Editing Master System (section)

==Technical specifications==
The Master System's main [[Central processing unit|CPU]] is an [[8-bit computing|8-bit]] [[Zilog Z80|Zilog Z80A]] rated for 4 [[Hertz|MHz]], but runs at 3.58 MHz. It has 8 [[kilobyte|KB]] of [[read-only memory|ROM]], 8 KB of [[Random-access memory|RAM]] and 16 KB of video RAM ([[Video random-access memory|VRAM]]). Video is provided through an [[RF switch]] (though Model 1s with an AV port can also output [[composite video|composite]] and even [[Component video#RGB analog component video|RGB]] video) and displays at a resolution of 256&nbsp;×&nbsp;192 pixels and up to 32 colors at one time from a total palette of 64 colors;<ref name="MS" /> the [[Video display controller|Video Display Processor]] (VDP) graphics chip was designed by Sega for the Mark III.<ref name=":02" /> The Master System measures {{convert|365|x|170|x|abbr=on|70|mm|in}},<ref name="MS" /> while the Mark III measures {{convert|318|x|145|x|abbr=on|52|mm|in}}.<ref name="MK3" /> Both consoles use two slots for game input: one for Mega Cartridges and one for [[Sega Card]]s, along with an expansion slot and two controller ports.<ref name="MS" /><ref name="MK3" /> Sound is provided by the [[Texas Instruments SN76489]] [[Programmable sound generator|PSG]] built into the VDP, which can provide three [[Square wave (waveform)|square wave]] channels and one [[White noise|noise]] channel. The Japanese version also integrates the [[Yamaha YM2413]] [[Frequency modulation synthesis|FM]] chip,<ref name="MS" /> an optional feature on the Mark III. With few exceptions, Master System hardware is identical to the hardware in the Mark III. Games for the console are playable on the Sega Genesis using the Power Base Converter accessory,<ref name="Retroinspection"/> and on the Game Gear using the Master Gear Converter.<ref name="RetroGamer">{{cite journal|year=2009|title=Retroinspection: Sega Game Gear|journal=Retro Gamer|location=London, UK|publisher=Imagine Publishing|issue=41|pages=78–85|issn=1742-3155}}</ref> Compared to the base NES, the Master System has four times as much system memory, eight times as much video memory, and a higher CPU [[clock rate]].<ref name="Edge"/>

Sega produced several iterations of the Master System. The Master System II, released in 1990, removed a number of components to reduce cost: the Sega Card slot, reset button, power light, expansion port, and startup music and logo.<ref name="Allgame" /> In most regions, the Master System II's A/V port was omitted, leaving only RF output available; this was reversed in France, where the local version of the Master System II had only A/V video output available and omitted the RF hardware.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smspower.org/masterful/rgb.html|title=SMS 2 RGB|website=www.smspower.org}}</ref> In Brazil, Tectoy released several licensed variations; the Master System Super Compact functions wirelessly with an RF transmitter, and the Master System Girl, molded in bright pink plastic, was targeted at girls. The Master System 3 Collection, released in 2006, contains 120 built-in games.<ref name="retrogamer_tectoy" /> Handheld versions of the Master System were released under several brands, such as [[Coleco]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/coleco-tiptoes-back-with-sega-filled-handheld|title=Coleco Tiptoes Back with Sega-filled Handheld|last=Ransom-Wiley|first=James|date=October 26, 2006|website=[[Joystiq]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407080626/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/coleco-tiptoes-back-with-sega-filled-handheld|archive-date=April 7, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=April 22, 2010}}</ref>

=== Accessories ===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0.5em 0 0.5em 1.4em;"
|-
|[[File:Sega-Master-System-Controllers.jpg|none|90px|alt=Two Master system controllers]] || [[File:SMS-Light-Phaser.jpg|none|90px|alt=A Master System Light Phaser]] || [[File:Sega-Masters-Sys-3D-Glasses.jpg|none|90px|alt=A pair of Sega 3D glasses]]
|-
| width="90" | {{center|Master System controllers}} || width="90" | {{center|Light Phaser}} || width="90" | {{center|SegaScope {{Nowrap|3-D}} glasses}}
|}
A number of cross-compatible accessories were created for the Mark III and Master System. The controller consists of a rectangle with a [[D-pad]] and two buttons. Sega also introduced additional Mark III controllers, such as a [[Paddle (game controller)|paddle controller]].<ref name=controllers>{{cite web|title=Sega Mark III Controllers|website=Sega Hard Encyclopedia|publisher=[[Sega|Sega Corporation]]|url=https://www.sega.jp/fb/segahard/mk3/controller.html|language=ja|access-date=February 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803043318/https://www.sega.jp/fb/segahard/mk3/controller.html|archive-date=August 3, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A combination steering wheel and flight stick, the Handle Controller, was released in 1989. The Sega Control Stick is an arcade-style joystick with the buttons on the opposite side as the standard controller. Unreleased in Europe, the Sega Sports Pad utilizes a [[trackball]] and is compatible with three games. Sega also created an expansion for its controller, the Rapid Fire Unit, that allows for auto-fire by holding down one of two buttons. This unit connects between the console and the controller.<ref name="Retro117" /> A [[light gun]] peripheral, the Light Phaser,<ref name="Allgame" /> was based on the weapon of the same name from the Japanese anime ''[[Zillion (TV series)|Zillion]]''.<ref name="retrogamer_tectoy" /> It is compatible with 13 games and released exclusively in the West.<ref name="Retro117" />

A pair of 3D glasses, the SegaScope 3-D, were created for games such as ''[[Space Harrier 3-D]]'', although Mark III users need an additional converter to use them. The SegaScope 3-D works via an [[active shutter 3D system]], creating a [[Stereoscopic video game|stereoscopic]] effect.<ref name=3D>{{cite web|title=SegaScope 3-D|website=Sega Hard Encyclopedia|publisher=[[Sega|Sega Corporation]]|url=https://www.sega.jp/fb/segahard/master/3dglass.html|language=ja|access-date=February 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407192553/https://www.sega.jp/fb/segahard/master/3dglass.html|archive-date=April 7, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The glasses need to be connected to the Sega Card slot, and thus do not function with the Master System II due to lack of the card slot. A total of eight games, including ''[[Zaxxon 3-D]]'' and ''[[OutRun 3-D]]'', are compatible with the glasses.<ref name="Retro117" />

The Mark III has an optional RF transmitter accessory, allowing wireless play that broadcasts the game being played on a [[Ultra high frequency|UHF]] television signal.<ref name=Telecon>{{cite web|title=Telecon Pack|website=Sega Hard Encyclopedia|publisher=[[Sega|Sega Corporation]]|url=https://www.sega.jp/fb/segahard/mk3/telcon.html|language=ja|access-date=February 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803043532/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mk3/telcon.html|archive-date=August 3, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===Game Gear===
{{main|Game Gear}}
[[File:Sega-Game-Gear-FR.jpg|thumb|right|The Game Gear was based on the Master System's architecture.|alt=A picture of a Game Gear]]
Developed under the name "Project Mercury"<ref name="RetroGamer" /> and designed based on the Master System's hardware,<ref name="IGNGG">{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Levi|date=October 9, 2008|title=Remember Game Gear?|url=http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/918/918381p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423010222/http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/918/918381p1.html|archive-date=April 23, 2010|access-date=March 29, 2009|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=Ziff Davis}}</ref> the Game Gear is a [[handheld game console]]. It was first released in Japan on October 6, 1990,<ref name="encyclopedia">{{cite book|last=Forster|first=Winnie|title=The Encyclopedia of Game Machines: Consoles, Handhelds, and Home Computers 1972–2005|publisher=Magdalena Gniatczynska|isbn=3-00-015359-4|year=2005|page=139}}</ref> in North America and Europe in 1991, and in Australia and New Zealand in 1992.<ref name="RetroGamer" /> Originally retailing at JP¥19,800 in Japan,<ref name="encyclopedia" /> $149.99 in North America, and £99.99 in the United Kingdom,<ref name="RetroGamer" /> the Game Gear was designed to compete with the [[Game Boy]], which [[Nintendo]] had released in 1989.<ref name="allgamegg">{{cite web|last=Beuscher|first=David|title=Sega Game Gear – Overview|url=http://www.allgame.com/platform.php?id=25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114094408/http://www.allgame.com/platform.php?id=25|archive-date=November 14, 2014|access-date=July 8, 2013|website=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network}}</ref> There are similarities between the Game Gear and the Master System hardware, but the games are not directly compatible; Master System games are only playable on Game Gear using the Master Gear Converter accessory.<ref name="Journal du lapin">{{Cite web|last=Dandumont|first=Pierre|date=2017-11-26|title=Ces jeux Game Gear qui sont en fait des jeux Master System|url=https://www.journaldulapin.com/2017/11/26/game-gear-master-system/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20210930/https://www.journaldulapin.com/2017/11/26/game-gear-master-system/| archive-date=2021-09-30|access-date=July 7, 2020|website=journaldulapin.com|language=fr}}{{cbignore}}</ref> A large part of the Game Gear's game library consists of Master System ports. Because of hardware similarities, including the landscape screen orientation, Master System games are easily portable to the handheld.<ref name="RetroGamer" /> In particular, many Master System ports of Game Gear games were done by Tectoy for the Brazilian market, as the Master System was more popular than the Game Gear in the region.<ref name=":0" />