Mega key 2 = Code buster?

[winona]

I thought that the mega key was supposed to be the best import cartridge for the Genesis. However, then one I got works exactly like the codebuster.

I.e it can convert the regional coding to US NTSC, but it cant do japan or 60Hz.

Are there later versions of the mega key?

[Kollision]

A small observation just for the record regarding the Mega Key 2 adapter.

I've had the Mega Key 2 for ages, and it ALWAYS worked with any cartridges on my Japanese model 1 Mega Drive, with any cart from any region.

However, I just found out that it won't work with region locked European carts on my model 1 Genesis (JP carts do work)!

Take Xenon 2 and Mega SWIV, for instance. Without the Mega Key 2, they won't work in either console --------- When I insert the Mega Key 2 between the console and the cartridge, they still don't work on the Genesis, but they boot on the 1st try on the Mega Drive.

[ZJT]

There is more than one type of "Mega Key 2" adapter. Some have dip switches, and others do not. On the whole, the ones with dip switches are much better. I've found the ones without dip switches to be fairly poor.

Get a dip-switched Mega Key 2 - or, better still, a Mega Key 3 with dip switches - I've not found anything that this couldn't deal with.

Alternatively, a Game Genie and the right code will also handle most games but it's a lot more hassle (finding the right code, entering it every time you want to play ...)

[108 Stars]

Pro Action Replay 2.
If the game is protected you just have to go to the PAR´s menue, set cartridge type to US or JAP, and there you go.

[playgen]

If you want 60hz then you'll still have to mod your console, which is easy enough to do.

[Kollision]

My Mega Key 2 has the DIP-switches. Maybe someday I'll mod my console, but right now I don't have any problem in turning on my JAP MD just to play these games if necessary... :cool:

And I don't like Game Genies. I'm all for practical devices, I hate having to deal with codes just to play a game.

[Smii]

Sigh. My old Mega Key (the one with the yellow label) recently died. I opened it, but have no technical skills, and don't really have a clue if anything can be done anyway.

Also, I recently acquired a Mega Key 3 with dip switches, came with some games from France. It doesn't seem to work at all, either.

I already have a fully modded MD / MCD, but I used the Mega Key a lot with my Nomad. My ARII hasn't ever worked properly with it, and now there's a load of games I can't play on it, again.

Not the end of the world, but it is annoying - meh, I just have bad luck with Mega Keys. :(

[Kollision]

Guys, my Mega Key 2 is dead.
What do you recommend as a substitute if I want to play region-locked European games in my Mega Drive or Genesis?

Is the Pro Action replay 2 a reliable choice?

[Phantar]

I'd say not really; the region adaptation of my Action Replay 2 only works on European PAL consoles, but not on my Nomad. Since the AR-cartridges were primarily distributed in Europe, I guess they were only optimized for work with PAL consoles.

[The Jackal]

PARs don't work with the 32X either (at least for me they don't). If you're after a good replacement for your MegaKey, just get the Game Genie - they're better built than an PAR, much cheaper, easier to get hold of and they work on, pretty much, all machines. EDIT: The PAR2's region-change feature is flawed; it's pretty hit and miss. (e.g. My European Toy Story cart, with region protection, won't boot when I set my console to US). If you want a full-proof means around regional lockout, it's either using codes on a Game Genie or modding your system.

[Kollision]

Thanks, guys. I think I'll go with the game genie.
:)

[old man]

I got a game genie it works great, and I think just about everything covered import wise. Wasn't there a thread some time ago with a list of codes?

[SEGA.GENESIS1989]

Kollision, I am glad you went with the Game Genie. I remember seeing the television ads for this device and thinking how it's only purpose was to cheat your way to victory.

Now that I own one, I appreciate it's utility when playing import games. It a very durable device and works like a charm.

The only drawback ins entering the pertinent code. But as you continue to use it, entering the code becomes second nature! It's a quality product!

[lumclaw]

A handful of PAL games are 50hz optimized. Unless you use a rom and reprogram the actual game (likely not trivial), those STILL wouldn't run quite right without a region switch and compatible TV.