Photo: Evan-Amos, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.
The Sega Master System is Sega's 8-bit home console, a redesigned version of the Sega Mark III released in Japan in 1985.
Key facts
| Manufacturer | Sega |
|---|---|
| Release | Japan 1985 (as Mark III), North America 1986, Europe 1987 |
| Generation | 3rd (8-bit) |
| CPU | Zilog Z80, ~3.58 MHz |
| Media | ROM cartridge and Sega Card |
| Units sold (approx.) | ~10–13 million (estimates vary) |
About the Sega Master System
In North America and Japan it trailed far behind the NES, but it was much more successful in Europe and especially in Brazil, where Tectoy kept producing compatible models for decades. Alex Kidd served as Sega's mascot before Sonic.
Notable games
- Alex Kidd in Miracle World
- Phantasy Star
- Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap
- Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)
- Shinobi