Sega CD, which version?

[Nico87]

http://www.rolentapress.com/rolenta/collection/sega/segacd2.jpg

http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:hg26TDskD54J-M:http://romgaming.com/800px-Sega-Mega-CD-with-Mega-Drive_on_top.jpg

Are there any remarkable differences between the two, or is it just cosmetic?

lol @ the size-difference between the pictures :(

[Atari 5200]

I believe the sliding door version (bottom pic) has lots of disk read errors and is less reliable then the other version.

[Diosoth]

The frontloader model takes up much less shelf room but has a lot more moving parts and such that can go wrong. Findng one that works seems difficult. I can't even figure out what's wrong with mine. However, there's 1 or 2 games that won't work in the model 2 for some reason.

[Blur2040]

blankblankblankblankblankblankblankblankblankblank blankblank

[duo_r]

I love my model 2!

[Nico87]

Model 2 is the wide one, yeah? Guess I'll go for that one. Just too bad I can't something to set my heart on on eBay. God I wish I lived near the store... Or even in the US.

[otaku]

I have a model 2 with a model 1 genny with the base underneath. I agree a model 2 genny with model 2 cd looks best.

Model 1 genny and model 1 cd look good together but reliability and locating one is more problematic as stated

[duo_r]

I also recently reproed my Sega CD collection into DVD cases, but retaining the art and look of the original boxes. I will create a thread soon, it looks incredible. I hated the large boxes (and on the Saturn too).

[boogiecat]

I'd pick the Model 2 of Sega CD which is better...I don't like the 1st one...

[CDiablo]

I prefer SCD model 1, I always felt that 2 looks cheezy, and cheap. I dont know about the reliability issues though. I dont really like the look of any system with that look(duo, 3DO FZ 10)

[duo_r]

The main thing for me is a Model 1 Genesis would be idea because often it had better sound output than model 2 (there are exceptions to this) but this would only affect Cart play. CD playback would be identicle. I did not like how the Model 1 Genny looks with Model 2 however, and threw away my plastic leg a while back. Besides that I have had no issues with Model 2 and I used to have a Model 1 CD. The motorized door is more parts that could go bad. A funny tip on model 1? IF you game ever freezes up, you tap with your finger the upper right corner of the system. Sega 800 support gave me that info.

CDiablo - what do you mean you dont like look of the Duo? Do you mean the PC Engine Duo? That is a all in one unit (like X'eye) which in my opinion looks sexy.

[Diosoth]

I have a model 1 Genesis hooked up to a model 2 Sega CD. It looks okay, but I also have that plastic attachment to fill out the space on the end. I still need to get ahold of a metal locking plate, though. I don't have one.

As for sound quality, if you have a model 1 Genesis you NEED to get the mixing cable. These can be found at Family Dollar now for $3.50 in the USA.

[Steve W]

The few times I've found Model 2 Sega CDs in the wild, the door latch seems to be broken and it won't shut. Is this a problem that occurs a lot?

[Kyle15]

The few times I've found Model 2 Sega CDs in the wild, the door latch seems to be broken and it won't shut. Is this a problem that occurs a lot?

Mine is fine door latch wise, but the AC port is rusted. The metal piece is stuck in a flat position too, so the plug won't stay in either.
I really wish it worked, but I guess that's what you get for $5. :/

[duo_r]

the mixing cable is just a mini-jack 3.5 mm on both end cable. Very common can be found anywhere.

And as far as the broken door - if the owner didn't give a S#$% about the system maybe. I have never ran into that, but keep in mind some people take very poor care of this stuff.


I have a model 1 Genesis hooked up to a model 2 Sega CD. It looks okay, but I also have that plastic attachment to fill out the space on the end. I still need to get ahold of a metal locking plate, though. I don't have one.

As for sound quality, if you have a model 1 Genesis you NEED to get the mixing cable. These can be found at Family Dollar now for $3.50 in the USA.

[CDiablo]

CDiablo - what do you mean you dont like look of the Duo? Do you mean the PC Engine Duo? That is a all in one unit (like X'eye) which in my opinion looks sexy.

I just dont like the look of the cartridge on left cd on right unit look, I do own an XEYE, (US)Turbo Duo and FZ10 (I know the FZ10 doesnt have a cart slot), and I am sorry buy I find them ugly. The white Duos look ok though. I have nothing against pop tops; I always found the DC to look very sexy.

[c0ldb33r]

I also recently reproed my Sega CD collection into DVD cases, but retaining the art and look of the original boxes. I will create a thread soon, it looks incredible. I hated the large boxes (and on the Saturn too).
I'd like to see this - please post em.

[Diosoth]

the mixing cable is just a mini-jack 3.5 mm on both end cable. Very common can be found anywhere.

And as far as the broken door - if the owner didn't give a S#$% about the system maybe. I have never ran into that, but keep in mind some people take very poor care of this stuff.

Common cable, yes, but it averages about $10 most places.

[Insaneclown]

The original version is the best!!! Can you dig it...if you can...just buy it. :p

[A Black Falcon]

I've only used the model 2 Sega CD, so I can't say... astetically, though, the Sega CD model 1 looks best with a model 1 Genesis, and the model 2 Sega CD looks best with a model 2 Genesis... though the SCD1 + Genesis 2 looks pretty bad, while the Genesis 1 + SCD2 doesn't look quite as bad, as long as you have the extender block so the end isn't hanging over the side. :)

Function-wise, the model 2 is better because most all agree that it's so much more reliable. I can say that I've had mine for several years now, and it still works flawlessly.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

I still prefer my Model 1 Sega CD. I've had it since launch day and only a problem or two have spouted up over the years..nothin major..My absolute fav, though, is my Wondermega...mmmm...sexy :)

[Cinder6]

Surprised to see people saying the model 1 is less reliable. Everything I've read, from reviews to anecdotes, has suggested the model 1 is the far more reliable system. In my personal experience, my model 2 broke, and even a fuse replacement wouldn't fix it. My model 1 is still going strong, though. Plus, it has better sound and a smaller footprint. And it looks loads cooler.

[calistarwind]

Someone gave me a boxed Sega CDX as a housewarming gift. I like it cause it is very compact. I never did own one of the regular models of Sega CD, however I have both versions of the Genesis.

[A Black Falcon]

On average, flip-tops are more reliable than tray drives. Less moving parts... that's the main difference.

[crom]

I have both... and what I hate about model 2 is that the cd's just lay on the spinner, they dont lock in like ps1 or 3do.

and as a result all the cd's I purchased and played in my sega cd from 95-97 all have a round scratch on them...

Model one was great, unforunately mine doesnt work anymore...

someone else in this thread said that model 2 looked cheap to them and I agree, Model 1 is sexy...

[A Black Falcon]

I have both... and what I hate about model 2 is that the cd's just lay on the spinner, they dont lock in like ps1 or 3do.

and as a result all the cd's I purchased and played in my sega cd from 95-97 all have a round scratch on them...

Model one was great, unforunately mine doesnt work anymore...

someone else in this thread said that model 2 looked cheap to them and I agree, Model 1 is sexy...

I thought that it didn't lock them in at first, and it doesn't, but it does hold them down, so they don't just flop around in there - there is a thing above (attached to the lid) that holds the discs down into the system. They just don't lock.

I should say though, I've had really bad luck with Sega CD games -- four of my official discs have gone bad. All of those were still good a couple of years ago when I got them, but now they got bad scratches (holes all the way through, actually) and are unusable. Of course the fact that the system plays CD-Rs means I could just burn copies of the games and use those, but still, it's annoying... I have scratched games for other CD systems of course, but apart from a couple of titles that I GOT too scratched to use, none have actually become unusable... except for those Sega CD games. I do wonder about that... is it the discs, the system, or what?

[Cinder6]

On average, flip-tops are more reliable than tray drives. Less moving parts... that's the main difference.

Mechanically, sure. I should have specified that I was talking about the hardware. For instance, I'm always hearing about fuse problems with the model 2 (just helped someone with it yesterday, in fact), but never with the model 1.

[duo_r]

ok these are taken from my cell phone:

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7213/0406092227.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4900/0406092224a.jpg

I will do a thread later with hi-res on all my repro stuff. Friggin love the smaller space my Sega CD / Saturn takes up now.

Also snaps of the Universal Game case, which if anyone is interested in I want to sell a bunch of since I haven extras.


I'd like to see this - please post em.

[Sonicwolf]

ok these are taken from my cell phone:

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7213/0406092227.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4900/0406092224a.jpg

I will do a thread later with hi-res on all my repro stuff. Friggin love the smaller space my Sega CD / Saturn takes up now.

Also snaps of the Universal Game case, which if anyone is interested in I want to sell a bunch of since I haven extras.

Thats the way SNES boxes should have been. Awesome work.

[duo_r]

thanks, there was a portrait version of Donkey Kong Country, but the artwork on that box was just too cool to change so I left that one alone. I will show the full collection later, I have about 40 total SNES / Genesis games that were "boxed" and 10 Sega CD titles (and more to do). They all look really sharp now.

[Sosage]

I remember when the Model 2 was released it looked so modern. CD players that had flip up doors were a fairly new design trend at the time. I've personally only had a Model 1 Genny and a Model 2 Sega CD (same one I've owned since buying them back in the days). My only complaint has always been the width issue. It really is an awkward shaped mess, even without the 32X. Every couple of years I become tempted to find a CDX...but it would be painful packing up the machine I've been playing on for all these years... ;(

I guess to answer the OP's question...which direction can you spare more room on your shelf? Horizontal or vertical? Cause it is either tall or fat with this one.

[aclbandit]

I use the model 1 these days -- too many issues with the model 2 trying to scratch my discs for no apparent reason. I still only play burned copies of my actual discs, though...

[jokker]

I have both myself but to agree with some of the folks, the model 1 is by far the better looking in my opinion. A double stacked Genesis just looks awesome to me. I just wish they had come up with some kind of power tray or attachment that everything could have plugged into and came out to one power cable. The whole 3 power bricks thing kinda sucks as I'm sure everyone already is aware.

and....

Sorry to somewhat threadjack here, but this topic kinda fits into a problem I recently had with my model 1.
http://reasonablyinteresting.com/~jokker/burntside.jpg
One of the capacitors decided to go out in a big way as you can see :/

Any of those folks who have a non-working model 1 that would sell me the power board? It would be much appreciated! Also capacitor values would be just as handy.

[Nico87]

Uhm, so I should get a model 1? I can get a model 2 (the wide one) for $70, which seems a decent deal, but I ain't having scratched Lunar discs. Size isn't really an issue, I don't have a particular setup. My 360 is sitting on one bookshelf, the PS3 on another, the Wii next to the TV, the SNES is on a little chair, yes I said it, a chair (I was planning on putting the Sega there aswell). The DS is.. Anywhere! :D

[c0ldb33r]

I will do a thread later with hi-res on all my repro stuff. Friggin love the smaller space my Sega CD / Saturn takes up now.
So what did you do with the original boxes? I hate Sega CD cases and SNES boxes, but I wouldn't know what to do with the originals.

[Diosoth]

Uhm, so I should get a model 1? I can get a model 2 (the wide one) for $70, which seems a decent deal, but I ain't having scratched Lunar discs. Size isn't really an issue, I don't have a particular setup. My 360 is sitting on one bookshelf, the PS3 on another, the Wii next to the TV, the SNES is on a little chair, yes I said it, a chair (I was planning on putting the Sega there aswell). The DS is.. Anywhere! :D

$70 for a model 2 Sega CD is a complete ripoff, NOT a good deal. You shouldn't have to pay more than $30 for one.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I prefer the first model. Tray loading and all. I'm thankful that a friend offered me his model 1 and a few loose games for my model 2 all those years ago. My model 1 still works... his model 2 does not. :D

[jcalder8]

For my money I love the look of the model 1 Genesis on top of the model 1 Sega CD.

[Flippy8490]

Model one and two both have the same specs and functionality. But, like what people before me said, model one has a moving door which is moving parts that could break down. So I recommend the model 2. I also have had both of them and I personally like the model two better. However, the model two makes the entire system bigger, because they dont stack nicely like the model 1.

[Nico87]

$70 for a model 2 Sega CD is a complete ripoff, NOT a good deal. You shouldn't have to pay more than $30 for one.

It was the cheapest one by 30 bucks on eBay, and I live in Norway and since I was only going to buy a NTSC Sega CD, eBay is/was my only option.

Remember, it's different over in the Stats where you have a population of a billion people, and where you can find a used-game store on every block. I bet there was like 30 people in entire Norway who owned a Sega CD, and maybe one of them was a NTSC version.

[Coldguy]

I just go with the CDX route, you can find them for about 80 bucks, save on shelf space, has one power adapter, and can use it as a kick as discman!

[ShinobiMan]

For nostalgic reasons I'd go with the first model. Love it's intro music and it fits with the model 1 Genesis much better.

Anyone remember Popful Mail? This game needs to get ported to a handheld!

[Diosoth]

It was the cheapest one by 30 bucks on eBay, and I live in Norway and since I was only going to buy a NTSC Sega CD, eBay is/was my only option.

Remember, it's different over in the Stats where you have a population of a billion people, and where you can find a used-game store on every block. I bet there was like 30 people in entire Norway who owned a Sega CD, and maybe one of them was a NTSC version.

Atually, the only game store I know of with one in stock wants $80 for it.

Shipping will be the big killer as far as buying one from overseas.

[c0ldb33r]

I just go with the CDX route, you can find them for about 80 bucks, save on shelf space, has one power adapter, and can use it as a kick as discman!
Second. I love my CDX. I've got a Model 2 Gen and SCD in the cabinet and that's where it stays. The CDX takes no space whatsoever and is connected to the TV all the time.

[CosmicMonkey]

The original Megadrive/CD combo is a mighty beast of a machine. However, I prefer the design of the MD2 over the original console. When I still had a CRT telly there was just enough room under the bottom shelf of the stand to stash a Mega CD 2 set-up. Just enough room for the system and a game cart/CD X.

Personally I'd now just go for a Multimega or a Wondermega and a Megacart from Tototek for multi-region CD games.

[A Black Falcon]

Wait... $70, on EBay? I know they cost a bit more there than in stores (I got mine locally for $5, with a power cord and a broken Genesis (no second power cord, rfu, or controller, but I had a working Genesis 2 already, so I didn't care), but ... that much? That's very hard to believe. For that much it better be a package with a Genesis, Sega CD, controllers, and a bunch of games... because the Genesis is one of the cheapest classic consoles in the US, easily findable for $20 at most, and the Sega CD isn't worth much more than that. Unless very few sellers will ship overseas or they're all in big bundles, it's hard to see one costing that much even on EBay...

That is, unless you're talking about a cheaper system with a high shipping cost. That would explain it, I'd guess.

[MarioMania]

Where do you put the manuals for the Sega CD..I want someone to help me on the repo Cases


ok these are taken from my cell phone:

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7213/0406092227.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4900/0406092224a.jpg

I will do a thread later with hi-res on all my repro stuff. Friggin love the smaller space my Sega CD / Saturn takes up now.

Also snaps of the Universal Game case, which if anyone is interested in I want to sell a bunch of since I haven extras.

[Diosoth]

Wait... $70, on EBay? I know they cost a bit more there than in stores (I got mine locally for $5, with a power cord and a broken Genesis (no second power cord, rfu, or controller, but I had a working Genesis 2 already, so I didn't care), but ... that much? That's very hard to believe. For that much it better be a package with a Genesis, Sega CD, controllers, and a bunch of games... because the Genesis is one of the cheapest classic consoles in the US, easily findable for $20 at most, and the Sega CD isn't worth much more than that. Unless very few sellers will ship overseas or they're all in big bundles, it's hard to see one costing that much even on EBay...

That is, unless you're talking about a cheaper system with a high shipping cost. That would explain it, I'd guess.

The thing's already reached the $50 mark on Amazon. I can certainly believe the unreasonable prices. Even Dreamcasts have started shooting up in value lately, and I used to find those for $20.

[CDiablo]

Nice job on the SCD repacks, they look great.

[Nico87]

I paid $100 shipped, which is decent for a norwegian, bearing in mind that we pay almost $90 for a brand new Wii/360/PS3 game.

Anyway, what games to get!? I bought Vay, Popful Mail, Landstalker (for Genesis), Android Assault, and Lunar 1 & 2. Having a hard time finding Sonic CD and Shining Force CD which apparantly are must-buys. I'm also considering Snatcher. Any other games that I've missed?

[Diosoth]

I paid $100 shipped, which is decent for a norwegian, bearing in mind that we pay almost $90 for a brand new Wii/360/PS3 game.

Anyway, what games to get!? I bought Vay, Popful Mail, Landstalker (for Genesis), Android Assault, and Lunar 1 & 2. Having a hard time finding Sonic CD and Shining Force CD which apparantly are must-buys. I'm also considering Snatcher. Any other games that I've missed?

I have a spare Sonic CD, but it seems damaged. I've had it run through a disc buffer machine twice and it still seems to have problems with skipping.

The 2 Ecco ports seem to be decent.

Find the ISO files for the unreleased Penn & Teller's Smoke & Mirrors game and burn them to CD. Don't worry, Peen & Teller seem to be cool with people downloading the game since it was never released. They know the ISOs are floating around, and have even endorsed the people who use the ISOs for "Desert Bus For Charity" every year. Should be good for some entertainment and novelty.

There's also a Sonic 1 ROM hack called "Sonic Megamix". It was ported to Sega CD and can be burned to disc.

[Cinder6]

Well, you've already scored the two greatest games ever made (Lunar 1 & 2), but I'll recommend Rise of the Dragon, as well. Dune seems to be good, as well, but I've never played it.

[Sonicwolf]

If you can get any game, Sonic CD is one of the principle games for the Sega CD. Its pretty good and has an awesome soundtrack too. It has a different feel to it than the regular Genesis Sonic games allthewhile keeping true to the gameplay aside from the whole time travel thing.

[A Black Falcon]

I paid $100 shipped, which is decent for a norwegian, bearing in mind that we pay almost $90 for a brand new Wii/360/PS3 game.

Anyway, what games to get!? I bought Vay, Popful Mail, Landstalker (for Genesis), Android Assault, and Lunar 1 & 2. Having a hard time finding Sonic CD and Shining Force CD which apparantly are must-buys. I'm also considering Snatcher. Any other games that I've missed?

A CD Backup RAM Cart, if you expect to play all (or even most) of those games at once. Lunar 2, for instance, uses up about half of the system's small 8KB internal memory. You really need a memory card, and there's only one out there, the CD Backup RAM Cart (which is a quite nice 128KB).

As for games, other than Lunar 1 and 2 and Popful Mail, I really like SoulStar, Battlecorps, Snatcher (expensive, but great), Silpheed, Keio Flying Squadron (expensive), The Adventures of Batman & Robin (really hard), Robo Aleste, Shining Force CD (essentially requires a CD Backup RAM Cart) Sonic CD, Dark Wizard, Ecco CD and Ecco 2 CD, and some others...

In the "maybe" category I'd put... hmm... AH-3 Thunderstrike, Mickey Mania, Rebel Assault, Eye of the Beholder, Wild Woody, Puggsy, Heart of the Alien... there are plenty more good ones, but I'm only listing ones I have played and at least like somewhat. :)

There are a decent number of good Sega CD games out there. More if you're the kind of person who somehow can actually enjoy all of the awful live-action video FMV games for sure... but even staying away from that stuff, there are good games. :)

Oh, to play imports, the easiest way is to make a copy of the disc, use a region-changer utility on the image, and burn the copy; Sega CDs play burned discs no problem. Still though, I've only played a few import games -- most of the better games had US releases, aside from some RPGs which I would need to know Japanese to play. Still, Devastator, Night Striker, and Ninja Warriors are perhaps worth looking into.


The thing's already reached the $50 mark on Amazon. I can certainly believe the unreasonable prices. Even Dreamcasts have started shooting up in value lately, and I used to find those for $20.

Bizarre, they had almost no value just a few years back, I think...

[Sosage]

A CD Backup RAM Cart, if you expect to play all (or even most) of those games at once.

QFT. One of my favorite games on the Sega CD is Third World War. One save takes up my entire internal memory!!! If you're gonna dive into the library, you def need a RAM Cart.

[A Black Falcon]

QFT. One of my favorite games on the Sega CD is Third World War. One save takes up my entire internal memory!!! If you're gonna dive into the library, you def need a RAM Cart.

Shining Force CD uses up the entire internal memory... for each one of the two chapters. Plus you need an additional file on top of that, along with both of the original files, to play the hidden third and fourth chapters. CD Backup RAM Cart essentially required indeed. :)

Eye of the Beholder is another one that uses up the full memory for each save... (it has save anywhere, each save uses up 125 blocks)

[duo_r]

Some great games there, I also enjoy Sonic CD and have Shining Force (although I never finished either of those games). My suggestion - start playing what you bought already you really have some of the best for the system.


I paid $100 shipped, which is decent for a norwegian, bearing in mind that we pay almost $90 for a brand new Wii/360/PS3 game.

Anyway, what games to get!? I bought Vay, Popful Mail, Landstalker (for Genesis), Android Assault, and Lunar 1 & 2. Having a hard time finding Sonic CD and Shining Force CD which apparantly are must-buys. I'm also considering Snatcher. Any other games that I've missed?