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.
"...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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
***** 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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 😄
+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 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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
+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.
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.
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.
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. :)
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.
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.
After almost 23 years I finally know why my Alien Syndrome cart wasn't playable on my genesis with this adapter installed. I always thought the cart was damaged or something.
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!
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
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!
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! ♫_
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 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!!!!
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.
One of my college friends received a copy of Shanghai as a donation from a friend but didn't have a Master System. He didn't even know what console the game was for! He asked me when he came over one time. I explained that it's a Master System game but can be played on a Mega Drive with an adaptor, but can only be played with a Master System controller. I tested it with my Quickshot Python joystick, which is compatible with the Master System but not the Mega Drive, and it worked just fine.
My brother and I used this as a great argument to our parents that getting the Genesis doesn't mean we'll stop playing all our Master System games! It worked...but we eventually stopped playing most of the SMS games anyway!
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.
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'.
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. :)
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
"...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.
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.
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!!
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.
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 😂😂😂
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your reviews are like a breath of fresh air. Informative and straight to the point. Great video.
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.
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.
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.
Damn, i remember Hills Department Stores.."hills is where the toys are" the nostalgia is real
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
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.
Another great video. I love the style and pacing of these videos. Nothing quite like a trip down nostalgia lane. Thank you.
Short and sweet. I like it.
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.
Can you do a video talking about the history of the Sega Master System?
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.
"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 😄
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.
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.
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?
Very pleased with the high quality videos on this channel. Informative, unbiased and well put together, they're a joy to watch
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.
Always nice to see that Robotech boxset in the background.
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.
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!
The Japanese name sounds better "MEGA ADAPTOR!"
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!
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.
I never heard of this accessory. This is why I appreciate your work Gaming Historian
Hills department Store. Awesome.
This might be my favorite channel on YT. Thank you!
To be this good takes A D D O N S
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.
"People market things to make you spend more money."
"Every 60 seconds in Africa, a minute passes."
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.
I would love an episode on the super game boy or game boy player
Yeah! I would love another episode on those!
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.
Game Historian should Collab with AVGN for at least 1 episode
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!
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.
Only just watching your collection now. Well done sir. Very informative and extremely nostalgic. Thank you.
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 remember asking you and Pat about this at too many games this year. Nice video Norm and nice meeting you!
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.
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.
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
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.
"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?
It’s true though. The Genesis is basically an upgraded Master System.
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.
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.
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 had no idea this existed. I grew up on NES and SNES and never owned a Sega system. This is really neat.
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.
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 channel dude, been a subscriber for many months. Keep up the good work.
"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.
Norm, you're the best! Been watching since the beginning, keep up the good work.
I like these shorter but interesting videos you make in between the longer vids you still make them great
After almost 23 years I finally know why my Alien Syndrome cart wasn't playable on my genesis with this adapter installed. I always thought the cart was damaged or something.
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!
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
I hope you cover more of the Sega Genesis as this was my first gaming console as a kid :D
And you could just pause it with your foot when needed. Thanks, Sega, for making me use more extremities while gaming!
If you use a region adapter, it may work as it'll extend the slot on the model 2.
Thank You For Being The Gaming Historian
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!
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! ♫_
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!
History of THQ or history of the GB Advance please!! Love the Chanel!!
I loved this style of short but informative video :D
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
Never heard of this accessory before!
This looks interesting, Mr. Gaming Historian.
Love these videos and when you cover systems and accessories!
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!!!!
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.
just watched all of your videos, keep those great episodes comming !
Excellent as always Norm.
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.
Nintendo's arcade versions of their games would be an awesome topic. There just isn't enough videos on UA-cam that cover them.
One of my college friends received a copy of Shanghai as a donation from a friend but didn't have a Master System. He didn't even know what console the game was for! He asked me when he came over one time. I explained that it's a Master System game but can be played on a Mega Drive with an adaptor, but can only be played with a Master System controller. I tested it with my Quickshot Python joystick, which is compatible with the Master System but not the Mega Drive, and it worked just fine.
My brother and I used this as a great argument to our parents that getting the Genesis doesn't mean we'll stop playing all our Master System games! It worked...but we eventually stopped playing most of the SMS games anyway!
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.
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.
Awesome video man, you should really do a video on the Sega Genesis itself like what you did for the dreamcast!
A nice little episode
Alright man thanks for this video can't wait for the new large video
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'.
my favorite youtube channel
Another great video. Looking forward to the big vid you commented about.
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.
:)
always look forward to yiur videos. this is one of my favorite channels as i love videogame history. thank you.