Master System
The Master System is a third-generation video game console developed by Sega. It was first released in Japan on October 20, 1985 as the Sega Mark III, and in North America in June 1986. The second console in the Sega family, it succeeded the SG-1000 and preceded the Sega Genesis. It used cartridges for its games and also accepted Sega Card format games in its original model.
The Master System has two controller ports. The original model also included a card slot for Sega Card games and a built-in port for the SegaScope 3-D Glasses. The Master System II, a later revision, removed the card slot and the 3-D glasses port. Save data was stored in the game cartridge itself, using battery-backed RAM.
Name
The console was not originally called the "Master System" in North America. Until the release of the Master System II, Sega of America marketed it as the "Sega System." The "Master System" and "Base System" names referred to different retail bundles: the Master System bundle included the Light Phaser and 3-D Glasses, while the Base System included only the console and a controller. The name "Master System" was originally proposed by Sega of America marketing executive Bob Harris, who reportedly explained to Sega chairman Isao Okawa that in martial arts, "you always want to achieve being the master." The console unit itself was often labeled "Power Base," similar to the NES Control Deck, though the text on the top of the unit read "Master System/Power Base."
Accessibility
Games
Hardware and Setup
- List of Master System accessories
- Master System hardware mods and adapters
- Master System softmods and homebrew
Related Pages
- List of Sega home consoles
- SG-1000
- Sega Genesis
- Third generation of video game consoles
- List of video game console generations
References
- Master System consoles in North America - Sega Retro. Documents the naming history of the console in North America, including that Sega of America marketed it under a different name until the release of the second revision. Archived on 2026-02-24. Live version
- Here's How The Sega Master System Got Its Name - Time Extension, October 2025. "My marketing guy, Bob Harris, also came up with its new name, the Master System." Archived on 2026-06-16.