Classic Game Room - SEGA SG-1000 MKII console review

[@expectingbrainchild1707]

The Mark III is a totally separate system, not just another revision like the Mark II. It's the Japanese Master System. The more you know!

[@Zaffo256]

Well, it's still compatible with all previous SG-1000 softwares. The Japanese also had a Master System is was a Mark III with the optional FM sound chip integrated. Sadly we never got this sound chip in the Western Master System and not even in add-on form. Even though a few western Master System game had support for it.

[@TheDeeplyCynical]

Zaffo256 There is a Mod available for the western SMS to add FM capability - it fits into the expansion port at the back and needs 2 wires soldering

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Zaffo256 It is a shame they overlooked that over here, it certainly would've gave Nintendo a run for it's money in the sound dept.

[@duhmez]

Zaffo256 You can solder in the fm chip into your master system if you like.

[@kristina80ification]

the fact that this video exists makes me so happy for some reason

[@KITT171]

I have been hoping for you to review this for so long Mark! Awesome review as always.

[@leonardoliveira]

If you're willing to mod your Master System (bypass or change the ROM with the SEGA bumper) you can run SG-1000 MK1 and MK2 software in it straight. Even the cards should work as is. The bumper rom program will check the software connected to the cartridge or card slot and will refuse to run it if it isn't "licensed" for the Western model Master System. Because the Japanese systems have no bumper rom, stuff just run. A slot adapter is still required for using the original SG-1000 carts though. The only physical difference from SG-1000 MK3 to the Master System is the presence of the bumper rom and it having three software inputs (card, top slot and back edge connector) while SG-1000 MK3 only have two. Genesis/Mega Drive is actually the "Mark 5" on the family. It's even marked on the PCB as "IC BD M5". Too bad it lost SG-1000 MK1 and MK2 compatibility to make room for video chip improvements needed for the 16bit games. After the Genesis they canned the SG-1000 lineage, sadly. Very interesting video. Thanks for posting.

[@andrealopriore9062]

Does everything you said apply to a PAL Master System as well? And what about a Master System Converter?

[@leonardoliveira]

@@andrealopriore9062 Yes. Everything apply to any Master System.

[@Aidyn3000]

I'm looking forward to the SG-1000 game reviews.

[@theantithesis1]

The Mark III is the Japanese version of the Master System.

[@wocko1]

They actually had a Master System in Japan, but underneath, it really was an Mark III, with the FM Synth and 3D Glasses add-ons built in. The housing looked exactly the same as the Western Master System, but used different sized carts (same as SG-1000, SG-1000mkII and Mark III.)

[@BenJabituya]

Hey Mark I enjoy your videos , Where do I find the SG-1000 consoles for my retro console collection?

[@UUPDirector]

While the SG-1000 Mark III is indeed the japanese version to the Master System, Japan also got the Sega Master System one year after the american release. The only differences (to my knowledge) is that it has the 3D Glasses jack built into the system, and it plays SG-1000, Mark III games, and Sega My Cards.

[@supermariobro93]

There's also an FM synthesis chip which is built in to the Japanese Master System.

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

+ERich935 so Mk IV?

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

Adam Plenty FM chip? I take it you don't mean FM radio reception.

[@UUPDirector]

FM as in FM synthesis.

[@germanname1990]

I just got an SG-1000 II console myself last month, and I would've had no idea what channel to turn to had it not been for this video. So thank you for the help with that. Even so, Channel 96 didn't work in my case. So, I kept going up and down with channels until I saw everything display well on Channel 93. So, Channel 93 is my channel; it may be different for others, thoe.

[@UberLoaf]

NEW JERSEY. (Thanks for giving my state some recognition.)

[@316whatupz]

SEGA SG-1000......Most badass name for a console here. :O

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

+316whatupz sounds like a microcomputer than a console like the Commodore 64 ZY Spectrum and the ill fated MSX

[@faceduro6719]

I always enjoyed the sounds on Sega.... that mark ii sounds reminds me of the Game Gear sounds its so nostalgic and iconic sounds from sega

[@happycoolhayden8767]

What about the SG-1000 Mark I & the SC-3000?

[@GeoDelGonzo]

I've had dreams about this system... Never have I seen one in person. What does it mean... I've been collecting the entire Famicom & Twin Famicom family.

[@TheMultiGunMan]

The world needs more Sega.....and TRUXTON.

[@JazawaToad]

You know actually, there were 3 Marks in this video. I wonder what will happen when he reviews the Mark III... Quad Mark Apocalypse?

[@wrestletube1]

New system bloody awesome. I guess Lord Karnage and the rest of Classic Game Room really are on a quest to collect one of everything now not particularlly games wise but definitely the hardware for playing em on and at least 1 game. Gotta love these system donations from people who were originallly going to chuck their systems out making the dream come true. This is the first home system for SEGA so a pretty rare one to have now for sure.

[@mohacs1000]

Very interesting. I had heard of a pre Master System Sega console and it is nice to see it in the flesh.

[@TulioAlfonsoCastilloVillarreal]

Good review, Mark. I hope on next times you make some reviews for games for this console (such as Zaxxon, Ninja Princess, Soukoban, Championship Billiards and others).

[@dave4shmups]

Cool system! How do you get a CRT TV to channel 96? Mine isn't hooked up to a VCR or digital cable.

[@ArcadeDude44]

That's an awesome little console you have there, Mark! Thanks for sharing this info

[@tschak909]

The MkIII is the Japanese version of the Master System, which can also play SG-1000 games from the other two systems. The big change was of course the Sega customized TMS9918 VDP clone, which increased the color palette, added smooth scrolling registers, and added multicolor sprites.

[@burnum]

"2 Marks are better than one": Does that also count for the reviewer as well?

[@puekawNEpuyrruh]

My favorite video game reviewer ! I hope one day he returns from Planet X .

[@SmoothCriminalAaron]

You know who created the Milky Way? a Star Jacker

[@willong6541]

So smooth it took me two years to reply

[@billyskittles2772]

I always try to use OEM power cords, but they aren't always available.You can also use an original Sega Genesis power supply model 1602 on the SG-1000 II. Not sure about the original SG-1000, because they are very hard (and expensive) to come by. The Genesis power supply 1602 also works with the TurboGrafx-16 and, of course, the Master System. On a side note, the NES power supply works on a Magnavox Odyssey2.

[@BenJabituya]

I ALSO NEED A SEGA SG-1000 FOR MY COLLECTION!!

[@spiff2268]

My cousin had "Lode Runner" for his Apple 2 computer, but it was called "Jumpman". Loved that game.

[@FlintG]

I never knew this even existed I always thought the master system was segas first console thanks for the review :)

[@reluttr2]

What is under the door on the front left of the console? Is it a expansion slot? Any idea what used it? :D

[@sonomama82]

I saw one of these for sale in Japan and it was like 300 dollars. I am really glad that I didn't but it now.

[@ryujijitei]

This comes an appropriate time, right after I had a dream that I got a SG-1000...

[@Deep_wolf]

Everything that has MKII or MKIII in title is great thing!

[@MarcBarkyMarta]

Buck Rogers is actually the same as Zoom 909, not Star Jacker. It's also a precursor to other Sega 3D scaling shooters, such as Space Harrier and Galaxy Force.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

I suppose it's more a matter of Sega owning the rights to the game design but not the licensed namesake.

[@MarcBarkyMarta]

Christopher Sobieniak Close, but what I have read has been slightly different. Zoom 909 was developed as an arcade game first on VCO Object hardware. Around that time, I think Paramount Pictures bought controlling interest in Sega (around 1982?), and wanted to infuse more movie & TV licenses in the Sega arcade games. So Zoom 909 was exported as Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom. Paramount sold their Sega shares to Bally Midway in 1984 I think (and that next awful partnership was thankfully brief), and with that went the Buck Rogers license. It became Zoom 909 once again, and since the 1985 SG-1000 release, I don't think this has ever been ported/compiled/emulated again. All those revolutionary VCO games have been largely forgotten, and that's the biggest crime here. No Zoom, no Turbo, no Subroc. Sega left them in the dust.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Marc Marta Technically, Paramount (through it's parent company at the time, Gulf+Western) had Sega since 1969 by this point.

[@MarcBarkyMarta]

Christopher Sobieniak You're probably right about that. However, the Paramount Pictures division of Gulf+Western (which I couldn't think of until you mentioned it) itself got Sega around the time of Zoom 909 development, and explains the licensing.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Marc Marta Probably, but still, it was still part of the family for a while anyway.

[@ElectrofizzStudiosCo]

Consoles you need to review: Commodore Amiga, Sinclair Spectrum

[@MasticinaAkicta]

That is a nice looking game and nice console. And it works outside Japan to. What more does one desire?

[@Metal-Possum]

Had you been given that Truxton case earlier, the label wouldn't have that nasty tear on the top edge.

[@BenJabituya]

Now I want a SEGA SG-1000 Mark II

[@BRADLEYEUGENEORR10]

Mark saw the review of Gaiares played this game on an emulator and it is a fun game but a hard game, I thought I would try it again on a sega genesis love the review mark it made me wanna buy the game a lot of your reviews are great and make me want to try out the game so thanks and long live Sega lol

[@Novabug]

The music is quite impressive given the SG1000's age. Closely related to the MSX if I'm not mistaken? I think the Mark 3 basically IS the Master System with a different case. Allthough not 100% sure on that.

[@saigokun]

It is indeed very closely related to the MSX. Many of its games were later released on the MSX system.

[@wrestletube1]

Mark III is the Master System mate. I have a region modded Megadrive and if I stick on Japan mode by accident the Mark III logo comes up when I play a SEGA MS game.

[@Patchuchan]

Novabug The MSX uses the same video chip and cpu but uses the AY-38910 sound chip instead of the SN76489.

[@electricadventures]

The SG1000 is an awesome little console, I have been lucky enough to find quite a few of the games for the system, especially in the last year. I actually don't have a Mark I, II or III, but have both of the full computer models SC-3000 and SC-3000H. They use the same software but have keyboards and come with a BASIC cartridge. Both of the computer models were sold in Australia by John Sands and they sold quite a few units, so they can be found quite regularly. There was not a huge range of titles in Australia however (boxes have red writing), but all games work no matter the region so it is not a problem. I keep on finding more games for them, that I never knew were on the system and in general they play very well. Probably why the Master System ended up having such a good quality library. The Mark III will play all SG-1000/SC-3000 titles but will also play all Japanese Master System games. It's the model that goes for the most money, so the most cost effective model (bar one of the computers in Australia) is actually the Mark II. Great review Mark, look forward to reviews of some more of the games. I see if any of my doubles are ones you don't have and send them to you if you want.

[@tasken_lander_redux4775]

Hi, I just upgraded to a SG-1000 (mark I), as a result I *may* consider selling or trading my SG-1000 II (composite modded). Would you per chance be potentially interested in a trade for my SG II for a SC-3000? Let me know if you'd be interested, Thanks.

[@electricadventures]

I don't have a spare one at the moment, but I will keep an eye out as they pop up every so often. The SC-3000H models with the full travel keyboard are usually cheaper than the original model with the membrane keyboard.

[@tasken_lander_redux4775]

Ok, no problem. I just thought I'd ask as you said you had two of them and I now have two SG models. Perhaps I'll just hold on yo the Mk II and hope to one day add a SC-3000 to complete the 'family'. :-) Thanks for the response.

[@richardadamson1438]

Your job sounds fun lord carnage.

[@rushnerd]

The graphics seem almost as good as the master system yet this is much older, amazing

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

I think of it more as an alternative Coleco Vision myself.

[@heidirichter]

The master system was a later evolution of this, and in fact could play the games for this - but you can't play master system games on this one. Think of this thing as the father of the master system if you like.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Troy Wilkins Pretty much, with the "Mark III" being the ultimate, final upgrade of it.

[@Lymanity]

Cool! I didn't know this even existed.

[@clutchkman]

That's some cool stuff right there!

[@johneygd]

So were there 3 models of the sg1000?, regardless of the card cetcher adaptor,i wish that sega had also released such adaptor for the sega master system 2.

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

+johneygd 2, Mk 3 was a Master System

[@RogersRoyal]

I thought for sure Mark's clone was going to show up when he said "Mark II" but no such luck. Well maybe we will get three Mark's in the Mark III review.

[@Magnumi]

I really wish you would tell more about the hardware such as specs.

[@sonomama82]

You can play mighty bomb jack for the famicom though and it looks a lot better. BTW the game center CX episode for mighty bomb jack is like the best thing ever.

[@spartakusgoulash3109]

Karnage, will you ever collect the SG-1000 1?

[@whattheheck1000]

SG-1000 1's are functionally identical to the SG-1000 II. Think of them as being like the PS2 Fat and PS2 Slim - the difference is strictly cosmetic. And in the SG-1000's case, quite a bit of money. A boxed SG-1000 1 will probably cost $400+, including shipping. My boxed SG-1000 II was $233 ($153 console + $80 shipping). The bit at 2:14 taught me that I could hook it up to an American TV. I guess I'll see if my 2002 Samsung CRT can take it. If I can get the thing hooked up, you might see a video. August 16, 2016 10:41 am

[@spartakusgoulash3109]

whattheheck1000 Ahh, thanks...but I think the PS2 and PS2 slim was a confusing analogy...the difference was not just cosmetic...the ps2 big had USB and composite slots, and a expansion slot, as the PS2 didn't. Thats why it was so cheap. Other than that, thanks.

[@Nascar995]

Try out Congo Bongo and Elevator. Those are my 2 favorites on my SG-1000.

[@opimus]

Are Star Jack and Buck Rodgers Planet of Zoom the same game?

[@58LewisK]

star jackers music makes me feel like im tripping out in an 80s arcade.

[@gluserty]

Looks like a cool system.

[@lordkaicer]

when the original Sg 1000 is coming?.

[@Sinn0100]

I know this is 5 years old but I think it's ridiculous the Mark II will not play Truxton. Therefore I must give it a two thumbs out twenty for not enough Truxton. I have a question...not that it will be answered but does the SG-1000 Mark II cards fit in the Master System? If so...will it work? I ask because they look identical at the bottom.

[@Realwessharpe]

Welcome to the under 301 club! How tough are 'ya?

[@CornishCreamtea07]

Not very

[@blurayich]

300 bitch!

[@GeoDelGonzo]

Viewer 301 - right here, right here! :]

[@Kittenfox_55]

I remember Before this video it was impossible to find a decent video about the SG-1000

[@dr3w399]

The sg 1000 was relesed in japan NZ and australia

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

+Cool Creeper 213 why???

[@imaxjunior6531]

Why do the games look like he is playing Coleco Vision. Like Basically a Coleco Vision with improved sprite handling.

[@williamfaquim3114]

Postou o vídeo no dia do meu aniversário , valeu !

[@TheKingSCARR-1]

What happened to Lord Karnage?

[@frankgroot3845]

So do the mark 2 game cards work on the master system?

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

+frank groot only mk 3

[@uodhyfdyhyfriuihuduyihcdwm5179]

in future make more sega sg-1000 mkII game review

[@johneymute]

Definitely a must have and it is in my opinion better then the famicom because it has rgb out,removible controllers and it also works with sega cards trough the sega catcher.

[@nathanlamont9920]

For the time, the graphics were very impressive. They outclassed the american Atari and "visions" consoles.

[@nathanlamont9920]

the 5200 and 7800 were made in the 80s.

[@4you7reviews]

+nate smith Nintendo Famicom came out that same year.

[@sanicyouth6540]

+nate smith Maybe in terms of technology the SG-1000 is better. But what about the game library? How does it stack up against the Atari 2600, Celcovision and Intellivision? Are there underrated classics or otherwise noteworthy games in the SG-1000 library? Or is there a reason why the SG-1000 is obscure while the Atari 2600 (and to a lesser extent the Celecovision and Intellivision) are remembered as classic.

[@wrestletube1]

Mark III wins no contest. It's the Master System with the SG compatibility. It's a 2 in 1 beast incarnate.

[@ThePbrook1967]

Can you play the SMS cards on any of the SG 1000's???

[@ThePbrook1967]

Just thought I would ask... I LOVE my SMS!!!!!

[@yaywhewclips242]

1984!!! the movie!!; Ghostbusters!! ST. Elsewhere!! I graduated from H.S.!!!

[@TMundohere]

I had a Sega game that worked on the Atari 2600. Buck Rogers. the game was simple but somewhat entertaining. I recall the boss battle, with the boss making the most awful sound I've ever heard come out of an Atari.

[@michaelshelnut9094]

Sega was mega innovative they just didn't know what to do with such great hardware

[@Christianpreaching]

Never saw one. I thought the master system was their first console. The carts look like Atari carts which is cool too

[@officialunofficial]

So how is everyone enjoying post Truxton arcade CGR? You can really feel the change!

[@DJSpecialSauce]

I sure hope you do voice work... if not, you should... you would make a lot of money. Great voice, man.

[@pastedtomato]

The Mark III is nothing but the Original Japanese Master System, later they released the Master system in Japan with the FM Synthesizer and 3D glasses adapter built in

[@raymxslappedyall3660]

The Sega I had didn't have the little maze game built in,anyone know why?

[@MrLtia1234]

Feels like the NES meets the C64!

[@duhmez]

The Sega Mark 3 is actually the Master System with a different name.

[@theadventuresofee8666]

Geez I've never heard of this system before.

[@safetinspector2]

Boy that Zoom 909 sure looks a lot like the Coleco game Buck Rogers...

[@johneysupergd7796]

WoooW those cartrides alone are supirior looking then those boring mastersystem cartrides wich has no coverart label on them,what was sega thinking to going that route ? Also both the SG1000,SG2000 are looking waay more cooler then the mastersystem, by the way it took sega 1,5 dakade to switch back to a white colored console with their dreamcast.

[@YouAreNotFree1]

I had 'bombjack' for the atari st. I played it more than any other on that pc. Great game, like crack!

[@Azfargh]

Awesome...

[@MrHurricaneFloyd]

Many TVs including some 30 year old ones can not tune to channel 96.

[@williamburgoon1834]

I wonder why that wasn't popular that much.

[@bungieborris9111]

LETS VITAMIN!!

[@NeonNinja001]

does this mean that sega had 3 consoles to try to compete with the famicom/nes? theres the SG-1000, theres the master system, and the genesis, and then nintendo came out with super famico/snes

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

+NeonNinja001 yes...

[@NeonNinja001]

Haruhi Suzumiya sega tried too hard

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

NeonNinja001 gotta love Sega...

[@sanicyouth6540]

+Haruhi Suzumiya They had potential. Shame that they couldn't stay in the console making business like Nintendo. Then again no one has stayed in the console making business like Nintendo. Well at least Sega did better then NEC or 3DO in terms of video game consoles.

[@NeonNinja001]

theres a petiton on change.org for sega to make a dreamcast 2.................. i doubt sega would care about it. but it would be cool

[@kylem1112]

OMG i want one! sega always outdid themselves with their consoles yet some of them would not sell as well as others i wonder why? the sg 1000 is amazing!

[@thegamechangerchannelclass9711]

Wow, Mark knows Jack(s) :-P.

[@Shonuff42080]

It's almost prohibitively expensive now!

[@Utubbin1999]

never seen one of these. should show the real controller though :(

[@Mineav]

I can say that I am most definitely a 'star jacker.'

[@PaulBadman]

Any way to run this system on a modern PAL tv?

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

+Paul Badman yes, Australia is Pal 240 10% resistance @ 50htztry to track down an Australian Sg-1000

[@michaelwolfe9496]

What's the game at 4:21?

[@spoonhanz]

I have one of these

[@wrestletube1]

Bomb Jack although the graphics are not arcade perfect the game itself is unlike many other versions.

[@afriend9428]

*The games work on the III and Master System too but they look so primitive and basic*

[@TheCloudyWeather]

Neww Jerseyyyy!

[@Wikkedbrisbane]

When people send him consoles, doe he return them?

[@AWISECROW]

+Wikkedbrisbane Sometimes he mentions that he is being lent the device when he says thanks to the persons, otherwise I think yes, they are donations

[@adamd3441]

The Famicom might not have the "My Cards", but guess what it has that the SG-1000 doesn't have. FLOPPY DISKS!!!!! And floppy disks are the way of the future!!!!

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

+Adam D and a modem

[@AWISECROW]

+Adam D That it does1That they are!

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

victronex it was mostly for trading stocks.

[@AWISECROW]

Actual stocks? On the exchange?

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

victronex according to Hiroshi Yamauchi, yes, and gambling (horse racing) the NOA tried to release it but idiots claimed moral high ground.