Information on convertors to allow the use of Master System games on the Megadrive and Game Gear.
This page was constructed entirely on Amiga
The Sega PowerBase Convertor was a peripheral produced by Sega to enable the newly released MegaDrive / Genesis to play Master System games.
The PowerBase convertor fits over the top of the original Megadrive / Genesis, and includes a cart slot and card slot. It's styling is a cross between the Megadrive and the Master System. It will play the majority of Master System games on the Megadrive, and is a good substitute for a Master System if you find one cheap enough. It will not however fit the restyled Megadrive 2 without a modification (see below).
In the UK they weren't very popular due to the fact that a second hand Master System could be obtained for less than the convertors price (originally £39.99). However they can now be found relativly easily for around £10 at second hand shops etc.
Later, in 1994, Sega released a restyled PowerBase Convertor 2, designed to fit both Megadrive 1 and 2. It is much smaller than the original (not much larger than a Megadrive cart) and was styled to match the Megadrive 2 (red and black). However Sega omitted the card slot as they did with the Master System 2. It is also not as compatable with games as the original, there were 7 or 8 which didn't work properly, Alien Syndrome was one.
The Master Gear convertor was produced for the Sega Game Gear. It enables the use of Master System carts (not cards) in the portable machine. It simply fits into the Game Gear cart port and Master System carts plug into it. It actually works quite well, although text or small characters are hard to read due to the small screen size. It also has problems with some 4 Meg games, Sonic 1 for example, wherby graphical errors occur. However it is still a very good buy if you own both systems.
Pics soon!