Sega Genesis Power Base Converter

by Sega

Product Features

• Plays all of the 80+ Master System games (both card and cartridge) on the Sega Genesis!
• Fits all 3 models of the Sega Genesis!
• Compatible with Master System accessories, including the SegaScope 3-D goggles and Light Phaser gun!
• (Some games require Master System controllers, which also fit the Genesis)

Product Details

• ASIN: B000F6BT54
• Media: Video Game
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,743 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

The final missing piece to your colossal Genesis-Sega CD-32X powerhouse! After all, who could LIVE without Shinobi and Phantasy Star 1?

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOT FOR GENESIS 2 / GENESIS II, November 15, 2009

By 

Tron55555 (outside Towson, MD USA) - See all my reviews

= Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sega Genesis Power Base Converter (Video Game)

DO NOT BE DECEIVED! This item is falsely advertised, plain and simple. Do not buy this item if you intend to use it for the Genesis 2. It claims to fit "all 3 models of the Sega Genesis", but this is a mistake or perhaps an out and out lie. This converter does NOT work for the Genesis 2. It is designed for the Genesis 1. I can not say for sure whether it works for the Genesis 3 or not. Technically, the hardware IS compatible with the Genesis 2, but the design makes it impossible to fit over the Genesis 2 system, since the piece of plastic on the back of the converter gets in the way, so unless you want to take a chainsaw to the back piece of plastic and ruin the item, then it absolutely can not be used on the Genesis 2.

I give this a 5-star review here because the item itself is wonderful -- the problem is with the false advertisement, not the item itself. If you have a Genesis 1 and want to play Master System games then this is a great item, and I highly recommend it, but do not buy it for the Genesis 2. If you have a Genesis 3, then do your research and find out if it works for that, because I don't know.

If you do want to play Master System games on the Genesis 2, then there is a Power Base Converter 2 that was released outside of North America and was designed to fit the Genesis 2 since this one was not; however, it is very expensive (I've never seen it for under $75, and up to $200), and it's not easy to find (they don't have it on Amazon at the current time). If you want to play master system games, I recommend either buying a Sega Master System, or buying a Genesis 1 along with this Power Base Converter. The Genesis 1/converter combo is preferable to the original Master System console since the picture quality is better from what I have read, however there are a few games that the Power Base Converter can not play (I think it's only like 5 games or something), so if you want to play one of those games, then you may want to consider a Master System console, otherwise the Genesis 1/Power Base Converter combo is probably the better choice, or you can look for the Power Base Converter 2 for the Genesis 2, but like I said, it's generally more expensive then both the other two would be combined.

I hope this review was helpful. It is a shame that people feel they need to falsely advertise items to sell them, but then again, it's always possible that it was a genuine error. In either case, be forewarned -- this item will NOT work on the Genesis 2.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally worth the money, March 8, 2011

By 

Video Game Addicted (Brooklyn OH) - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Sega Genesis Power Base Converter (Video Game)

The Sega Power Base converter is one of the best add ons that I can think of. If you have a sega genesis and played a lot of the best games for it and are looking for something to give it even more longevity, this is a must buy.
This piece of hardware plugs in to your sega genesis just like a cartridge would, thus enabling you to play sega master system games. It also is compatible with all the master system accesories as far as I know.
There really isnt much to say about it that isnt obvious enough.

Though the most important thing you should know about this is that it doesnt work for the model 2 or 3 genesis even though it advertises that it works for all three models. Now this statement is only partially false, it will work with the model 2 but it wont physically fit on it due to the wire placement. I have a very simple solution for this, if you have a model 2 and really want to play master system games, all you must do is take a hand saw and cut off the piece of plastic on the back of the converter that would cover the wires you would connect into the genesis (power cable, ect) . Then it will work with no problem. By doing this it may decrease the value of the converter, so only do it if you dont care or have to play some master system games (or just call it modded and sell it for even more)

If you love everything sega this would make a welcome addition to your collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for model 1 Genesis owners!, November 8, 2011

By 

L. Goldberg "N/A" (MO, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sega Genesis Power Base Converter (Video Game)

As said by other reviewers, this ONLY works with the original model of Genesis, NOT the smaller second and third versions. If you don't have an original model, don't bother buying this. Model 1's can be identified by the headphone jack and volume slider on the left side of the unit.

If you do own the original model, this is a great attachment. It allows one to play Sega Master System games on a Genesis, basically a backwards-compatability device. The emulation is perfect, because it's not actually emulation. The Genesis has the Master System's parts insides, used as a sound card. This chip runs the Master System games.

Most of the games can be played using the standard 3-button Genesis controller. A handful require an actual Master System controller, but there are only a few of these games. Master System controllers aren't expensive anyhow.

There are like two games that won't run at all on this adapter, for technical reasons, but 99% of the library plays. Meaning Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Phantasy Star can be had without springing for a whole new system. Master Systems are as big a a Genesis, so it's a space saver for sure.

The construction of the unit itself is very good; it looks great and is quite sturdy. It's little more than a pass-through, so there's little that could possibly go wrong.

I've been using this thing for three years now, and do not regret my purchase. Anyone who owns an original model Genesis and wants to play Master System games should buy this instead of an actual Master System. It is cheaper, saves space, and looks totally rad on top of a Genesis with a Sega CD below.