Power Base Converter vs Sega Master System

[dbtmellis]

Who out here has either the Power base Converter or the Sega Master System?

If you have the PBC, did you get it to replace your SMS, or did you get it to save space? I'm looking to save space, because i have lack of it.

I'm looking into getting one or the other in the future. I have been looking at the MSC II, but they are so expensive (going for over $100), i can find me a SMS and about a handful of games for less than $30.

I have a Genesis Model II.

Should I-

Get the MSC II
Buy a Model I Genesis and PBC
Buy a SMS

[TmEE]

get a 3rd party MSC, or get MSC1 and mutilate it so it fits on MD2.

I would get a MD1 and MSC1, unless you mod the MD2 for sound and perhaps other stuff too.

[dbtmellis]

Im not into modding, i dont have the skills nor the tools.

What would i have to do to get the PBC to fit the Model II Genesis? I have heard that all you need to do is to cut off plastic?

is that as easy as getting a Dremel tool and a saw blade?

[TmEE]

It will look really bad when you do any cutting. There's a large chunk that needs to be removed for things to fit, hence I suggested finding a 3rd party unit.

[Christuserloeser]

If you want to save space get an Everdrive or NeoMyth 3-in-1 (which offers FM support).

Other than that I agree with Tiido: a MD1 with MSC1 is rather affordable, but so can be third party MSCs (with a bit of luck).

And if you got some money, Tiido will do an excellent job with modding the hell out of your consoles.

[Greg2600]

The MD EverDrive alone won't let you play the 3D games, but otherwise it's the same as using a PBC. There is an official PBC-MD II adapter piece that was sold in Europe, but it's very difficult to find and expensive probably.

Or if money is less an object, you could do what I am and getting a SMS, and then the Master System EverDrive

[GameX]

Yes, I was wondering about that, yesterday: it'll look ugly, but would a PBC1 would work on top of a 32x?

EDIT: Found it, no, it wouldn't.

Thanks!

[PHANTOM2040]

http://www.tototek.com/store/index.p...products_id=74


I have this one. I was just using it this morning. Works great and the games looks great. I also use a Model 2 Genesis. No 3D games support. The bonus is you have a brand new unit from a good seller and it can also play MarkIII games.

[Zz Badnusty]

So has Sega Master System collecting finally come to the forefront as the next frontier of collecting for all us Sega heads?

[David J.]

This is how you modify the PBC to work on the Genesis 2:
http://alexkidd.com/powerbase/index.htm

Also works on the Laseractive:
http://www.cedmagic.com/tech-info/re...ga-master.html

Some 3D games can be played in 2D, but it is easier for some than others.

Keep in mind F16 is teh only game that work with any PBC, regardless if the game is on a cart or card as it is a repackaged SG-1000 game. And yes the PAL MD2 PBC is rare.

[villahed94]

Well, i just bought a PBC, but as I have a Model 1, then i have no problem.
And the PBC CAN actually play Mark III games, you just need to get or make a Japanese to US Master System and you can play them w/o any problem.

[Smii]

Who out here has either the Power base Converter or the Sega Master System?

If you have the PBC, did you get it to replace your SMS, or did you get it to save space? I'm looking to save space, because i have lack of it.

The MSCII and third party alternatives have no card-slot - if you want to have the option to play SMS cards or 3D games (glasses adaptor plugs into there) then you'll need a PBC + model 1 Genesis.

Also remember that not all SMS games work ok on the PBC - some require a proper SMS pad, others glitch or don't work at all. Probably a list somewhere.

Personally, I'd just get a "real" SMS (I have a couple ) - it gives you more options later if you want them. Or failing that, a Genesis 1 and PBC. But if space is the most important thing & you don't care about the 3D games, etc - just wait for a decently priced MSCII to present itself.

[David J.]

There was a PBC released in Japan for the Mega Drive and MK3/Japenase Master System games.

The following games require a SMS pad:

Alien Syndrome
Bomber Raid
Great Volleyball
Montezuma's Revenge
Penguin Land
Shanghai
Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?
Wonderboy in Monsterland
Tennis Ace

[Sik]

Don't forget that a few games were designed for the SMS1 VDP (bugs included) and won't work properly on a SMS2 (the MD VDP emulates the latter). The MD VDP also can't run one game that used a TMS9918 mode. But also you have Codemaster games which require a SMS2 (or MD)...

[lumclaw]

Barring mods or flash carts... If you're up against an extreme lack of space, no doubt US CDX plus MSCII is near the widest pre-Saturn compatibility for its size. Without that slowdown 50hz causes many games.