difference between generation 1 and 2 Genesis consoles

[Shinobi69]

other than the difference in appearance, are there other differences?

[Joe Redifer]

Yes.
-The Genesis 2 has that annoying "Produced or Licensed by Sega of America" text that you must endure every single time you turn on the unit (I think the later version of the model 1 did that as well) meaning it had stricter lockout protection.

-The model two required you to disassemble the Power Base Converter to get it to fit, I think.

-From what I recall you CAN use the model 2 Genesis with a model 1 Sega CD, but it just looks really, really odd (contrary to popular belief, you don't NEED to use the mixing jack on the model 1 Sega CD, as it will output stereo from the Genesis 1 headphone jack or the Genesis 2 AV out).

-The Model 2 has a stereo AV out, whereas the model 1 you had to route the stereo out of the headphone jack to your stereo system. The model 2 uses a mini-DIN connector instead of the standard DIN for it's AV output.

-Not sure of the Mega Drive 2 had the physical cartridge lock or not. The model 1 definitely did.

-The model 1 was the only one in "high definition" as denoted by the text on the console itself. :)

-The model 2 cannot hook up to the TeleGenesis modem due to the lack of the DB9 port on the back. Many hearts were broken.

-The model 3 (yes, 3) was the easiest to mod for S-video.

[Shinobi69]

-The model 3 (yes, 3) was the easiest to mod for S-video.

wouldn't this let you use s-video on any genesis?:

http://www.audioetc1.com/product_info.php?products_id=117882

[Joe Redifer]

You can use S-video on the model 1 and 2, but that item you linked to certainly won't do it.

I'm still trying to find an external, professionaly made device that will convert RGB to S-video and component for my 32X that I don't have to build myself.

[Shinobi69]

why wouldnt it work, one end goes into the genesis, and the s-video plug goes into your tv

[j_factor]

-The model two required you to disassemble the Power Base Converter to get it to fit, I think.

There's a PBC 2 that is shaped roughly like a Game Genie or S&K cart and will fit in model 2 (or 1) just fine. It was only released in Europe, but I think it'd work fine here (US and Europe are the same territory for SMS games).