Genesis Model 3

[edge82]

Why is there so much hate for the Model 3? Is it because it can't play Sega CD or 32X? It can play the Power Base with minor modding, I heard. I thought it looked kinda cool, being so convieniently small. Hell, I looked at one for a while.
And two other quick question - I know ti can't use the SCD because of a lack of the side connector, but why can't it use the 32X? And what games supposedly don't work with the Model 3 (besides Virtua Racing)?

Don't flame me here - I once owned a CDX and I currently own an X'eye. This was merely a question.

[Joe Redifer]

How could the model 3 use a power base converter if it lacks the Z-80 to run the Master System games? The model 3 isn't even made by Sega, but by cheesey Majesco. Everyone hates Majesco. They always have and still do to this day. Everyone. Why Majesco? Basically it's because they are Majesco. That's all the reason you need!

[Obviously]

They're just not a high quality product and who wants to buy a system that doesn't work with all the games and addons that it's supposed to? I personally don't think the model 3 is downright terrible as it's been labled but as far as Genesis models go its definately the inferior of the lot.

Aside from all that there was just no need for the Genesis 3 to exist and gave critics more cannon fodder in the "Sega keeps releasing useless updates/addons" area, even if it was made by Majesco.

[David J.]

For the 1000th time, the Genesis 3 HAS a Z80. It's just a slimed down version. The PBC doesn't work, I've tried it, and nope. The Genesis has to have a Z80, otherwise 90% of games wouldn't work.

I don't think Majesco took the time to create a chip thats somewhat backwords comptable. Gargyoles doesn't work with the Model 3.

[Joe Redifer]

You're really gonna have to back that Z-80 statement up a little more, David J. Supposedly the Nomad does not have a Z80 either. It's functionality was moved into the 68000. But since the 68000 isn't a true Z-80, things like the PBC won't work as well as some games, hence the incompatibility.

My computer here doesn't have a Z80 and it emulates Genesis games fine. The new 68000 basically did the same thing.

[David J.]

I'm going by whats here: http://s9.invisionfree.com/Sega_16/index.php?showtopic=332&st=15

Remove the Z80 from your Genesis and see what happens. And Yup, the older forums. I brought them up! :O

Your computer playing Genesis games is irrelvent. You're using a software emulator. Console/compuer emulation is done in software usually.

[Joe Redifer]

The 68000 in the Genesis 3 is not exactly like the one in the model 1 or 2. Of course if I remove my Z80 it's not going to work. But we're not talking about my model 1 here. We're talking Nomad and model 3. You seem to think all Genesises have the exact same chipset. They certainly do not. As for the "emulation" I mentioned, it would not be difficult to program the Z80 routines into the model 3 68000 to run the sound.

[Joe Redifer]

After doing a bit of research, you may be right. The real test would be to see if the Japanese Mega Drive Phantasy Star 1 runs.

[David J.]

Well, I mentioned the emulation you said your computer could do Genesis emulation fine. I don't think they all have the same chips, I think they all have a Z80 and a 68000.

And also, you'd need a CPU faster than a 68000 to emulate a Z80, unless it was like 100MHz. I really doubt Majesco took the time to make a Z80 comptable processor because they suck and they are cheap.

[Kikoskia]

All I can say is I'm glad our megadrive managed to hang on for much longer then the genesis did in the US. :)

[j_factor]

All I can say is I'm glad our megadrive managed to hang on for much longer then the genesis did in the US. :)

No it didn't. Frogger came out here in 1998, and that Christmas you could still buy a Genesis (3) in any videogame store. In that sense it actually outlived its successor.

[edge82]

I never thought it would get this divided, I mean Christ. I think it does have a Z80, or a synthetic Z80 of some kind (they do make Genesis On A Chips now, after all), but I was just curious why it couldn't handle the 32X, Virtua Racer and even the game genie? For the most part, I may not even want those. Hell, the X'eye I picked up for $35 bucks (with everything except video cable, and it look and works EXCELLENT) has the Sega CD which I'm even debating if I want or not. I've wanted a Genesis since my friend had one when we were kids (bastard had an SCD and Genesis 2, and lots of great games). I already have a PS2 (Didn't want it, but loved Guitar Hero and needed a DVD Player), a Dreamcast (still my favorite) and an SNES (Parents bought it for me when I was 13 and have never, will never, part with it). The Genesis, to me, will be that last system I buy, so I want to make it count.
Sorry about that rant. The point is, I ask about the Model 3 because I do want quality, but I like how it looks, and information on this damn thing is so nill. And believe it or not, this thread is helping me, so keep it up, please.

[Melf]

David brought up the old forums!

Oh snap! Blast from the past!

[Joe Redifer]

Are we absolutely sure the model 3 won't work with a Game Genie?

[David J.]

When I come back from NYC, I can test it.

[Kikoskia]

No it didn't. Frogger came out here in 1998, and that Christmas you could still buy a Genesis (3) in any videogame store. In that sense it actually outlived its successor.

True, I'll give you that one. *The claw voice* I'll get you next time j_factor, next time... *cat meows*

[Epicenter]

The Genesis Model 3 has a system-on-a-chip style design, one large IC that contains a 68000, a Z80 (or rather, clones of both, apparently), the bus arbiter, VDP, the YM2612, and other key components. About all that's outside this chip is what looks to be some RAM and a video encoder. There IS a Z80, it's just integrated.

As for emulating a Z80 on a 68000 .. this would require the processor run two threads at a time-- one an emulator for the Z80 code and one the game itself. The overhead would be ridiculous, the two couldn't communicate, and it's not even POSSIBLE without an operating system to manage 2 threads simultaneously .. which the MD/Genesis does not have. It would be mind-bogglingly slow, too.

[edge82]

I don't see an way of finding out if this is junk or not without buying it. I've used vrsite I could check, even old Amazon reviews, too (some guy claimed his 32X and Game Genie worked fine in one of the reviews. Go figure.) So, I'm going to take the plunge. I'll be buying this off of EBay (there's some good games in the auction, anyway) and see how it goes.
After that, I'll be sure to post some real info on this system and maybe FINALLY put all the rumors to rest on this thing.
Wish me luck.

[j_factor]

True, I'll give you that one. *The claw voice* I'll get you next time j_factor, next time... *cat meows*

lol :P

If it makes you feel better, you guys totally kicked our asses on the late SMS releases.

[David J.]

The 32X doesn't work, but gives an intresting picture... I posted a report about my findings on an old site not online anymore, and yes I found out something. I'll find it and hopefully post it.

[Joe Redifer]

Screw old sites. Post everything HERE!

[David J.]

All I really remember is I saw a puke color brown screen abet hazy when I hooked up the 32X up to the Genesis 3 and I saw the copyright TMSS screen but it crashed afterwords.

[edge82]

I should be getting the system tomorrow or Wednesday. Hopefully I won't be too disappointed. If so, I have the X'Eye to fall back on.

By the way, I just picked up a cart only copy of Gunstar Heroes for $10 BIN on Ebay. The guy has 100% feedback, but no pic on the auction. Think I may have gotten screwed?

[Joe Redifer]

I imagine it will probably work. If you're going for cart only, it's not like it needs to be in mint condition or anything.

[Obviously]

That's pretty average for a cart only Gunstar Heroes so I wouldn't worry. With Gunstar Heroes it's sometimes actually a lot cheaper to buy the cart, instructions, and box all seperately.

[Jubal]

well before the Radica "Genesis on a chip" came out the Genesis 3 was really popular for making a portable genesis, so thats always another use for em, if you dont already have a nomad heh
-Jubal-

[Polterguy]

The Genesis III , which I own along with my version I , does not compare
in quality, or functionality. You can't hook it up to the sega cd, or the 32x. What's most amazing is that I've seen this on Ebay new in box for 150!! Not that anyone would pay that much, but they are listing that high. I do have the Nomad which I love, it was truly ahead of it's time and is a joy to use. Grab one if you can!


Rise from your grave!!!

[Obviously]

Considering the Genesis 2 was already lightweight and easily portable without all the addons, the Genesis 3 really didn't have much of a point.

[edge82]

I got the Model 3 and have tested it a bit. This one had a hard time powering on, but I opened it up, cleaned the inside up a bit and made sure the switch alined with the exterior switch, and it's fine now.

I did notice one thing - THE GAME GENIE WORKS. All these people saying it doesn't, they are wrong. On the life of my family, the Game Genie actually works on this. I looked at the internal board, and it's very small, and I am sure they removed/combined a few things, but in terms of use it's not as different as one might think. There's a few more things I want to test on this to see what other false facts have been spread.

So, for the record, the Game Genie works on the Model 3 Genesis.

[MegaDrive20XX]

I got the Model 3 and have tested it a bit. This one had a hard time powering on, but I opened it up, cleaned the inside up a bit and made sure the switch alined with the exterior switch, and it's fine now.

I did notice one thing - THE GAME GENIE WORKS..


Holy crap, you have stubbled upon something that we might not be aware of yet.

I wonder if there is a way to tell when your Genesis 3 was made, could it be later models could have this ability?

[edge82]

I'll be getting a second one soon, so it will make a good litmus test.

Anyway, the serial number is AG82216710. I'll have to open it again to see what if there's any other marking like dates in it. I know it has a Sony chip in it (do all of them? I imagine that's for the video output.), but I plan on doing two things - picking up Virtua Racing and testing a 32X on it. My buddy has one that he'll let me borrow.

Once I find out more, you will be made aware ASAP. And hopefully I can put up picks to show the proof.

[Joe Redifer]

The Sony chip is indeed the video chip. You can even wire that thing for s-video and component DIRECTLY. Well, at least s-video anyway.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Mine doesnt work with a 32X. So I think mine won't work with a GameGenie probably

[edge82]

Well, the 32X doesn't work. I just get a green screen. So, that incompatibility proves true. so far: Game Genie - YES. 32X - NO. Next will be Virtua Racing and Gargoyles.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Well, the 32X doesn't work. I just get a green screen. So, that incompatibility proves true. so far: Game Genie - YES. 32X - NO. Next will be Virtua Racing and Gargoyles.


I get the same green screen.....

it's haunted I tell ye!!! HAUNTED!!!!

"Grandpa why are you saying that?"

...I just want attention :(...

[Joe Redifer]

What is special about Gargoyles? Does it use a special chip for extra mindblowing Xbox360-like POWER?

[David J.]

What is special about Gargoyles? Does it use a special chip for extra mindblowing Xbox360-like POWER?

It doesn't use a chip, but it does have great animation. For the longest time it didn't work in emulators, but I think does something special with the VDP.

[edge82]

Gargoyles has a weird code in it where it reads the Z80 in a specific way. The Model 3's Z80 is different, so the cart reads it and stays inactive, i.e. the game doesn't start... supposedly.

I'm going to see just how true that claim is sometime next week.

[David J.]

Cliffhanger doesn't work either.

[edge82]

Gargoyles doesn't work, and neither does Virtua Racing. Turns out most of what was said is true - except the Game Genie. So, here's the overall:

THE GAME GENIE WORKS ON THE MODEL 3. If it worked for mine, I'm damn sure it'll work for yours. There shouldn't be any huge differences between any of them. This appears to be the only fact I've proven wrong.

[David J.]

I'll try and give it another shot this weekend.