Best Genesis Model?

So a guy I know was recently cleaning out a place and noticed a bunch of Genesis games the owners were planning to throw away. Anyway he saved them for me thinking I had a Genesis, I don't and never had and now I am looking for a system. I plan to go out this weekend looking around at yardsales for one or getting one on Ebay if I have to.

Anyway is there any big difference between the models? Eventually for nostalgia I wan to acquire the Sega CD and 32X so are they both compatible with all three? Is one of them more durable?

The best one is a Model 1 Genesis that has "High Definition Graphics" written around the cartridge port. Those have the best sound. Later Model 1's that don't have that written on it and model 2's have noticably worse/distorted sound. Check this video for a demonstration.

I'd avoid the Model 3 (the smallest one) as it does not support the 32X or Sega CD units. It also does not work with some Genesis carts like Virtua Racing.

Hope this helps.

Yes, like the earlier poster said, it is the model 1 that says "high definition graphics." Others are going to come in here and tell you differently, but they are wrong. I think sega started to use cheaper parts in the later models to reduce costs. I believe you do need a 1/4 inch adaptor and a Y splitter to get stereo sound though, no?

The first model also feels the most well built, and has the best aesthetics going along with the sega cd.

Both Model 1 and Model 2 has it's strengths. Model 3 isn't even an option, though. Model 3 is cheaply made, and isn't compatible with like any of the add-ons (32x, Sega CD, and Power Unit Converter).

Model 1 is great because it's compatible with everything. All Sega Genesis cartridges will work on it, both Sega CD models work on it, the Power Unit Converter (plays Master System games on your Genesis) works on it, and it looks the best IMO. However it cannot provide stereo sound from the regular a/v port. You have to use the headphone jack to get stereo sound (which I bought a cord for under $5 that output stereo sound through that headphone jack and out through my TV speakers), or if you have a Sega CD you can use it to unlock the stereo sound. Another downside is that if you plan on getting the 32X, then you have to also find this hard to find and often overpriced wire for the Model 1 Sega Genesis.

Model 2 is also a good choice. It's nearly compatible with everything (but not quite). It also provides stereo sound through the a/v hook-up, without any need for an additional cord. However it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. I know this from personal experience. Despite what Wikipedia and some people on here have said, it's not compatible with the Model 2 unless you plan on taking a hacksaw to your Sega Power Converter. There's a piece that sticks off the back that blocks your power-supply cord from plugging in, and it's hard to play anything without power. I believed Wikipedia and bought it for my Model 2, and ended up trading the Model 2 towards a Model 1 just to use it. And there is a handful of early Sega Genesis games that aren't compatible with the Model 2. I'm not sure which ones they are exactly, but I'm sure you can Google it if curious.

Model 3, stay away from. Like I said in the opening, it's cheaply made, it's not compatible with either Sega CD model, it's not compatible with Sega 32X, and it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. It's also not compatible with some cartridges.

The Game Genie is compatible with all 3 models. And I recommend getting a Game Genie not only because it's a cheat device, but it also allows you to play foreign games on your Genesis which is normally region locked. Controllers are also compatible with all 3 models.

The original Sega Genesis Model from 1989. That is the best of all of the Sega Genesis's 2 & 3. Just are not as great as the original model.

August 1989 Sega Genesis was $350.00 and had a great pack in game for its time Altered Beast. "Wise fum yor grawve!"

OMG this thread just made me remember why Sega went out of the hardware buisness. Every single console they did had various revisions and many of them of dubious quality. Then the add-ons, the Neptune and the nomad. Then the Saturn. Sad story, me am tears. :cry:

OMG this thread just made me remember why Sega went out of the hardware buisness. Every single console they did had various revisions and many of them of dubious quality. Then the add-ons, the Neptune and the nomad. Then the Saturn. Sad story, me am tears. :cry:

glez13

um the "neptune" wasn't ever produced. but yeah Sega did really screw up the hardware business. They should have stuck with the original Model 1 genesis and passed on the Sega CD and 32x add-ons. It was also a waste of time and $ for sega to invest in the CDX. If they had just gone from the Sega Genesis model1 to the Saturn, then I believe sega would still be in (the hardware) business today.

to answer the TC's Q: I believe the Sega Model1 is the best. The little headphone jack on the front (with its own volume control) is great. Also you can plug your Genesis into surround sound by using the headphone jack as an audio-out plug. The music in games like Sonic2 sounds way better in stereo. and the original genesis just looks the best if you ask me. not a fan of the model 2 or 3 designs.

the original model 1 unit is solid and has optimal sound capabilities compared to the others.

the SEGA-CDX is the best unit overall, but its rare and more expensive.

the model 2 is most aesthetically pleasing, lol.

the model 3's are kinda flimsy and cheaply made.

Both Model 1 and Model 2 has it's strengths. Model 3 isn't even an option, though. Model 3 is cheaply made, and isn't compatible with like any of the add-ons (32x, Sega CD, and Power Unit Converter).

Model 1 is great because it's compatible with everything. All Sega Genesis cartridges will work on it, both Sega CD models work on it, the Power Unit Converter (plays Master System games on your Genesis) works on it, and it looks the best IMO. However it cannot provide stereo sound from the regular a/v port. You have to use the headphone jack to get stereo sound (which I bought a cord for under $5 that output stereo sound through that headphone jack and out through my TV speakers), or if you have a Sega CD you can use it to unlock the stereo sound. Another downside is that if you plan on getting the 32X, then you have to also find this hard to find and often overpriced wire for the Model 1 Sega Genesis.

Model 2 is also a good choice. It's nearly compatible with everything (but not quite). It also provides stereo sound through the a/v hook-up, without any need for an additional cord. However it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. I know this from personal experience. Despite what Wikipedia and some people on here have said, it's not compatible with the Model 2 unless you plan on taking a hacksaw to your Sega Power Converter. There's a piece that sticks off the back that blocks your power-supply cord from plugging in, and it's hard to play anything without power. I believed Wikipedia and bought it for my Model 2, and ended up trading the Model 2 towards a Model 1 just to use it. And there is a handful of early Sega Genesis games that aren't compatible with the Model 2. I'm not sure which ones they are exactly, but I'm sure you can Google it if curious.

Model 3, stay away from. Like I said in the opening, it's cheaply made, it's not compatible with either Sega CD model, it's not compatible with Sega 32X, and it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. It's also not compatible with some cartridges.

The Game Genie is compatible with all 3 models. And I recommend getting a Game Genie not only because it's a cheat device, but it also allows you to play foreign games on your Genesis which is normally region locked. Controllers are also compatible with all 3 models.

Emerald_Warrior

Both Model 1 and Model 2 has it's strengths. Model 3 isn't even an option, though. Model 3 is cheaply made, and isn't compatible with like any of the add-ons (32x, Sega CD, and Power Unit Converter).

Model 1 is great because it's compatible with everything. All Sega Genesis cartridges will work on it, both Sega CD models work on it, the Power Unit Converter (plays Master System games on your Genesis) works on it, and it looks the best IMO. However it cannot provide stereo sound from the regular a/v port. You have to use the headphone jack to get stereo sound (which I bought a cord for under $5 that output stereo sound through that headphone jack and out through my TV speakers), or if you have a Sega CD you can use it to unlock the stereo sound. Another downside is that if you plan on getting the 32X, then you have to also find this hard to find and often overpriced wire for the Model 1 Sega Genesis.

Model 2 is also a good choice. It's nearly compatible with everything (but not quite). It also provides stereo sound through the a/v hook-up, without any need for an additional cord. However it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. I know this from personal experience. Despite what Wikipedia and some people on here have said, it's not compatible with the Model 2 unless you plan on taking a hacksaw to your Sega Power Converter. There's a piece that sticks off the back that blocks your power-supply cord from plugging in, and it's hard to play anything without power. I believed Wikipedia and bought it for my Model 2, and ended up trading the Model 2 towards a Model 1 just to use it. And there is a handful of early Sega Genesis games that aren't compatible with the Model 2. I'm not sure which ones they are exactly, but I'm sure you can Google it if curious.

Model 3, stay away from. Like I said in the opening, it's cheaply made, it's not compatible with either Sega CD model, it's not compatible with Sega 32X, and it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. It's also not compatible with some cartridges.

The Game Genie is compatible with all 3 models. And I recommend getting a Game Genie not only because it's a cheat device, but it also allows you to play foreign games on your Genesis which is normally region locked. Controllers are also compatible with all 3 models.

Emerald_Warrior

interestingly enough for the power base converter, there was a power base converter released only in Europe that was made specifically for the model 2

its almost useless here in Europe though because its rare and expensive, Ive seen it go for £50+

no point when you can get a Master System model 1 or 2 for around £20-30 and thats with games and controllers.

I had the model 1. I also had a Sega CDX. It supported all the games and 32x.

Edit: Actually, I had model 2. Dang.

interestingly enough for the power base converter, there was a power base converter released only in Europe that was made specifically for the model 2

its almost useless here in Europe though because its rare and expensive, Ive seen it go for £50+

no point when you can get a Master System model 1 or 2 for around £20-30 and thats with games and controllers.

Darkman2007

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"]

interestingly enough for the power base converter, there was a power base converter released only in Europe that was made specifically for the model 2

its almost useless here in Europe though because its rare and expensive, Ive seen it go for £50+

no point when you can get a Master System model 1 or 2 for around £20-30 and thats with games and controllers.

BranKetra

the thing in the cartridge slot is the "powerbase converter" he described in the description.

it allows you to play master system games on the Genesis/MegaDrive (by pluging in the adaptor, as seen in his picture)

[QUOTE="BranKetra"]

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"]

interestingly enough for the power base converter, there was a power base converter released only in Europe that was made specifically for the model 2

its almost useless here in Europe though because its rare and expensive, Ive seen it go for £50+

no point when you can get a Master System model 1 or 2 for around £20-30 and thats with games and controllers.

TheKungFool

the thing in the cartridge slot is the "powerbase converter" he described in the description.

it allows you to play master system games on the Genesis/MegaDrive (by pluging in the adaptor, as seen in his picture)

What he has pictured there is the Master System Converter, which is exclusive to Europe. The Power Base Converter is this thing here (which does the same thing, but was the one released in the U.S.):

^That's what google showed when I searched for Master System Converter, which is why I asked.BranKetra

like I said though , there is almost no point in getting it, especially in Europe, since its rare and expensive well over £50 in most cases.

by comparison you can get a Master System here , with games and controllers for £20-30.

if by some chance you find the converter in a 2nd hand shop for cheap , then yes it would be better, but otherwise, I wouldnt bother.

[QUOTE="TheKungFool"]

[QUOTE="BranKetra"]What's that thing in the cartridge slot?

Emerald_Warrior

the thing in the cartridge slot is the "powerbase converter" he described in the description.

it allows you to play master system games on the Genesis/MegaDrive (by pluging in the adaptor, as seen in his picture)

What he has pictured there is the Master System Converter, which is exclusive to Europe. The Power Base Converter is this thing here (which does the same thing, but was the one released in the U.S.):

the difference is , that the Power Base Converter (which was also released here), only works with the first model Mega Drive, this one with with all of them as far as I know, though its specifically built for the model 2.

I would think the converter would work fine on a US Mega Drive, the Master System had no region lock between the US and Europe so it should work fine.

[QUOTE="Emerald_Warrior"]

Both Model 1 and Model 2 has it's strengths. Model 3 isn't even an option, though. Model 3 is cheaply made, and isn't compatible with like any of the add-ons (32x, Sega CD, and Power Unit Converter).

Model 1 is great because it's compatible with everything. All Sega Genesis cartridges will work on it, both Sega CD models work on it, the Power Unit Converter (plays Master System games on your Genesis) works on it, and it looks the best IMO. However it cannot provide stereo sound from the regular a/v port. You have to use the headphone jack to get stereo sound (which I bought a cord for under $5 that output stereo sound through that headphone jack and out through my TV speakers), or if you have a Sega CD you can use it to unlock the stereo sound. Another downside is that if you plan on getting the 32X, then you have to also find this hard to find and often overpriced wire for the Model 1 Sega Genesis.

Model 2 is also a good choice. It's nearly compatible with everything (but not quite). It also provides stereo sound through the a/v hook-up, without any need for an additional cord. However it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. I know this from personal experience. Despite what Wikipedia and some people on here have said, it's not compatible with the Model 2 unless you plan on taking a hacksaw to your Sega Power Converter. There's a piece that sticks off the back that blocks your power-supply cord from plugging in, and it's hard to play anything without power. I believed Wikipedia and bought it for my Model 2, and ended up trading the Model 2 towards a Model 1 just to use it. And there is a handful of early Sega Genesis games that aren't compatible with the Model 2. I'm not sure which ones they are exactly, but I'm sure you can Google it if curious.

Model 3, stay away from. Like I said in the opening, it's cheaply made, it's not compatible with either Sega CD model, it's not compatible with Sega 32X, and it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. It's also not compatible with some cartridges.

The Game Genie is compatible with all 3 models. And I recommend getting a Game Genie not only because it's a cheat device, but it also allows you to play foreign games on your Genesis which is normally region locked. Controllers are also compatible with all 3 models.

Darkman2007

interestingly enough for the power base converter, there was a power base converter released only in Europe that was made specifically for the model 2

its almost useless here in Europe though because its rare and expensive, Ive seen it go for £50+

no point when you can get a Master System model 1 or 2 for around £20-30 and thats with games and controllers.

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"]

[QUOTE="Emerald_Warrior"]

Both Model 1 and Model 2 has it's strengths. Model 3 isn't even an option, though. Model 3 is cheaply made, and isn't compatible with like any of the add-ons (32x, Sega CD, and Power Unit Converter).

Model 1 is great because it's compatible with everything. All Sega Genesis cartridges will work on it, both Sega CD models work on it, the Power Unit Converter (plays Master System games on your Genesis) works on it, and it looks the best IMO. However it cannot provide stereo sound from the regular a/v port. You have to use the headphone jack to get stereo sound (which I bought a cord for under $5 that output stereo sound through that headphone jack and out through my TV speakers), or if you have a Sega CD you can use it to unlock the stereo sound. Another downside is that if you plan on getting the 32X, then you have to also find this hard to find and often overpriced wire for the Model 1 Sega Genesis.

Model 2 is also a good choice. It's nearly compatible with everything (but not quite). It also provides stereo sound through the a/v hook-up, without any need for an additional cord. However it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. I know this from personal experience. Despite what Wikipedia and some people on here have said, it's not compatible with the Model 2 unless you plan on taking a hacksaw to your Sega Power Converter. There's a piece that sticks off the back that blocks your power-supply cord from plugging in, and it's hard to play anything without power. I believed Wikipedia and bought it for my Model 2, and ended up trading the Model 2 towards a Model 1 just to use it. And there is a handful of early Sega Genesis games that aren't compatible with the Model 2. I'm not sure which ones they are exactly, but I'm sure you can Google it if curious.

Model 3, stay away from. Like I said in the opening, it's cheaply made, it's not compatible with either Sega CD model, it's not compatible with Sega 32X, and it's not compatible with the Sega Power Unit Converter. It's also not compatible with some cartridges.

The Game Genie is compatible with all 3 models. And I recommend getting a Game Genie not only because it's a cheat device, but it also allows you to play foreign games on your Genesis which is normally region locked. Controllers are also compatible with all 3 models.

Heirren

interestingly enough for the power base converter, there was a power base converter released only in Europe that was made specifically for the model 2

its almost useless here in Europe though because its rare and expensive, Ive seen it go for £50+

no point when you can get a Master System model 1 or 2 for around £20-30 and thats with games and controllers.

I assume youre saying that because of the red buttons?

thats how all Mega Drive 2s here look like, the controllers also have a red button as a start button

[QUOTE="Heirren"]

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"]

interestingly enough for the power base converter, there was a power base converter released only in Europe that was made specifically for the model 2

its almost useless here in Europe though because its rare and expensive, Ive seen it go for £50+

no point when you can get a Master System model 1 or 2 for around £20-30 and thats with games and controllers.

Darkman2007

I assume youre saying that because of the red buttons?

thats how all Mega Drive 2s here look like, the controllers also have a red button as a start button

No. Just the overall look with all the adaptors. The Model 1 segacd was waaaaaaaaaaay more attractive.

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"]

[QUOTE="Heirren"] I love the genesis, but that is one ugly POS.:lol:

Heirren

I assume youre saying that because of the red buttons?

thats how all Mega Drive 2s here look like, the controllers also have a red button as a start button

No. Just the overall look with all the adaptors. The Model 1 segacd was waaaaaaaaaaay more attractive.

[QUOTE="Heirren"]

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"]

I assume youre saying that because of the red buttons?

thats how all Mega Drive 2s here look like, the controllers also have a red button as a start button

Darkman2007

No. Just the overall look with all the adaptors. The Model 1 segacd was waaaaaaaaaaay more attractive.

As opposed to what, in the model 2 sega cd?

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"][QUOTE="Heirren"]

No. Just the overall look with all the adaptors. The Model 1 segacd was waaaaaaaaaaay more attractive.

Heirren

As opposed to what, in the model 2 sega cd?

[QUOTE="Heirren"]

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"] though sadly its also less reliable, as are most consoles with motorized cd drives.Darkman2007

As opposed to what, in the model 2 sega cd?

all cd drives have moving parts, as far as I know. That's just how the technology works.

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"][QUOTE="Heirren"]

As opposed to what, in the model 2 sega cd?

Heirren

all cd drives have moving parts, as far as I know. That's just how the technology works.

Version 1 was best Showed alot of the quality Sega Had to offer :)

the original model 1 unit is solid and has optimal sound capabilities compared to the others.

the SEGA-CDX is the best unit overall, but its rare and more expensive.

the model 2 is most aesthetically pleasing, lol.

the model 3's are kinda flimsy and cheaply made.

TheKungFool