  BackgroundThe Power Base Converter was a device released alongside the Genesis/Mega Drive which allows one to play Master System games on the Genesis/Mega Drive. The Power Base Converter is region-free just like the Master System. This means that any region combination between Genesis/Mega Drive and Master System Game will be compatible (i.e. A PAL Master System game will work on an NTSC Genesis.) The Power Base Converter contains no electronics, it is just a pass-through device housed in a fancy case which unfortunately fits only on the Model 1 Genesis/Mega Drive. A Power Base Converter was released for the Model 2 Genesis/Mega Drive in Europe only. Specifications The db Electronics Master System to Genesis Converter is essentially a clone of the original Power Base Converter. In order to achieve backwards compatibility, the original Master System CPU and sound chip (the Z80 and SN76489) are included in the Genesis/Mega Drive. The Genesis/Mega Drive's Video Display Processor is capable of the Master System VDP's mode 4 (though it cannot run in modes 0, 1, 2, or 3, so cannot run SG-1000 games). When a Master System game is inserted into a Genesis/Mega Drive, the hardware automatically re-configures itself as a Master System. Both 2-button Master System gamepads and standard Genesis/Mega Drive gamepads can be used to play SMS games. Some Master System games may inadvertently cause the wrong set of inputs to be selected in a 3/6-button gamepad and prevent input from working properly. In this case a Master System controller must be used. Like the Master System, the PAUSE button is not part of the gamepad and instead is implemented as a pushbutton switch on the device. The db Electronics Master System to Genesis Converter fits inside a standard Sega Genesis cartridge shell with slight modifications. A slot will need to be cut out, using a Dremel or similar tool, to allow for the Master System connector to protrude from the top. Simply take the cartridge shell of a Genesis game you don't appreciate (or are willing to sacrifice) and install the db Electronics Master System to Genesis Converter inside. Note that you will need a 4.5mm game bit to open most Genesis cartridge shells. If the Master System to Genesis Converter is installed in a cartridge shell, a hole will have to be drilled (directly inline with the right mounting post) in order to access the Pause button.Compatibility The Converter will not work in conjunction with a 32X; the 32X prevents the Master System Mode when it is connected.
The Master System to Genesis Converter has been reported to work on the following systems:
If you have confirmed the Master System to Genesis Converter works on a system not listed above, or have found a compatibility issue with a certain game, please share this information with the community by posting your findings on our forum.
Where to buy? |
db On The Web   Friends & Partners  |
|
