made this feel so much like a PBS show.
Yep it did. :)
I know!
Operators are standing by now for your pledge
that's the joke.
I know right
That clip of that mother saying that she won't buy a SNES to her kid and explain to him how companies market their products is just hilarious to me, because she probably eventually caved and bought him one anyway. Parents severely underestimate just how naggy and persistent kids can really be.
People like her have no common sense.
That whole video can be found on UA-cam also. I can't remember what it's titled at the moment though, but I've seen it several times
I know I remember what it took to get my parents to by me a ps1
It was the first time most people experienced having to buy a new box to play new games. The parents didn't know how much improvement it did. To them it was the same shit, the "Nintendo" their Japanese babysitter.
Yeah, I have to question her reasoning since wasn't Sega kinda doing the same thing with the Geniness though it was at least played the majority of the Master System games. Plus you would have to remove the adaptor to play the then fastest games from Sega. While it was a cheaper option, was it really worth the then 35 dollar price tag if you had to consider the flaws as well? Two being a Master System controller in order to play select games, and two, one game wouldn't had work. Meaning, if you had the game but no Master System, sorry.
Heh. I was probably one of the few Genesis owners in America who DID pick up the PBC and buy a few Master System games when I saw them cheap or something. I was an early adopter, so when there were only a couple dozen Genesis games, it did significantly expand the library for a pretty low cost.
Master System was a success in Europe and in Brazil, that's why power converter 2 saw a release there.
*****
I wouldn't know much about the history of MS in US, however more lists and reliable sources claim that the last games were released in 1991 over there. MS saw several releases until the end of 1994 or so. It also would be unfair to refer to it as a budget MD, the majority of successful and renowned games were semi-unique for the console (meaning several of them were also available for the GG) and games such as Sonic weren't inferior counterparts of their 16bit ones.
*****
MS was released in late 87 in Europe, and MD was released in Europe in late 1990. At some point the MS was indeed advertised as a more affordable alternative to the MD, that didn't occurred until later on. And back in the 90s, most consoles had variations and ports of the most mainstream games. However MS didn't relied on those, and unique 3rd party games were more well received and praised than ports.
*****
You fail to understand how market was. The MS was never promoted as a cheap alternative to the MD during it's release, because.. the MD was available three whole years later on. It's pretty much like say ten years from now, that the PS3 was released for those who wouldn't afford a PS4. While that's partially the truth right now, it wasn't the case back in the reigning era of the PS3.
*****
Well I thought I was conversing with a sane grow up individual, apparently I was not. Listen up kiddo. MS was released in 1987 in Europe. It was never advertised as a poor's man MD, since MD made it to Europe three whole years later. That was even true in Japan, since Mark 3 was released in 1985, and MD was nowhere to be found. How Sega could ever advertised their product, as a cheap alternative for a more advanced system, which wasn't even designed back then in the first place, is beyond my imagination.
I don't get why you kids think that five minutes of google and wikis can replace much of the lifetime of a person's experiences. Well, you better stick to your 9gag and stop pretending to be actually that old. Kiddo.
*****
That's right kid, the majority of the companies do sell their previous gaming systems, even when a newer system hits the markets. That's how marketing works, they don't recall previous ones you see. The same thing happened with the MS, even though predated MD for several years, they kept selling it after the release of MD, and making games for it. And yes, since they want to make their newer system more competitive to the market, they tend to lower the prices to the previous ones, the same thing happened with the MS, it had a price drop when the MD was about to be released, in order to make it more favorable for the new buyers, and in order to still sale MS in a lower price.
Now try to google more on what happened back then before you were alive, you'd be surprised.
F-16 Fighting Falcon doesn't work as essentially it uses the Master System's High-Res mode (AKA Mode 4) It's the only game to ever so so too strangely.
What is bizarre is why the power base converter doesn't let you use the FM sound mode of Master System games when it's all built in :S
I always want you to have some kind of animation with your reviews because of your profile picture. Don't know how it would help, but Harry Partridge could use the work.
The FM chip wasn't build in the Genesis. Only the Z80 chip which was used in the MS is build on the board of the Genesis for extra help on the sound. The Z80 did both graphics and sound in the MS.
I hope I'm not the only one who read this in your voice.
+AllRightsRejected You're not :)
Only a wanker would call someone else a wanker, +Larry Bundy Jr and +NastyNate san.
Your reviews are like a breath of fresh air. Informative and straight to the point. Great video.
I love how this new version of your show kinda feels like it should be broadcast on PBS. It's got that everyman feel. Where it tries to simplify things for everyone to understand.
Also works great with the Sega CDX. That's what I use :)
Hi
And the x'eye if you modify it. I found one in a yard sale. It wasn't the best condition so....I modified it.
I have a question... what exactly is the benefit with SEGA CD X games? Is it like a thing that uses both CD and cartridge or something?
"It allows you to play more than 80 games"
Really? Only about 80 games came out for the Master System in the US? Damn, I'm glad I live in the UK.
Yeah, Nintendo pretty much did an illegal cock-block on Sega (and any other competitor) in US stores during the NES days. Ultimately they were sued and were found liable for it, but this was well after the Master System died in the US. Considering how much of a lock Nintendo had on 3rd party support in the US, it's doubtful that Nintendo even needed to pull their shenanigans.
I was lucky to have a much older cousin who was a big gamer, and had a Master System back then,(still is a huge gamer with a dual monitor racing sim PC setup in his house) so while I did not directly own one, I was able to play it often enough that I got the experience of seeing new games come out for it, so when my mothr asked me what I wanted for Christmas 91 I said a Game Gear as I knew the Master System here was dead, and I would not have gotten a Genesis because of cost. But overall you are right most people here in America don't remember the Master System, and think of SEGA for their 80's Arcade games, the Genesis, and if you are lucky the Game Gear(only knew myself, and one other kid in my school who had a GG).
There were 114 games that eventually came out in the US. Many were released AFTER the Power Base Converter. I think a grand total of about 341 total games for the system exist.
Game Sack :0 GAME SACK!!!!
Game Sack Still compared to the NES having over 800+ titles released in it's life, so that's not a lot when you think about it, and for how long the system was on the market in N. America, Europe, Japan, and Brazil.
Another great video. I love the style and pacing of these videos. Nothing quite like a trip down nostalgia lane. Thank you.
0:39
"Sega Power Base Games"
I know the Master System flopped in NA, but did they really need to sweep it under the rug?
This is how I first played the Master System's games. When our friend of the family brought his Genesis over that day, he had this and I played the likes of Transbot and Phantasy Star, among others. I wish Nintendo did this for SNES.
Great video as always, Norm!
Short and sweet. I like it.
Very pleased with the high quality videos on this channel. Informative, unbiased and well put together, they're a joy to watch
Hmm. I think it's pretty simplistic to say that the Genesis was essentially a beefed up Master System. The Master System had native SG-1000 compatibility due to integrating its components. The Genesis had native Master System compatibility due integrating its components (the power base converter was basically a glorified pass-through). The Genesis used the Master System CPU as a sound controller, and the Saturn used the Genesis CPU as a sound controller. It was good engineering practice to do this, and a philosophy Nintendo followed with their handheld systems all the way to today with the 3DS having both native GBA and DS hardware integrated into its motherboard.
Pretty cheeseball that Sega didn't just make it backwards compatible without the PBC.
Would've required more cart slots in the base unit and that adds to cost.
+MarginalSC I doubt a door with a connector would cost too much.
Mr. Cat Also aesthetics. Two cart slots looks kinda dumb.
I had this. Only had two games for it, Wonderboy in Monster Land and Pac-Mania. Had a lot of fun with both of them.
Damn, i remember Hills Department Stores.."hills is where the toys are" the nostalgia is real
I never had a Master System myself. If I were to start collecting games for it, I'd probably try to track down a power base converter to play them on. Great video!
Can you do a video talking about the history of the Sega Master System?
Still have my model one with the power base converter and the first Sega CD. The thing looks like a tower when it's all together. I loved it.
Good video I wish Sega Master System was more popular state side because without a doubt it was a more powerful system then the NES.Honestly the box art hurt its potential the most which could be an episode in itself.
I grew up with Sega, and their consoles had a huge impact on my development as a gamer. It's for this reason I decided to start collecting the consoles and games several years ago, but buying a master system proved a little out of my price range, so I picked one of these bad boys up from eBay about 3 years ago for $20. I had to modify it to work on my model 2 Genesis, and there's a bit of tension since the shape doesn't quite conform to the model 2, but it does the job well. Great video GH, keep 'em coming!
Actually the Sega Genesis/ Mega Drive sales numbers are still being investigated. current numbers show that the Genesis out sold the SNES in every country except japan where Nintendo had huge marketing advantages over SEGA.
G4 should seriously hire this guy. The quality and content of these videos are outstanding for it to be just on UA-cam
Too bad. G4 was shut down a few years ago.
Axyl Fredrick Damn, I actually didn't know that
+Wolfman71691
Two Minutes Turkish LOL
For really though I hope a network picks him up
The converters actually did depreciate, remember inflation exists. $34.97 in 1990 is worth $63.97 today.
So you're essentially still paying for what it was worth even today
+Timothy Vreeland Depreciation is just a loss in value over time. It doesn't matter how it happens, depreciation is depreciation. A 2016 model car is going to be worth less than new in 2017, and a wrecked 2016 model is going to be worth less than that. They both still depreciated.
Obviously one unused, new in box is going to appreciate. No mainstream first party video game console/peripheral ever is an exception. However I was referring to the search results he brought up in the video which were for used power base converters, not new in box; they were all less than $63.
gtfo, Jacob
+DrJuice1 And literally who are you?
+Timothy Vreeland It just amazes me why powerbase converters are so relatively expensive these days. There's very little to them in terms of circuitry, there are scematics online in case you want to make your own. It's just a pass-through essentially. I recommend to pickup an actual master system instead, it's better value for money. Mastersystem 2 systems may actually be cheaper then a powerbase converter.
I love your work man, I just wish your videos were longer lol. That being said one of my favourite subscriptions on UA-cam I always find your videos interesting and well presented. keep up the good work.
It's always so annoying to see parents and news reports back in the 90s complaining about the super nintendo, but I guess they didn't understand that systems have to be upgrade to play better games.
That was a new thing at the time. Remember the market crashed and burned for a few years thanks to Atari and 3rd parties, and then everyone went to computers for a little bit, then came back thanks to the NES.
huh? she didn't say anything unreasonable. she was right that companies market the consoles so you are compelled to buy one. even though SNES was a great console doesn't mean every family should spend money for one.
You have to understand the times. Most households still didn't have a computer. Most parents of that generation didn't use computers for much of anything. Most parents also didn't grasp the fact that video game consoles were nothing more than computers disguised as kids toys and like computers, the technology becomes obsolete after a few years. I think they saw video game machines as the equivalent of VCR's. Why would you need to buy a new one after only five years? They just didn't get it.
+Jon-Erich Smith yeah I agree, I had to wait forever to get an snes it was an expensive toy, the new game carts were expensive too and all the games already bought couldn't be played on it...so the appeal to my mom was, "um but it looks so much better," that didn't really seal the deal for me and I can understand the ladys frustration as well.
For that matter, one could also argue against a similar lack of reasoning from video game publishers, developers, and video game console manufacturers as well, as in why it is so stupid to replace video game consoles every five years, +Jon-Erich Smith. Also, you made a damn good point on consoles essentially being little more than computers that were disguised as kids' toys, so that statement alone essentially told both console AND PC fan whores to kindly shut the fuck up perfectly.
If you use a region adapter, it may work as it'll extend the slot on the model 2.
Not tech talk about what was inside the converter? This seems pretty short for an episode
There was nothing inside it, it was just a slot adapter. The Genesis already was compatible with Master System software. The Genesis VDP was basically a 16-bit successor of the graphics chip used in the Master System (which was in turn based on the graphics chip used in the Coleco Vision and MSX computers). It had a 68000 CPU, a Z-80 CPU, the same PSG sound chip used in the Master System and a new FM sound chip. In Genesis mode the Z-80 was used to control the sound chips but in Master System mode the Z-80 ran the Master System software.
Imo this was a mistake, the Genesis VDP was actually able to use 128k of video ram and use external color pallet RAM but this feature wasn't used and they only used the first bank of 64k to reduce costs. They would have been better off forgetting about backwards comparability eliminating the Z-80 and PSG and using the savings to add the second 64K bank of video ram and the extra color pallet RAM into the system.
+Atomicskull ok, thsnks fir the info, too bad the it on the Genesis needed an adapter at all,. but better to have it than not having it,.
Only a shame it couldn't replicate the FM sound chip the Master System back in Japan had, or it might've gave those games a boost!
Yeah, I guess needing an adapter at all comes down to the shape and stylings of cartridges, which in looking back seemed to be different for every system. For disc based systems, I suppose it's a matter of programming the hardware.
Jsaw71, Genesis needed the adapter because it needs more pins to address larger ROMs in the cartridge. There aren't any free pins in the SMS connector, and if you make the connector wider then SMS carts can't fit. There is no good way to solve that without an adapter.
I had one as a child, loved to play older mastersystem games. Somewhere along my childhood, it just disappeared. I would LOVE to find it again somewhere.
I never understood why they called Genesis instead of Mega Drive. Mega Drive sounds soooo nice to me. Yet, I had both Master System and Mega drive. Still love them.
Good question. It was only called Genesis in North America for some reason.
Eddie donyou know if Canada and México also had the same name?
Leandro Lopes Pereira I think it was because of a trademark issue.
@@fifaworldcup1994 Yeah they had some kind of trademark problems, additionally, the Genesis name ended up being a perfect fit for the North American market.
At the time, there was a US company called "Mega Drive Systems Inc." who made storage solutions for mainframe computers and servers.
Great video! The Power Base Converter is still an awesome add-on, IMO. So is the Gameboy Player for the GameCube, but this came out years earlier.
"People market things to make you spend more money."
"Every 60 seconds in Africa, a minute passes."
Fantastic video! I had a Sega Genesis, and I also had one of these Power Converter for the Genesis. The interesting thing is, while the Genesis and the Master System weren't very successful in the US, they were far more successful in Europe and Brazil. This brings back memories, because that's how I first played Phantasy Star, Alex Kidd and many more SMS games. Given how different SMS games usually were from Genesis games, it was double win for me.
I would love an episode on the super game boy or game boy player
Yeah! I would love another episode on those!
I remember asking you and Pat about this at too many games this year. Nice video Norm and nice meeting you!
Hills department Store. Awesome.
I never heard of this accessory. This is why I appreciate your work Gaming Historian
Why didn't you mention the Powerbase Mini?
3:00
I've never heard of the powerbase mini, maybe that's what you're talking about?
No, sorry
www.stoneagegamer.com/powerbase-mini.html
Yeah that's the one. I have that.
Because this was a historical/collectors look at an official item.
That mini is not official and isnt old so it isnt a collectors item.
I also have an original SMS controller. I don't have the power base manual so nice for you to show it in your video!
To be this good takes A D D O N S
Only just watching your collection now. Well done sir. Very informative and extremely nostalgic. Thank you.
The Japanese name sounds better "MEGA ADAPTOR!"
This might be my favorite channel on YT. Thank you!
Game Historian should Collab with AVGN for at least 1 episode
Always nice to see that Robotech boxset in the background.
I feel a bit sorry for fanboys of current gen consoles because there's so little real difference between Xbox and Playstation and get 99% of the same games that there just isn't the kind of playground fanboy fuel we had back in the day.
Well I guess the ds vs psp would be an ok battle they were pretty different
Grover stfu
Remember exclusive games?
Oh yea,recently Blazblue and Sonic force had put up on the Steam.
"Power Base Converter" is such an awesome name for a peripheral!
I remember Nintendo doing damage control by including instructions in Nintendo Power on how to daisey-chain the NES and SNES RF Switches. Luckily, my dad loves technology as much as I do, so I had no issues asking for a SNES for Christmas 😄
Actually the Genesis outsold the SNES globally and was only a flop in Japan.
30.75 million Genesis'/Mega Drives sold worldwide < 49.10 million Super Nintendos/Famicoms sold worldwide.
How did the Genesis outsell the SNES when the SNES sold almost 20 million more units?
+innoutraged "The Sega Genesis outsold the Super Nintendo in the United States nearly two to one during the 1991 holiday season. This success led to Sega having control of 65% of the 16-bit console market in January 1992, making it the first time Nintendo was not the console leader since December 1985.
Sega was able to outsell Nintendo four Christmas seasons in a row due to the Genesis' head start, a lower price point, and a larger library of games when compared to the SNES at its release. Sega had ten games for every game on Super NES."
"The Genesis made its biggest gains in the Americas which represent over half the Genesis's sales [including South America, not just the US]. The Genesis also did well in Europe building on the surprise success of the Master System. However it failed to gain traction in Japan despite being known as an arcade giant."
So I'm talking the global market percentages. Japan has a disproportional amount of sales.
+innoutraged So if we count a single country as global sales, yeah, the SNES won.
Nicholas Nelson You're a shitty troll. lol
Recently some third party companies have made the Powerbase Mini FM which allows you to play Master System games with the FM tracks if the game had them available, it doesn't play the card games but is compatible with all official systems.
"The Genesis is essentially a beefed-up Master System"
Holy shit, how can you call yourself a "Historian" and make such a totally ignorant statement?
I love your channel dude, been a subscriber for many months. Keep up the good work.
In an amusing bit of coincidence, right when you hit the pause button on the converter my video froze for a few seconds. Great timing.
The power base converter was a big seller in places like Brazil and Austrailia where the Master System had a big install library. Sega even made a port of Sonic The Hedgehog for Master System for those markets.
I love your work GH , it's a bright spot amoung the many videos of people pretending to know stuff about video games and here you are with a well research and explored video . Makes he have hope for humanity
My parents bought me one of these at Sears Outlet on a whim when we saw one for cheap. It was the same store where we found a Genesis for $90 just months after release. Sometime later I got a Master Gear Converter from that same store. :)
I took my PBC and Genesis model 2 to a carpenter's workshop and they professionally measured and carved out a small block of space from that plastic panel to make it compatible. They even smoothed out the ends of the cut-away plastic. Best $30 I ever spent.
Played Phantasy Star 1 with that. There are some color glitches, but work well. I think the 3D glasses also works.
always informative, the pause button on the master system is something new to me since i only have the model 2 in my collection :) and i didn't notice a pause button, anw thanks for the video!
Norm, you're the best! Been watching since the beginning, keep up the good work.
In addition, if you have a Sega Mark III to Master System cart converter, you can also play Mark III games unlike the Master System itself where they won’t play due to the BIOS, plus I wonder if they are any other games that don’t work on the converter besides F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The quality of the content on this channel is really good.
Does Norm edit videos for a living? He's better than most people on youtube
The Power Base converter also works on several Geni-clones. It works with the Retron 3, RetroGen, and Retron 5.
I like these shorter but interesting videos you make in between the longer vids you still make them great
Man, I remember my friend having one of those and that caused me to hate having an SNES and not a Genesis. Years later my friend got a GameShark for the N64, another accessory that I wish I had. It would be cool to learn about that forgotten piece of hardware.
"I'm gonna explain to him how people market things to make you spend more money." Um, yes, that's the point of selling a product.
I have one. I bought it at an old Electronics Boutique around 1995 (they had clearanced it for $4.99). Unfortunately at the time, I didn't realize it wouldn't properly fit on a Genny 2. so I made some....modifications to the casing. Essentially I opened the unit up to make sure there were no vitals in the back of the unit, then I took a hacksaw and took the back part off.
Surprisingly, it still works great but I never seriously use it anymore, since I now have a Master System.
Hills was such an amazing store for me back in the early to mid 90''s until Ames took over and I managed to find some great games and action figures from that store, too!
I gotta say, they really knew what they were doing when they designed the power base converter, they made it fit the model ones design so well the seam attached to it is the only give away that the two are separate devices.
I like how the bottom of the converter is the same colour as the MS game label :) B cool if the screw your missing was that colour too. I like those lil details. Would look pimp as. Awesome vid Norm!!!!
just watched all of your videos, keep those great episodes comming !
always look forward to yiur videos. this is one of my favorite channels as i love videogame history. thank you.
A cool feature of the Retron 5 that isn't talked about as much is that it's actually compatible with this thing. That and easy controller storage are why the console has a divot in the back.
_~The more you know! ♫_
History of THQ or history of the GB Advance please!! Love the Chanel!!
The Powerbase converter was not produced to compete against the Super Nintendo, it's merely a passthrough to allow the correct physical connection with the Master System hardware already present inside the Mega Drive/Genesis.
:)
Never seen that before, but this was Sega's first add-on to the Genesis where it plays Master System games. Sort of like the Colecovision where it has an expansion module add-on where you can play Atari VCS/2600 games. This add-on didn't last long until the early 1990's when Sega was introduced two add-ons for the Genesis. The Sega CD and the 32X.
It actually fits and works on the Sega CDX without modifiction as well. Though that in itself is rare too.
I finally picked one of these up today. As my Master System 2 is RF only. I have the Mega Drive model 1 & model 2, so my model 2 will mount the Mega CD and the model 1 can be a 'beefed up Master System'.
I think a lot of people fail to realize that while there are other "options" to play SMS games on a Genesis (ie: Power Base Mini or even an Everdrive) there are no options at all to use Sega 3D Glasses with a Genesis.....except for the PBC. Yes, you can use the 3D glasses adapter on the PBC in order to play those few SMS 3D games. Is it worth it for a few (five I think) SMS 3D games? Damn straight it is!
I loved this style of short but informative video :D
Just an FYI it can also be used on a retron 5 to play SMS games, even with the list of games that are incompatible with a gen controller, it works with one on the Retron5
I had one of them. It was grate. Made life a lot easer when playing old games. I dont know were it is now. Maybe in my moms sheed.
Another great video. Looking forward to the big vid you commented about.
I hope you cover more of the Sega Genesis as this was my first gaming console as a kid :D
I love these videos. I already have a solid understanding of basic electronics. I have an Associates of Applied science in microelectronics. Basically it means I know how shit works and I can probably fix your car stereo. But don’t ask me to program anything for you.
These videos make me want to go back to school and re-take the classes that I’d just gone through the motions with. As well as, take some coding classes to helps better understand how these systems work.
I definitely remember as a young kid (9, 10 yrs old) trying to comprehend how these pieces of plastic could somehow show a picture on my TV. A picture that I could manipulate. I want comprehensive understanding of how video games have managed to give millions and millions of kids in the 80’s & 90’s so many memories and thousands of hours of entertainment.
Love these videos and when you cover systems and accessories!
I just got one recently... i love tht it not only works with my Genesis model 1, but it works with the Retron 5, so I can play SMS games in HD. Phantasy Star never looked so good!
I had something similar for the Game Gear minus the game card support. I found it at a outlet mall(around 1992 or so) and immediately bought it along with some SMS games. I noticed through a search that there are versions that allowed for the card format through a side slot. But being so long ago and it being lost to time I don't recall it being able to do that and can't check if it had a card slot. Though I'm pretty sure it didn't.
In Australia I seem to remember the PBC costing a lot more than $35 (even factoring exchange rates). I remember it being around AU$100 at the time. Maybe my memory is a little sketchy but it was expensive enough that I didn’t figure it worth buying it and keeping my substantial MS game collection when I upgraded to a Mega Drive later on.
Of course, the MS did have a much bigger share of the market in Aus. at that time so they probably counted on a lot of MS owners upgrading to the MD anyway rather than switching teams to Nintendo.
I LOVE my Power Base Converter. Just an FYI, The Converter worked WELL with Sega Master 3D Glasses Games. Glasses in the Card Slot and game in the Cart NO ISSUES.
Awesome video man, you should really do a video on the Sega Genesis itself like what you did for the dreamcast!
I do have a Genesis Model 1, a Power Base Converter, and a Master System controller. Even so, I won't need F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Master System. At the beginning of the month, I bought a SEGA Mark III (the Japanese Master System) for $210 and it's coming with seven games, one of them being an SG-1000 cartridge and the other six being SEGA My Card games. One of the six My Card games, interestingly and fortunately enough, is F-16 Fighting Falcon. Last time I checked, the system is still being prepared for shipment in Osaka, and it's been at that for a week and a half now, but it should arrive at my house before the month is out.
I have two Master System power base converters from the model one Megadrive, I bought it to play Sega Master System games but as a collector I later bought both the Master System one And two as well.
Thank You For Being The Gaming Historian