Q209868
Sign in to savethird-generation home video game console developed by Sega
Key facts
- Also known as
- KO : Samsung Gam*Boy
- Developer
- Sega
- Manufacturer
- Sega
- Type
- Home video game console
- Generation
- Third
- Released
- October 20, 1985 Mark III JP : October 20, 1985 , Samsung Gam*Boy KO : November 1988 Master System NA : September 1986 EU : August 1987 JP : October 18, 1987 KO : April 1989 BR : September 1989
- Lifespan
- JP : 1985–1991 NA : 1986–1992 EU : 1987–1996 KO : 1988–1994 BR : 1989–present
- Introductory price
- ¥16,800 (equivalent to ¥21,700 in 2024), US$200 (equivalent to $590 in 2025), £99.95 (equivalent to £290 in 2025)
- Discontinued
- JP : 1991 NA : 1992 KO : 1994 EU : 1996
- Units sold
- 10-13 million
- Media
- ROM cartridge , Sega Card
- Cpu
- Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
- Memory
- 8 KB RAM , 16 KB VRAM
- Display
- 256 × 192 resolution, 32 colors on-screen
- Sound
- Texas Instruments SN76489 PSG via VDP , Yamaha YM2413
- Backward compatibility
- SG-1000
- Predecessor
- SG-1000
- Successor
- Sega Genesis
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
The Master System is an 8-bit home video game console manufactured and developed by Sega. It was originally a remodeled export version of the Sega Mark III, the third iteration of the SG-1000 series of consoles, released in Japan on October 20, 1985. The Master System launched in North America in September 1986, followed by Europe in August 1987, South Korea in April 1989, and Brazil in September 1989. A Japanese version was launched on October 23, 1987, with additions including a built-in FM audio chip, a rapid-fire switch, and a dedicated port for the 3D glasses. The Master System II, a cheaper model, was released in 1990 in North America, Australasia, and Europe.
The original Master System models use both cartridges and a credit card-sized format, Sega Cards. Accessories include a light gun and 3D glasses that work with specially designed games. The later Master System II redesign removed the card slot, turning it into a strictly cartridge-only system, and is incompatible with the 3D glasses.