Sega Master System, can someone introduce me to this system?

[80sFREAK]

Most home 8bit computers used for games anyway

[macbee]

Factories are still producing games for that machine to this day, and that is something that I don't believe is happening on the Sega side of things.

I can't tell about games - but Master System console is still being produced and sold in Brazil.


http://www.tectoy.com.br/categoria.aspx?id=7

[L___E___T]

Might have to get me one of those Tectoys

Over here in England, SEGA came first and had a massive amount of TV advertising and awareness, we got one after my brother saw it promoted on the back of a cereal packet.  The Madter System was very popular here and the UK was a stronghold for SEGA.  Nintendo were still popular but late to the party, by which time the MegaDrive was on its way.  A LOT I my school friends had MegaDrives, I'd say 3/4s of them had MegaDrives over SNES overall. 

I do remember that with both Nintendo systems though, the standout games were considered better and both Nintendo systems more powerful.  Because we had 50hz here, there was no 'blast processing' message - that never arrived but they positioned the SMS as a home computer-beater (home computers were SUPER popular) and the MegaDrive as arcade intensity for the home.  SNES caught up what it did almost wholly because of Street Fighter 2, when I say that game was massive I mean it was huge, it was THE game to play and own however you could and SEGA didn't get it until it was too late to make a difference.

In terms of how best to play these games - you can pick up a PAL SMS for cheap - it has charm in 50hz and I actually think many SMS games play better in 50hz, Sonic 1 for example. 

If you want access to all the games in 60hz I'd actually suggest playing on a Mega Drive with Mega Everdrive flash cartridge.  You'll have RGB, 60hz and can play all the rarest expensive games from all regions.

If you are wealthy I'd suggest getting a Japanese SEGA Mark III and taking advantage of the wondrous FM sound, it really is exhilarating and after watching comparisons on YouTube I was absolutely astounded.  If this option 3 sounds best grab a US Master System 1 at the same time.

Overall, the SMS was more powerful than the NES and Famicom but lacks some of the magic and charisma of its Nintendo counterpart.  It's still a system that should be enjoyed and experienced though, especially if you missed it first time round, there are some unmissable titles.  I just wish it played Game Gear games properly.

[P]

Most home 8bit computers used for games anyway

Yeah well the term gaming console wasn't defined back then anyway so the difference isn't that big in many cases.

[L___E___T]

Revisiting this thread made me go watch some SMS longplays on Youtube