How does Genesis 3 compare to the other models?

[BetaWolf47]

I keep hearing that they suck, but I've heard no explanation as to why, besides not working with 32X out of the box, and being completely incompatible with Sega CD.

[Rusty Venture]

Can't use a game genie with them.

Have to be modded to get stereo sound.

Looks like a hockey puck.

[kool kitty89]

Won't Work with Virtua Racing or the power base converter either, out of the box. There's a bug that was fixed in that model which apparently prevents one or 2 games from working: Gargoyles I think.


Other than that: it's pretty much equal to the VA4 revision Genesis/MD model 2 in audio and video quality except there's only mono audio output.
Like the VA3/4 model 2, the sound quality is pretty clean, much better than most earlier model 2s and the final model 1 revision (VA7).

The video quality should also be quite good, with the CXA1645 video encoder usually producing the best composite video on any stock MD/Genesis. (for EU/JP users, they had the option for RGB on all models anyway, far superior to composite)
The CXA1645 is also pretty simple to mod for S-Video,
Like the VA4 Model 2 (and many clones), all the main processors are consolidated onto a single ASIC chip, which has the side effect of eliminating the possibility of a CPU overclock.

It's compact and the cart slot is shaped such that it allows JP MD carts to fit (but region locks still apply).

It's also pretty light, so it can get knocked around easily, that and some people find it a bit ugly.


Can't use a game genie with them.

Have to be modded to get stereo sound.

Heh, I always forget the game genie. ;)

As to stereo, at least it's reasonably clean, not like the VA7 M1 and VA0/1/1.8 M2 (and VA2 has messed up PSG), ideally you'd want a VA3/4 Model 2. (VA3 if you wanted to overclock to 10 MHz)

[BetaWolf47]

Huh? I thought VA1 model 3's had stereo while VA2 model 3's did not?

[kool kitty89]

Never heard that, but it'd be nice to verify.

If you're looking for a nice, compact system, the Model 3 is much better than (modern) clones. (except some clones do support virtua racing -though only the crappy @Games emuclone supports really controllers AFIK, but not VR --again, modern clones, not classic pirate/clone systems)

[CMA Death Adder]

I keep hearing that they suck

Nope! The Genesis 3 is neat. I always recommend it to friends who are interested in trying the Genesis but don't want to devote a lot of space to one in their entertainment center / etc. You'll note there are some incompatibilities as are noted here already, but for the casual Genesis gamer it's a hoot. In fact, in the days before Super Fighter Team, the Genesis 3 was my unit of choice.


If you're looking for a nice, compact system, the Model 3 is much better than (modern) clones.

Excellent point!

Then again, a box of dog turds with a Genesis cartridge hanging out of the side is much better than the modern clone machines, too. ;)

[QuickSciFi]

The sound is not quite right. It doesn't support the 32x, Sega CD addons and a couple other items I don't bother with most of the time.

The good thing about this unit is ease of use. It is easy to carry around with you and you can plug it (albeit with mono sound) quite easily. I used it for two years before I retired it. It's not the best, but it beats later clone systems, that's for sure.

[chessage]

Modding can fix ALL of the compatibility issues that the Genesis 3 has. The video encoder is excellent as well as the quality of the mono sound. I can see how this unit would make a great primary console, especially after modification.

BTW, every Genesis 3 should be mono audio only. That stereo sound out of the box rumor sounds like a myth.

[kool kitty89]

Then again, a box of dog turds with a Genesis cartridge hanging out of the side is much better than the modern clone machines, too. ;)

Except a couple clones have VR compatibility (and perhaps game genie) out of the box, and VR happens to be one of the games to not sound too terrible too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OySLgeOG4fs
OySLgeOG4fs Supposedly the newer FC3 plus also has VR support. (and all have awesome sound)

Of course soem classic clones are awesome, not sure about sound in all cases, and I know some are RF only, but generally much better than newer clones: some have full compatibility with CD expansion port too, many are also very overclock freindly (and coincidentally have faster rated 68ks for some reason), some even have built-in region select. (like the scorpion-16)


The sound is not quite right. It doesn't support the 32x, Sega CD addons and a couple other items I don't bother with most of the time.

How so? I though it was similar to VA3/4 MD2 and Nomad sound just mono.

[Christuserloeser]

Supposedly the newer FC3 plus also has VR support. (and all have awesome sound)

Here's a comparison of the FC3 and the GN Twin:

SBV9MBA5HGA

[Rusty Venture]

Modding can fix ALL of the compatibility issues that the Genesis 3 has.

Region modding is one thing, but I don't think I should have to put my system under the knife just to get something like stereo sound or the ability to use a game genie.

I'd rather just hook it up and play.

[BetaWolf47]

Region modding is one thing, but I don't think I should have to put my system under the knife just to get something like stereo sound or the ability to use a game genie.

I'd rather just hook it up and play.

Agreed... I don't have the desire to fix something which shouldn't be broken to begin with.

[Jibbajaba]

Once the Genesis' life span had come to a close and you could pick up a Genesis 3 at TRU for next to nothing, it would have been a cool system to buy to have an extra Genesis hooked up, maybe at Grandma's house or in a spare bedroom or whatever (point being that it wouldn't be your primary Genesis.) With the price of a used Genesis being what it is now, and the fact that a Genesis 3 is probably going to run you a few bucks more than a 1 or 2 due to their relative scarcity, there really is no reason whatsoever to own one. They are a neat little oddity but they serve no functional purpose, and the 6-button controllers that came with them were terrible compared to Sega's original 6-button pad.

Chris

[kool kitty89]

Region modding is one thing, but I don't think I should have to put my system under the knife just to get something like stereo sound or the ability to use a game genie.

I'd rather just hook it up and play.

Yes, but out of the box, I'd say a Genesis 3 is a better bet than an average genesis 2 with such mitigating factors as compatibility. --For those who don't care about sega cd, 32x, VR, and not too much about using a game genie, it's a safer option than picking a random genesis 2. However, if you know what to look fore, you can identify a VA3 or VA4 model 2, which retain the qualities of the model 3, but without the foibles ---except compact size.

Plus, anyone who used RF wouldn't care one way or the other if it had stereo and then there's the mono AV cables...

At least such model 1 users could use the headphone jack wither for external speakers (including the special offer Sega ones) or just headphones. (the latter giving the strongest stereo experience.


Once the Genesis' life span had come to a close and you could pick up a Genesis 3 at TRU for next to nothing, it would have been a cool system to buy to have an extra Genesis hooked up, maybe at Grandma's house or in a spare bedroom or whatever (point being that it wouldn't be your primary Genesis.) With the price of a used Genesis being what it is now, and the fact that a Genesis 3 is probably going to run you a few bucks more than a 1 or 2 due to their relative scarcity, there really is no reason whatsoever to own one.
Weren't used gennys equally cheap around that time?


They are a neat little oddity but they serve no functional purpose, and the 6-button controllers that came with them were terrible compared to Sega's original 6-button pad.
They're nice and compact, good for road trips and such (taking to hotels, etc), better option than similarly sized clones...

And many find the official Genny 3 controllers (both the classic 6-button looking one and to a lesser extent the odd hybrid styled 6/3 button looking one) work fine... Mark Bussler at classic game room reviewed them without much of any complaint in comparison to Sega's 6-buttons,

[Jibbajaba]

I have no idea what a used Genesis sold for in ~1997 but I have to believe that they were more than $5-15. I could be wrong though.

If some people like the Majesco 6-button controllers, then more power to them. I disagree. The Sega-manufactured 6-button controllers are pretty compact, so I don't see the ultra-compactness of the Majesco controllers as a selling point. I enjoy watching Classic Game Room videos, but I would never accuse the guy of being a video game aficionado. It seems to take a lot for him to admit that something sucks.

I agree that the Genesis 3 is superior to modern clones, but again, why would someone who knew anything about video games buy a clone when they can get a used Genesis for next to nothing? For the built-in games, I guess.

I'm not hating on the Genesis 3. I just think that the only reason to buy one is if you want to have it as part of a collection. It certainly shouldn't be your primary system, but I will readily agree that it would be great to take with you on trips, if that's your thing. I think my wife would raise an eyebrow at my attempt to bring a classic gaming console on vacation with us. That's why I usually stick to handhelds in those situations.

Chris

[kool kitty89]

I meant the cost of a new genesis 3 relative to a used genesis, not current used prices... Plus (looking at wiki) the Genesis 3 wasn't even released until 1998 at $50.


And not just good for taking on trips, but more convenient for bringing to friends houses and such.

[BetaWolf47]

And many find the official Genny 3 controllers (both the classic 6-button looking one and to a lesser extent the odd hybrid styled 6/3 button looking one) work fine... Mark Bussler at classic game room reviewed them without much of any complaint in comparison to Sega's 6-buttons,
Which are the "official" Genesis 3 controllers? I've seen two Majesco modeled controllers.
http://www.atlanticgamesandtoys.com/servlet/the-2087/Genesis-6-dsh-Button-Controller/Detail

I have one of these, and have to hand it to the complainers. The buttons are mushy and don't provide enough resistance, plus the plastic in it breaks easily. Might just be the one I have, but either way, I've gone through a few regular 6-button pads without this problem.

[kool kitty89]

There are crap 3rd party controllers which look almost identical to the majesco ones, which indeed look like that pic, though there's also this unique one from the genny 3 along with a list of a variety of other pads:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130898
letter C in the first pic

This is a crap one iirc: http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/a5/7f/8e/22346906-149x149-0-0_Sega+Sega+Genesis+3+Button+Controller.jpg

This is the original: http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/hsdemonz/tut/genesis6button.jpg

[chessage]

Region modding is one thing, but I don't think I should have to put my system under the knife just to get something like stereo sound or the ability to use a game genie.

I'd rather just hook it up and play.

I see what you mean, but the Game Genie fix is easier than a region mod. You only need to connect one wire. Tiido demonstrated the mod here (http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showpost.php?p=198841&postcount=7) (for the VA2 board revision).

Modding for the other features is a lot tougher, so it's probably best to buy a VA3/VA4 model 2, especially since they are cheaper than the Genesis 3 and have good quality stereo sound.

[BetaWolf47]

kool_kitty89, that "crap" one is just an aftermarket controller. I really think you're thinking of the one I showed you. It's just a rebranded Interact controller. I've seen the Interact one in person but can't find a picture.

[kool kitty89]

kool_kitty89, that "crap" one is just an aftermarket controller. I really think you're thinking of the one I showed you. It's just a rebranded Interact controller. I've seen the Interact one in person but can't find a picture.

Yes, the generic, newer aftermarket pads are worse. (supposedly)

Mark Mussler (classic game room HD) reviewed both the majesco/sega pads and off brand (but identical -interact?) controllers on youtube recently. He didn't seem to find much fault though, other than it feeling not quite as good and being slightly smaller than the original 6-button. (he prefers the 3-button's size anyway)

I think the official sega 6-button is indeed better though, but actual superiority seems to be up to personal preference to soem degree. --Plus, dirty/worn contacts can make any controller sloppy. (regardless of mushy or stiff feel to the controls)

A few sega controllers have a roblem witht he D-pad using a simple plastic nub which can wear down to the point of allowing multiple directions to be pushed simultaneously. (early modesl are like that, soem use ball bearings and others a plastic pivot among others) There are around half a dozen different d-pad designs which were applied to several revisions at different times.

[BetaWolf47]

I know most of that already. The mushy buttons are far from the only issue of the model 3 controller. Like I said, the controller itself feels cheap, and it's unnecessarily thick. Don't let images fool you: it's hardly more compact than the regular 6-button controller. I wanted one due to the compact size, as I don't like how the grip on the regular 6-button controller sticks out. That proved to be the wrong reason to get it.

Anyways, most people know how to fix messed up contacts, so that's not really an issue.

[kool kitty89]

I know most of that already. The mushy buttons are far from the only issue of the model 3 controller. Like I said, the controller itself feels cheap, and it's unnecessarily thick. Don't let images fool you: it's hardly more compact than the regular 6-button controller. I wanted one due to the compact size, as I don't like how the grip on the regular 6-button controller sticks out. That proved to be the wrong reason to get it.

Anyways, most people know how to fix messed up contacts, so that's not really an issue.

The original 6-button is also quite thick, rather similar to the 3-button for its size. I like that, not thin like the SNES, lots to grip.

[BetaWolf47]

How is the original 6-button thick? Only thing it's thick to is the SNES controller.

[kool kitty89]

The interact one is proportionally thicker??? It doesn't look to be in side-by-side comparisons. (other than the tall d-pad, which by GCR's review is taller than the Genny 3's)

I think it's thicker than most contemporary gamepads besides the 3-button (SMS/NES/TG16), 3DO, I think, original Gravis gamepad, SNES (of course), possibly Saturn jp/mk2, but not Jaguar. (that thinks got some nice hefty grips to it)

[BetaWolf47]

Ready folks? It's picture time again!

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4586/concompar.jpg (http://img249.imageshack.us/i/concompar.jpg/)

[evilernLe]

Ready folks? It's picture time again!

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4586/concompar.jpg (http://img249.imageshack.us/i/concompar.jpg/)

I actually have all of the official Genesis controllers (including the official wireless ones) and variants of each... and my favorite one hands down, is the one on the left in this picture.

I sometimes go back and forth between this and the original 6-button (which is also fantastic) and for some reason, end up with the smaller version that includes the turbo buttons. I just like the way it feels. Has a very solid feel to it, and the size fits in my hands perfectly.

[kool kitty89]

Wow, now I'm kind of interesed in gettign one of those, especially since they tend to be cheaper than th eofficial 6-button.

I don't care about mushy feel, as long as the control itsself isn't sloppy. I personally prefer the stiff d-pad of the 3-button to the pivoty one of the 6-button though. I like thick controllers as long as the grips ae shaped well. (I really wish I had a saturn 3D pad I could comment on -been too long- I can definitely say I like the Xbox duke)

[Ace]

Majesco's 6-button controller is what I use on all my Genesis hardware. It's my favorite Genesis controller, right alongside the 3-button arcade stick(still have to find the 6-button one).

[ooXxXoo]

What most people don't know, is that early Genesis 3 systems(rev VA1) came packaged with the 6-button controller (the InterAct look alike one)..

And Genesis 3 system (rev. VA2), came packaged with the 6-button alien looking one (a mix between an early 3-button & a 6-button controller)..

[sicboy057]

I have no idea what a used Genesis sold for in ~1997 but I have to believe that they were more than $5-15. I could be wrong though.

In 1999, when I was a freshman in college, a used model 1 was $45, model 2 was $50 and a model 3 was $90. I also bought a complete in the box 32x for $5, Knuckles Chaotix for $4.00 (cart), MUSHA $4.95 (cart), and Street Fighter II CE $1.95 (CIB). I have the receipt for the M1 and games but I can remember the prices of the other models when I chose what one to purchase. Prices are from a small chain of "Gamers" stores we have here in the mid-west.

[chessage]

What most people don't know, is that early Genesis 3 systems(rev VA1) came packaged with the 6-button controller (the InterAct look alike one)..

And Genesis 3 system (rev. VA2), came packaged with the 6-button alien looking one (a mix between an early 3-button & a 6-button controller)..

Not true. My VA2 came with the small sized MK-1470 controller. BTW, the large sized MK-1470 controllers were manufactured for Majesco by Tec Toy in Brazil (http://segaretro.org/Controller_(Mega_Drive)).

[kool kitty89]

Large sized??? The 3-button styled ones is smaller and thinner than the interact 6-button... It's just stuled after the bigger, older controller. (one reason I'm not that interested in it, though initially was was thinking it was 3-button sized, but nope)

[TmEE]

I have one of those on the Left, I like the buttons of it. I want one of those on the Right though...

[chessage]

Large sized??? The 3-button styled ones is smaller and thinner than the interact 6-button... It's just stuled after the bigger, older controller. (one reason I'm not that interested in it, though initially was was thinking it was 3-button sized, but nope)

Fine, the MK-1470 controller with the red turbo button, then. Also, "stuled" isn't an acceptable replacement for "styled".

[kool kitty89]

I have one of those on the Left, I like the buttons of it. I want one of those on the Right though...

I've got the one on the right, and am considering looking for the one on the left. ;)
The 6-button pad that came with it is part of the reason I bought my 2nd genesis -discovering that it was my first genesis and not the CD that had been causing problem was an unexpected bonus. ;) (RF video sucks on that second one -composhit is normal -I'll get around to s-video eventually)

[BetaWolf47]

I have one of those on the Left, I like the buttons of it. I want one of those on the Right though...

That's odd, considering how common the one on the right is. I want one of those Jr. controllers. Never knew those existed. Literally a standard 6-button controller with smaller grips.

[TmEE]

I've not really looked for the one on the right anyway... slightly bigger version of the Japanese 6buttoner, of which I have a few.

[chrisbid]

i picked mine up brand new at kmart in the lat 90s for 20 dollars. its a cool novelty to have, but i wouldnt spend 50+ on one now.

[Ace]

What most people don't know, is that early Genesis 3 systems(rev VA1) came packaged with the 6-button controller (the InterAct look alike one)..

And Genesis 3 system (rev. VA2), came packaged with the 6-button alien looking one (a mix between an early 3-button & a 6-button controller)..

Hey, thanks for sharing this information. Now I know what to look for while shopping around for a boxed Genesis 3 so that I don't end up with another VA2 Genesis 3.

[ooXxXoo]

Hey, thanks for sharing this information. Now I know what to look for while shopping around for a boxed Genesis 3 so that I don't end up with another VA2 Genesis 3.

Yep, although at some point I'm sure many Genesis 3 VA2 where shipped with the InterAct look alike controller, but the later ones, definitely came with the Alien looking one.....It is indeed a tectoy MD3 controller (you may remember my tectoy MD3 with the Genesis 3 VA2 Asic, posted long ago), but it wasn't a Brazilian market exclusive, it made its way to the US packaged with Genesis 3 (rev.VA2) systems too...Which btw, are horrible, those controllers have clone glotops :yuck:....

[BetaWolf47]

So the 6-button controller that's a 3-button hybrid is no good? I've heard the same thing from one of my friends. I'd love to have one of the US versions of the Japanese 6-button, but they're so much more rare than the standard 6-button!

Why did they have to make the grips so wide on the standard 6-button controller? x_x

[kool kitty89]

^Well I'm quite happy with them, not as good as the big 3-button, but not bad. (better than SNES)

[Ace]

Yep, although at some point I'm sure many Genesis 3 VA2 where shipped with the InterAct look alike controller, but the later ones, definitely came with the Alien looking one.....It is indeed a tectoy MD3 controller (you may remember my tectoy MD3 with the Genesis 3 VA2 Asic, posted long ago), but it wasn't a Brazilian market exclusive, it made its way to the US packaged with Genesis 3 (rev.VA2) systems too...Which btw, are horrible, those controllers have clone glotops :yuck:....

As does Majesco's InterAct lookalike 6-button controller. That too uses a gloptop chip inside the controller.

[kool kitty89]

What's wrong with globtops other than looking cheap on a PCB?

[Ace]

I personally have nothing against that. I was just pointing it out to ooXxXoo that Majesco's InterAct lookalike 6-button controller had a gloptop chip on the controller's board.

[aka DaBigKahuna]

kool kitty, can you do the S-video and stereo mod. for the 3? I'm looking to get it done.


Won't Work with Virtua Racing or the power base converter either, out of the box. There's a bug that was fixed in that model which apparently prevents one or 2 games from working: Gargoyles I think.


Other than that: it's pretty much equal to the VA4 revision Genesis/MD model 2 in audio and video quality except there's only mono audio output.
Like the VA3/4 model 2, the sound quality is pretty clean, much better than most earlier model 2s and the final model 1 revision (VA7).

The video quality should also be quite good, with the CXA1645 video encoder usually producing the best composite video on any stock MD/Genesis. (for EU/JP users, they had the option for RGB on all models anyway, far superior to composite)
The CXA1645 is also pretty simple to mod for S-Video,
Like the VA4 Model 2 (and many clones), all the main processors are consolidated onto a single ASIC chip, which has the side effect of eliminating the possibility of a CPU overclock.

It's compact and the cart slot is shaped such that it allows JP MD carts to fit (but region locks still apply).

It's also pretty light, so it can get knocked around easily, that and some people find it a bit ugly.



Heh, I always forget the game genie. ;)

As to stereo, at least it's reasonably clean, not like the VA7 M1 and VA0/1/1.8 M2 (and VA2 has messed up PSG), ideally you'd want a VA3/4 Model 2. (VA3 if you wanted to overclock to 10 MHz)

[kool kitty89]

^
No, I can't, but if you're looking for a modder in the US, try ooXxXoo.